Bowl players back for fire cup

With Barbados eliminated from the 2000 Red Stripe Bowl, several teams competing in the quarter-finals of the Barbados Fire & Commercial Cup today are likely to be strengthened with the inclusion of the returning national players.

Cable & Wireless BET seem to be the team with the most to gain as they should have the services of middle-order batsman Floyd Reifer, allrounder Antonio Mayers and fast bowler Corey Collymore.

Reifer showed encouraging form in the Bowl in Jamaica and is expected to play a key role in BET's quest for a semifinal berth as they entertain ESA Field Pickwick at Wildey.

Pickwick is likely to benefit from the return of left-handers Adrian Griffith and Ryan Hinds.

Pickwick captain Michael Matthews said he was keen to have Griffith and Hinds back but was somewhat concerned about the conditions for the quarter-final match.

"I always fancy our chances on a hard pitch but with the wicket likely to be soft, the luck of the toss is crucial," Matthews said.

United Carlton's coach Dale Elcock was also concerned about the weather when he spoke with SUNSPORT. Carlton will journey to St. James to take on Mount Gay Maple.

Mount Gay Maple batsman and former captain Andy Payne said his team should be stronger with the inclusion of allrounder Pedro Depeiza and fast bowler Emmerson Jordan.

In the other match today, Caribbean Lumber YMPC will be at home to ICB Empire. YMPC has been one of the more inconsistent teams this season and could find the going rough against Empire, especially if the pitch is not impaired.