By Neto Baptiste
The All Saints Pythons cricket team is hoping they will be as aggressive in the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) Two Day competition as they were in the body’s recently ended Super 40.
Pythons, who finished third in the Super 40 competition following a six-wicket triumph over Empire Nation on Saturday, will face Massy United Insurance Combined Schools in their two-day opener at the Factory Ground stating Saturday.
Coach Derrol Thomas believes his young squad can continue its winning form.
“It’s an all season preparation but just a transition change from the 40 overs to a longer version. I have some youths and I think they would relish that opportunity that they could spend some time at the crease, and also in bowling. We have Malik Marcellin who, in the Super 40, was really excellent with the ball. He was an open bat as well but he didn’t show up with the bat at all, but when the opportunity comes around I think they will cherish that,” he said.
Pythons finished atop the Super 40 standings following the preliminary stages with 40 points. They had won seven of their nine matches with one loss and a no-result. They were however eliminated in the semifinals by Pigotts Crushers in a low-scoring affair.
Thomas believes his players are past the disappointment and ready to get back on track.
“Some of the younger guys didn’t cope with it the way they should and one or two of the experienced players that we have also didn’t cope, so we lost our way through experience. Mr [Roxi] Joseph, Danny Benjamin the manager and Mr Colbourne went back to the drawing board. We have been playing some good cricket for the whole season so we got back to basics and I think the guys rebounded very quickly,” he said.
PIC Liberta Blackhawks won the Super 40 title following an 83 runs triumph over Pigotts Crushers on Sunday at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.
In other two-day fixtures this weekend, CUB Bethesda Golden Eagles take on Pigotts Crushers at Bethesda; Jennings Tigers face Empire Nation at Jennings; Blackhawk host New Winthorpes Lions; and Bolans Blasters take on Rising Sun Spartans at Rising Sun.