The knockout stage of the Inspire Sports/National Sports Council Under-13 Cricket Competition is set to start today at noon and one can expect keenly contested quarter-final matches.
Counterpoint Wanderers Juniors will meet Isolation Cavaliers Juniors at Dayrells Road, Banks Juniors entertain Dover Juniors at the Brewery, and St Philip Juniors host TeleBarbados Carlton Juniors.
Dover Juniors, boasting five national Under-13 players, are favourties to take the title. However, they must guard against complacency as Banks Juniors’ spin-based attack has done a good job throughout the season.
Dover’s very strong batting line-up stretches all the way down. It includes the likes of Limar Pierce and Jarion Hoyte, who had scores of 169 and 154 respectively in the preliminary round. Â
They will have to test their mettle against wily left-arm unorthodox spinners Shakeem John-Ruck and Kemar Burrowes.
Dover Juniors possess two very good left-arm orthodox spinners in national players Joshua Bishop and Camarie Boyce.
Wanderers Juniors are also strong title contenders and will be fancying their chances against improving Isolation Cavaliers Juniors.
 Excellent knick
Opener Danny Chesham has been in excellent knick with two centuries to his credit. He, along with Dominic Hart, Danyl Husbands and Shem Watson have been the backbone of the batting.
The varied attack centres on medium-pacers Jourdan Niles, Hart and Jacob Ince.
Isolation Cavaliers Juniors could cause an upset but they will depend heavily on consistent all-rounder Reniel Smith, Seth Agard, Ajani Waterman, Shakir Skeete and Kaide Holder to fire on all cylinders.
Over at Bayfield, St Philip Juniors’ batting has been a revelation. Shian Brathwaite with a big ton under his belt and Joshua Corbin have been a very consistent and reliable opening pair, with one hundred and three half-century stands. They have been supported by batsman Thaddeus Chase and all-rounder Treasure Griffith.
Carlton Juniors, losing finalist for the last two years, could be under pressure to advance to the next round. The batting has been up and down and no one has really stood out. Â
Fast bowler Christopher Taitt is among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers with 13 scalps. Carlton will also pin their hopes on him along with Taahir Bulbulia, Donte Niles and Zidane Clarke. (EDH)
