Date February 02, 2006 by HAYDN GILL Compliments of the Nation News

IT'S THE 40TH YEAR of sponsored regional first-class competitions and the island with the richest cricket tradition in the region is on the verge of a 20th title. Barbados, for so long the established powerhouse in the region, are widely expected to be confirmed the 2005-06 Carib Cup champions this weekend. They come face to face with Trinidad and Tobago - Brian Lara and all - in the first first-class match at the Carlton Club and once they avoid defeat, the title is theirs. For some, it's almost inevitable, but the champagne hasn't been put on ice yet. "There is still a lot of work to be done as far as the cricket is concerned," Barbados coach Hendy Springer said yesterday. "The season is not finished until the last match is played. We set out this season to play some positive cricket and to improve as well. We've been doing that for the majority of the time and for this Trinidad game, our preparation and enthusiasm have not waned." Barbados start the match with 36 points, 12 more than Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana and even if Ryan Hinds' men lose, they will still stand a chance of Cup glory providing that Guyana beat Windward Islands in Grenada. It will result in a three-way tie at the top and calculators will break the deadlock. Even though Barbados will be guaranteed the Cup once they don't lose, the approach will be to press for a third successive victory, following victories over Jamaica and Leeward Islands. "If we get an opportunity to get first innings points, we will take it, but we're looking to get an outright win," Springer said. "We want to play positive cricket, as opposed to playing sit-back cricket. You don't want to lose, but if our cricket is going to improve as a team and as individuals, we've got to think about winning instead of thinking about not losing." Barbados were dealt a blow yesterday with the news that the dynamic Dwayne Smith will be sidelined with the thigh injury he sustained against Leeward Islands in St Thomas last weekend. Smith's unavailability paves the way for the return of Kurt Wilkinson to the starting 11 for the first time since the opening match in November, while uncapped Kurt Edwards has been called in to complete the 13-man squad. "It is always a blow to lose a person like Dwayne Smith who can strike the ball so well and is also worth something with the ball and in the field," Springer said.

TRINIS CHAMPS AFTER 21 YEARS. Carnival came early for the Trinidad and Tobago cricketers as they won the regional first-class title for the first time in 21 years, beating Barbados by 264 runs at the Carlton Club yesterday. Superstar batsman Brian Lara led the celebrations after the match ended, pouring champagne and beer over his teammates. The visitors started the match needing an outright win and they achieved it to finish level on points with Barbados. They took the trophy by virtue of winning the head-to-head encounter. Champions Trinidad and Tobago celebrating their capture of the Carib Beer Cup.

Caribbean Cricket

Sporting islands

BARBADOS