Cricket: Bermuda To Face Grassroots Academy
[Written by Patrick Bean]
Bermuda is set to take on Grassroots Cricket Academy in a match that will decide the second finalist of the inaugural Bermuda Premier League [BPL].
The winners of what shapes up as a mouth-watering clash will earn the right to face Barbados in Sunday’s final.
The undefeated will be favoured regardless of who they face, having already beaten both teams in earlier matches this past week at White Hill Field.
Bermuda captain Delray Rawlins was yet unfazed by any potential finals matchup, his immediate focus being upon the task at hand against Grassroots Cricket Academy.
Delray Rawlins
“It’s a good place to be in, having such an important tournament coming up,” said Rawlins, who is also due to lead Bermuda at the upcoming 2024 ICC T20 World Cup Americas Region qualifier later this month. “It’s sort of gives you that final feel, knowing that you have to win in order to progress to the next round.
“So, I suppose it’s a good situation to be in and we’re looking forward to the challenge.
“The boys will be able to rest up and be fresh and ready to go come Saturday.”
Coach Naraj Odedra will also have the luxury of being able to elevate players from the Bermuda Select XI too the Bermuda national team if so desired.
He will also also likely have opening batsman and vice-Captain Terryn Fray at his disposal.
Like his skipper, Tre Manders is ready for action, having found his batting form at an opportune time.
“We’re preparing and training hard and looking at the bigger picture,” said Manders, after winning the Man of the Match award in Thursday’s victory.
The scenario though could have been much different for the opening batsman, having been involved in a scary collision with the much larger Rawlins the day previous, the pair having clashed near the boundary during the match against Barbados, while chasing the ball.
Tre Manders
Despite heavy strapping on his left shoulder, Manders assured he was uninhibited by the knock.
“The shoulder is fine,” said Manders, counted on to occupy the wicket early in the Bermuda innings. “It’s my bad shoulder anyway, but it’s not a problem.”
Saturday’s first match we’ll see Barbados playing against Bermuda elect XI.
Schedule:
Saturday, September 9
- 10:00 AM – Barbados National Team vs Bermuda Select XI @ NSC [North Field]
- 2:00 PM – Bermuda National Team vs Grassroots Academy @ NSC [North Field]
Sunday, September 10
- 10:00 AM – Plate final 3-4 @ NSC [North Field]
- 2:00 PM – Final 1-2 @ NSC [North Field]
