Soldiers ready for Melbourne – Cottrell

Jermaine LannamanGleaner WriterWest Indies fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell believes title-holders Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has more than what it takes to beat Melbourne at Up Park Camp in quarter-final action of the Jamaica Cricket Association Senior Cup, beginning today.The match-up, one of two on the weekend, will see the JDF – winners of Zone A, entering the contest as slight favourites against the Nikita Miller-captained Melbourne, who ended as runners-up in Zone D.The other quarter-final encounter will see Zone D winners St Thomas CA hosting Zone A runner-up St Ann at Goodyear Oval.”The JDF is normally a very confident team and we are looking forward to any challenge that Melbourne may bring,” said Cottrell.”We are also defending champions and want to defend our crown, as after winning the last two titles the aim is to win five.”Cottrell, who is on the comeback from a knee injury, is set to lead the soldiers attack along with national trial invitees, fellow pacemen Reynard Leveridge and Leighton Leslie, as well as his national team-mate, left-arm spinner Dennis Bulli.Their batting, in the meanwhile, is expected to see in-form national one-day opener, Jermaine Harrison, looking to add to his recent back-to-back hundreds, leading their charge along with Rasheed Outar and Joseph Palmer.However, Robert Samuels, coach of Melbourne, is expressing equal confidence, stating that his team is in a comeback mode.”Melbourne has been missing out on the Senior Cup in recent years due to a number of reasons,” he said.”But I am confident that this time will be different.”We will be missing Damion Jacobs, who is overseas, but still have in our line-up Jamaica players Nikita Miller, Andre McCarthy and Guyanese opener, Trevon Griffith.”There is also young Jamaica fast bowler, Oshane Thomas, who is bowling fairly quick, and should pose some problems.”The St Thomas versus St Ann encounter, in the meantime, will see Carlton Baugh Jr leading the home team against St Ann, which will be captained by opener John Campbell.