The technical team of Sierra Leone Cricket Association (SLAA) held their first trial match on Friday 17 November 2017, ahead of the 2017 North West Africa Cricket Council (NWACC) Women’s tournament scheduled for Ghana in December.
About 22 players are looking forward to secure a place in the final 14 squad that will be representing the country to defend the title which they won with a remarkable unbeaten record in the maiden edition hosted in Banjul, the Gambia in 2015.
The trial is a key factor in cricket selection as the performances of the players will be rated by the technical committee and the final selection will done within the confines of the result produce by those in charge of the selection committee.
According to the players, it is good that they are constantly test to improve themselves. The trial will actually help them to strengthen their weaknesses, while working on their skills to boost their bowling, batting and fielding potentials.
Captain Linda Bull believes this is an open chance for all players to prove their quality as the coaching team will be observing with keen interest so that when once they assess the team there will be no doubt about who they select by those who might fail in their quest to make the team.
“As you can see, each and every player is eager to exhibit her skills because we know the importance of representing our country. Our hope is to defend our title, despite the pressure on us, as all other countries will want to beat us to shatter our dream”, the Captain explained.
Caretaker Coach, Sarah Johnson lauded the girls for turning out in their numbers to honour the trial which she said is the only way they will be using to select the team. And if any player refuses to partake in any of the trial she will get herself to be blame.
Johnson emphasized the need for self-training, noting it will help them to develop self-confidence and fitness. “They should not depend on the team training alone, it is significant, but personal training will improve them tactically,” she said.
One of the country’s best female bowlers, Aminta Kamara, remarked, “There is so much to play for, so I’m giving my all with great effort to be on the team again. We have a team of good players; one shouldn’t be overconfident of securing a place in the team because everyone wants to be there”.
Monday November 20, 2017.