Veteran player welcomes opportunity to play Super 40 final at premier venue

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Gavin Tonge
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By Neto Baptiste

Former West Indies, Leeward Islands and national fast bowler Gavin Tonge is looking forward to playing at the country’s premier cricketing venue when his community team, CUB Bethesda Golden Eagles, face defending champions Anderson E Carty Empire Nation in the final of the State Insurance Corporation Super 40 on Sunday.

The teams are set to clash at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground for top honours following their triumph in the semifinals of the competition hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA).

Tonge said it is just reward for both teams having made it to the final.

“I must say to Kuma [Leon Rodney] and the others who give us the opportunity to go and play at the stadium that this is a match that deserves to be played at the stadium, and I really believe that so long as the stadium is available that all semifinals and finals should [be played there]. This is a tournament in which players don’t get paid, but if we get an opportunity to play in the stadium we are going to feel a bit special. For me, as a longstanding player, I am feeling pleased knowing that this match is going to be played at the stadium,” he said. 

Tonge, who played one Test and five One Day International (ODI) matches for the West Indies in 2009, said the quality of the field could also aid in raising the standard of the match.

“The ball is going to keep better [in good condition for a longer period] for sure. We are going to have a pitch on which we know the match is going to be played so long as it doesn’t rain all day because the pitches are under good covers so there isn’t any advantage there for either team. But my boys are pleased that we have moved to the stadium to play this final and most of the guys played in the T10, so playing at the stadium is not something new for them,” he said.

Sunday’s match is slated to bowl off at 9:30 am while on Saturday, Jennings and New Winthorpes Lions will clash in the third place match at the same venue.

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