Pres, Holy Name try to topple favourites

CAN David defeat Goliath? Presentation College, Chaguanas and Holy Name Convent will be aiming for upset victories when the finals of the PowerGen Intercol T20 tournament are held, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, on Friday.

Presentation will play two-time defending champions Hillview College from 6.30 pm in the boys T20 final. Prior to that match, Holy Name will try to dethrone Barrackpore East Secondary School (BESS) in the girls open T20 final at 2.30 pm.

Team representatives expressed confidence at a media conference held at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, yesterday.

Presentation captain Darius Gopaul was not overwhelmed by the opportunity of playing on the biggest stage.

Gopaul said a number of people did not give his team a chance in the tournament, but they have proved people wrong by advancing to the final which included a victory over last year’s losing finalist Naparima College in the semifinals. “Three hard fought victories later and here we stand before you as David did in front of Goliath with a sling, a stone, a prayer and the belief that one chance is all we need,” Gopaul said.

Gopaul, who wished Hillview luck on Friday, said the pressure is on Hillview as the Tunapuna-based school is trying to make it three titles on the trot. “We go into Friday’s final under no pressure. We are not the ones chasing history trying to win a hat-trick of titles.”

Hillview captain Navin Bidaisee said his team will do their talking on the field. “I am not one to get into any banter like the rest of my colleagues, but I believe in playing cricket and talking with the bat and ball.”

Bidaisee said although Hillview are the defending champions his team will not take Presentation lightly.

Bidaisee said Hillview will try to create a historic moment by winning the T20 title again. “So far, we are having a pretty good season having already won the (50-over) league title. We intend to create history by capturing the Intercol T20 title as well, making it three consecutive years which is a great accomplishment in itself.”

Gabrielle Doopan, vice captain of Holy Name Convent, said she knows the talent in the Barrackpore East team, but knows her team are capable, “We are very aware of our opposition and how clinical and dangerous they could be. As fellow athletes, we admire their commitment and love of the game, but let me assure you we are no pushovers.”

Doopan said after coming so close in recent years they want to make amends. “In closing, three years ago we were here and we fell agonisingly short versus another team from the south. It seems so long ago, but the north remembers. Now, we have returned seeking to right past wrongs. History loves an underdog, so what do we say to the best in the south – not today.”

Shalini Samaroo, captain of Barrackpore East, expects the trophy to stay in South. “On behalf of my school, I would like to congratulate all the schools that will be participating in Friday’s finals and wish them best of luck. Barrackpore East Secondary showed up last year in the final and as we said we trampled them. This year will be no different. When BESS touch down all yuh know Brian Lara will be mash up, because we will take the trophy and run with it.”

President of the Secondary Schools Cricket League Surujdath Mahabir and head, legal advisory services at PowerGen Marsha Mohammed also spoke at the media conference.

Mahabir told the teams they are all winners after making it this far. “On finals day we are going to come away with the two winners, but the team that comes second you did not lose you have achieved, you have made it to the final.”

Mohammed also encouraged the players saying, “To the finalists I encourage you to remember to honour the virtues of fair play and sportsmanship even in defeat.”