By Tyriq Walters | January 10, 2025
The Guyana Harpy Eagles have officially begun their in-game preparations to defend their Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Four-Day title.
On day one of their four-day practice match, the team took to the field under the keen eye of Head Coach Ryan Hercules.
Coach Hercules emphasized the significance of the practice match, especially with senior players away on West Indies duties in Pakistan.
He expressed that this created valuable opportunities for other players to showcase their skills, hoping they would seize the chance.
“There is a few players that will be given opportunities. We hope that those who get the opportunity take it,” Hercules said.
With consecutive titles under their belt, the Guyanese coach also spoke about his excitement for the 2025 season, acknowledging the challenges ahead.
“It’s pretty exciting. Some good competition ahead. It’s a good feeling,” Hercules added.
On the field, day one of the practice match saw notable performances from Kevlon Anderson and Thaddeus Lovell.
Anderson scored 69, while Lovell impressed with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 45 runs in 12.3 overs.
By the close of play, Kemol Savory’s XI was 26-1 in reply to Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s impressive 230 all out.
Anderson’s patient knock of 69 came off 147 balls, with 10 boundaries, while Jonathan Van Lange finished unbeaten on 41 from 48 balls.
Other notable starts came from Shamar Yearwood (30), Tagenarine Chanderpaul (24), and Ushardeva Balgobin (20), though none were able to convert into big scores.
Ashmead Nedd (2-22) and Isai Thorne (2-44) also featured with the ball.
The second practice match will take place at the National Stadium starting on January 15.
The Harpy Eagles continue to fine-tune their squad as they prepare for the upcoming CWI Regional Tournament.