By Sean Devers in Trinidad
THIRTY-four-year-old Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) Head Coach Ryan Hercules spoke with the Guyana Chronicle after his charges beat the T&T Red Force on Saturday, in the third round of the West Indies Championships Regional First-Class tournament at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy to register their second win, and extend their lead going into the penultimate round against the Jamaica Scorpions at Providence.

“I think it was very important that we come out with a victory against Trinidad in this third round, knowing that we were on top of the table, and we wanted to be on top going home,” the former Essequibo and Guyana fast bowler turned Level 3 coach said, adding:
“Even though we wanted to get the extra bowling points from the fast bowlers, which we did, we would have gotten 12 wickets from the fast bowlers to help with our points.

“I think it was a good game; great performance from Savory getting a hundred. It was good to see Leon Johnson getting back to back half-centuries; Bramble in the runs. Kevin Sinclair got a half-century, and Keemo Paul got some runs.

“Good all-round effort from the guys going into the fourth round against Jamaica.

“I am most pleased with what I would have seen; young Matthew Nandu getting a century on his debut, and Savory in his third match getting a hundred. I am very impressed with young players putting up their hands and getting runs on the board.

“I am also impressed with the fast bowlers; they have been getting wickets for us, from Game One. And right through, they have been contributing to the wicket tally.”

In summary, Coach Hercules, who represented Guyana from 2003 to 2007 before playing in England and Australia, said: “So, all in all, I am very happy that both the young and senior players have been getting runs. The consistency of the team; winning games and doing well.”

Hercules, who coached the Guyana Under-15 and senior Women’s teams at Regional tournaments, disclosed that, going forward, the plan for when the team returns home is to have training sessions in the lead-up to the next round.

“Then, you know, we will plan for the conditions at the Guyana National Stadium, and make plans, going forward, on how we will tackle Jamaica. We will look to get as much points as possible, and extend our lead going into the final round,” concluded Hercules, who coached Essequibo to both the three-day and 50 overs GCB Franchise titles.

Meanwhile, Wicket Keeper Anthony Bramble, who was hit in the face by a ball, was taken the hospital, where he received medical attention before being discharged.
Manager Albert ‘Smith’ Clements, who reported that the player’s face was badly cut, said, “He is OK to travel, and when we get home, he will be looked at again. But he is likely to miss Guyana’s next match.”