SPORTS

Police looking to turn things around in 2004

by Philip Hackett

Alessandro Morris is one of the new faces 
representing Police this season

Thursday, March 4, 2004

With a renewed spirit and refreshing optimism Ryan Bovell and his officers have entered the battle to determine the team deserving of holding the most prestigious title in local cricket, that of Division One Champions.

As Police opened the season with a comprehensive victory over All Stars at Smith Road on Sunday, it was difficult to avoid noticing the youthful additions to the squad. 

A team that, in the opinion of many, depended too much on Bovell and his trusted associate Pearson Best, now boasts of being a more balanced and competitive unit.

Among those brought in to reinforce the troops are wicket-keeper/ batsman Alessandro Morris and pacer Kevon Basil.

"This infusion of talent has given us better balance than we had over the last two years," team captain Bovell told Net News.

As Bovell raced in from the Farmer's Market end and unleashed a few short, fiery deliveries at the All Stars batsmen, the apparent rebirth of a Police team known for its modest performances was obvious. It was particularly pleasing to watch Bovell in one of his rare displays of genuine pace.

"I can focus on my personal game with the additional resources we now have," Bovell offered in explanation of his energetic outing that earned him the impressive figures of two wickets for seven runs in six overs. New boy Basil started with a bang, capturing three for 27 in 7.1 overs

Morris had already showed his ability with a solid innings of 30 when Police batted. Cleve Hunte had a stranglehold on the batsmen over his first seven overs in which he gave up a miserly eight runs before he went for 16 in his final over for figures of two for 24.

"Hunte's bowling has improved by leaps and bounds," Bovell said of his orthodox left arm spinner. "He has now matured into a sound division one player.

So does Police possess the ability to go the full distance?

"We are underdogs looking to win the cup," was the interesting way Bovell assessed the situation.

"What could work for us is that we are doing a lot more planning off the field so that we will be better prepared out in the middle."

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