January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
We're out to win it!
We're out to win it!
Romaine and his fellow batsmen rattled the branches of the oak trees surrounding their Potchefstroom University training ground yesterday as they indulged in some power hitting' drills in their final practice session before today's all important clash with UAE.
And the captain says the team is relaxed and confident going into the opening group stages of the tournament.
"I think we can win this tournament, definitely. Looking at the warm-up games I believe we are one of the stronger teams.
"It's definitely harder than it was to qualify for the World Cup. There are 12 quality teams here and they all believe they deserve to be in that final four.
"I've seen the improvement in all of the teams. There aren't going to be any easy matches. We have to play good cricket."
Romaine is similarly comfortable with his own form after a half-century in a warm-up game against Tuks Academy in Pretoria last week.
"I had some low scores batting in different positions on a developmental tour and on the training tour. I guess when people get used to you being consistent over a number of years and you have some bad scores they want to say it's bad form.
"I'm not worried about it. It's all about working up to these big tournaments. Now is when it really counts. This is the time to score some runs."
Bermuda faces UAE here in Potchefstroom today and Afghanistan tomorrow and Romaine believes an early victory is vital.
The skipper, who is likely to be back at his preferred no 5 position, said: "It's very important to get that first win under our belts early."
Coach Gus Logie is similarly keen for the campaign to get off to a winning start.
With the intensive preparation period, including a month long Caribbean tour, now over, the coach was in laid back mood yesterday. The preparation has been satisfactorily completed, now it's time for the real exam.
"I'm excited," said Logie.
"It feels like my playing days again. I feel good about myself and about the team's chances.
"We've put in a lot of work over the past few months. We had a good chat with the team last night. The time for talking is finished, it's time for doers now.
"Each individual has to dig deeper, but I have no doubt we can do it. No doubt, whatsoever."
After a brief pitch inspection at the compact but picturesque university ground yesterday, Logie targeted a score of around 280 in tomorrow's game.
He believes the strip will suit the island's spin attack better than had been anticipated.
But the quick outfield could make for a potential run-fest.
"Anything less than 280 and we'll make things hard for ourselves," he added.
Elsewhere in the tournament tomorrow Ireland face Scotland, Kenya face the Netherlands, Canada take on Oman, Namibia face Uganda and Denmark play Afghanistan.
And though the established World Cup teams like Ireland, Scotland and Kenya start as favourites, Logie believes all 12 have a chance to make the final four.
"Results in the past are in the past. Teams have stepped up their preparations and I think the warm-up games have shown that the seedings can go out the window.
"Every team in this tournament is beatable and every team is a threat. We can't take anyone for granted and we won't get any results without hard work."
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