‘Attitude’ is key to BELCO battle

Janeiro Tucker says attitude will determine Southampton Rangers’ BELCO Cup semi-final against champions Bailey’s Bay tomorrow at St David’s Cricket Club.

The season’s opening domestic competition takes place this weekend, featuring the top four teams from last year.

While Rangers and Bailey’s Bay — captained by national skipper Stephen Outerbridge — go head to head, Willow Cuts take on St David’s in Somerset.

Both games start at 11pm and admission is free.

The final will take place on Sunday at St David’s, again at 11am, with admission set at $5 for adults, 18 or older. 

The Warner Gombeys will perform during the half-hour innings break. 

All proceeds from the match will go towards the Bermuda Cricket Board National Youth Academy.

Tucker says the weekend’s games are vital for teams to get their campaign off to a positive start. He told the Bermuda Sun: “We’re shaping up alright. It’s a tough one for the first game of the season.

“It all comes down to who shows up on the day. Who does that at the right time with the right attitude will be victorious.

He added: “All the teams want to get off to a good start. 

“It’s about getting momentum going forward from the first game and taking that into the rest of the season.”

Bailey’s Bay enjoyed a stellar season last year but Tucker says he isn’t even contemplating the opposition, preferring to focus on his own Southampton Rangers team, led by Dion Stovell.

“I’m not even looking at them,” said Tucker. 

“I’m just thinking about us. I want to see everyone stand up and do good — we’re going there as a team.”

The all-rounder enters the game off the back of a busy period of cricket with his country.

The successful Twenty20 World Cup qualifier in Florida was followed up by the ICC Division 3 tournament here on the island. Tucker, though, says fatigue is out of the question. 

He said: “I’m still pretty fresh – I feel good. I don’t need a break, I feel we’ve only just started.”