Team Rivals eyeing Twenty/20 defence

Reigning National Lotteries Authority Neil Williams Twenty/20 Cricket champions Team Rivals, will go in defence of their title, this Saturday, when the competition opens.{{more}}

Winners in 2012 and 2013, and with no competition staged last year, Team Rivals open this Saturday at Arnos Vale Playing Field against Smashers.

And, Rivals’ captain Deighton Butler told SEARCHLIGHT that being the team to beat, they will have to hit the ground running.

“We are expecting the tournament to be very competitive… We are looking to hit the ground running from game one,” Butler declared.

Analysing the make-up of Team Rivals, Butler noted: “Basically it is the same squad of players that has gone on to win the T20 for the last two years … Our squad continues to boast a number of players 25 years and under and three or so experienced players.”

Continuing, Butler reasoned, “Our team is well balanced, with a number of all rounders and we are quietly confident that we are ready to defend our title.”

While Team Rivals take on Smashers, three other matches are carded for Saturday as well.

At the nearby Arnos Vale Two, Guardian General Saints face Buccament Androids, while Triumph United take on LIME Radcliffe at Stubbs and Victors One square off with Radcliffe Too at Park Hill.

On Sunday, seven matches are down for decision.

Four matches, set for a 10 a.m. start, feature Bequia against Rivals Two at Arnos Vale One; Police Two versus Triumph United at Arnos Vale Two, with Buccament Androids meeting Victors Two at Stubbs and Radcliffe Too against ASCO at Park Hill.

The afternoon matches see Bequia taking on Police Two at Arnos Vale One; Saints engage Victors Two at Stubbs and Combine Youths meet Police One at Park Hill.

Following the preliminary round of matches, which are set to conclude February 7, the two top places in both Zones advance to the semi-finals.(RT)