After a promising 2024 season that saw them reach the semi-finals in two-day cricket and secure third place in the 40-overs competition, the Jennings Tigers are hungry for more success in 2025. The team’s head coach and former player Elijah Peters, entering his second year at the helm, has his sights firmly set on claiming championship glory.
“We did pretty well last season, but we’re not satisfied,” the coach stated in a recent interview. “We’re looking to win a championship this year.” The Tigers have been busy strengthening their squad during the off-season, with several significant additions to their roster.
The club has secured the services of all-rounder Shane Burton, while experienced players Xavier Freeland and Keif Baltimore are set to feature more prominently in the two-day competition. These strategic acquisitions aim to address what the coach identified as their primary weakness last season – batting consistency.
One of the most notable developments within the club is the return of Paul Miller as captain, with former skipper D’ahri Francis stepping back to focus on his wicketkeeping and batting duties. The change came at Francis’ own request, following his successful stint as captain during the previous season when he led the team to two championships.
The Tigers boast several standout performers from the previous season, including Matthew Miller, who scored the club’s only century in 2024. The young all-rounder, who has captained the regional team, Leeward Islands at both under-15 and under-17 levels, is expected to continue his impressive development, with his coach predicting at least three centuries from him this season.
However, there’s an underlying narrative of determination within the squad, particularly surrounding left arm spinner Glenton Williams and bowling allrounder Jedidiah Martin. Despite Williams taking over 100 wickets in country’s premier cricket and-Martin achieving five consecutive five-wicket hauls last season, both players have faced disappointment in national team selection.
“They’re disheartened,” the coach admitted, speaking about their exclusion from the Leeward Islands Hurricanes setup. “But one thing I’ve always said as a coach to them is, look, nothing in life is easy. Some people get in before some, but never give up. Keep fighting.”
The upcoming season brings additional excitement with the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association introducing new competitions, including the return of T20 cricket and the introduction of the two-day President’s Cup. However, the Tigers’ immediate focus remains on the imminent two-day competition, which begins next weekend and which will see them away to Rising Sun Spartans.
