WITH six wins from seven games that netted them 107 points, the Leon Johnson-led Guyana Jaguars lead second-place Barbados Pride (82 points), by 25 points and are heavily poised to claim their first West Indies Cricket Board regional four-day title in 17 years.However, despite being in what many would say an unassailable position as it relates to the points standing with three rounds to go, two of which they will contest on familiar territory – Guyana National Stadium, assistant coach and manager of the Guyana Jaguars, Rayon Griffith, is warning his charges against complacency.

The Jaguars recorded an emphatic come-from-behind four-wicket victory over hosts Barbados Pride at the Kensington Oval last Monday, to avenge a shocking and embarrassing two-run defeat at the hands of the same opponents in the first round before the break last November at the Guyana National Stadium.
An ecstatic Griffith labelled the seventh-round victory a “total team effort” and lauded his players for their commitment and hard work throughout the game, adding that they were forced to play “tough and smart” cricket while keeping their “fitness levels up” to claim the win.
“This win was a total team effort in every way. We did well in all departments. The way we executed our plans was one of the most pleasing aspects for me when I looked at the guys on the field of play.
The second-innings batting, especially from Narsingh (Deonarine) and Shiv (Chanderpaul) was outstanding, while Reifer (Raymon) who took some time to gell in is beginning to show his wroth,” said Griffith.
In addition to the above, Griffith said that the victory over Barbados Pride was not an easy accomplishment by his charges, since the opposition is a very good side who fought tooth and nail with the Guyanese up until the last run was scored.
He added, “The bowlers all did a splendid job but Bishoo (Devendra) and Beaton (Ronsford) gave us the early momentum from their partnership in the first innings of that game, shifting the momentum in our way, so maintaining the momentum will be the main aim going forward, even as we take serious precautions against complacency despite the recent results.”
The Jaguars are set to battle the Jamaica Franchise at the Guyana National Stadium seven days from today and the prospect of winning the title is definitely on course, especially if they can repeat their first-round win against the Jamaicans.
They will then tackle Trinidad and Tobago Red Force from March 13 at the same venue, before playing hosts Windward Islands Volcanoes from March 20, in the final round
According to Griffith, who is also head of the Guyana Cricket Board’s senior selection committee, unity is the most important thing and he has been preaching that to the guys while on the road.
As it relates to the other three games, he is asking the guys to remain focused, so that they can not only come away with a win, but also finish on a high, while achieving the first Regional title for Guyana in 17 years.

(By Calvin Roberts)