ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Ridley Jacobs said Leeward Islands will try to recapture past glories in this year’s Regional 4-Day and Super50 Tournaments which open this week.
The newly-appointed Leewards manager/assistant coach said he will be looking to instil the kind of confidence that epitomised the team’s play in the past when they were once kings of regional cricket.
"You will see a different Leewards team this season," said the former Leewards captain and West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman.
"We will be showing a different attitude, a different mindset, a difference in terms of how we carry ourselves and how we approach the game."
He added: "We will be a unit which will be working together, respecting each other and trusting as we hunt together with everyone moving in one direction.
"Leewards have been competitive in regional cricket, and we have won titles and been in finals, so it’s sad to see some of what has happened in recent years but now we are going to raise our standards."
Leewards have endured tough times in recent seasons. Last year, they finished bottom of the table with one victory and five losses in their six matches in the 4-Day and were knocked without a single win in the previous edition of the RS50.
Jacobs said he has seen enough talent and quality from the players in the last week of preparation to give him hope that things will be far better this season.
"The team is solid in both batting and bowling," he said. "It is for the players to fully understand their roles and perform those roles on the field.
"We have had seven intense days of training inclusive of three-day and one-day practice games, and those have gone very well."
He said: "The players are looking forward to getting on the field and I believe we have a good chance in both the 4-Day and the RS50. I can see the players showing signs of wanting to do well.
"I believe we have quality players, who can perform with both the bat and ball, but they have not come to the fore in regional cricket. Now, it is time for them to step up and show their quality."
Jacobs said one of the most impressive of the brigade is fast bowler Quinton Boatswain from Montserrat.
"He is bowling really well at the moment," said Jacobs. "He is very fast and is showing good progress."
Jacobs concluded: "Our batting hasn’t been bad, but it is about working in combination and partnerships not about individual performances.
"The most important thing for Leewards is the team working together, respecting each other, trusting together."