Matthews back, Tridents eye fourth WCPL title

After missing last year’s Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) campaign through injury, Barbados Tridents captain Hayley Matthews is back and eager to lead the team to another championship on home soil.

The three-time defending champions open their campaign against Trinbago Knight Riders, at Kensington Oval on September 5.

Matthews said the prospect of winning another title on home soil is a major source of motivation for the team. And while several players have moved on from the squad, she is embracing the changes and looking forward to building new partnerships with her teammates. 

“I think everyone’s really looking forward to it. We certainly feel like a team that’s been on top, but at the same time this year the group has certainly changed a lot. I think we want to try to create a really good culture within the team. 

“I think one thing that we’re really good at as a Barbados unit, has been learning to get over the line and win a lot of games. It’s gonna be super important that when we do get to those close moments, we’re able to get over the line over and over,” she said during a welcome reception on Wednesday, facilitated by franchise partner Guardian Life of the Caribbean Limited, at Copa Cabana.

Matthews has high hopes for the Tridents but expects another fiercely competitive campaign. She described this year’s teams as talented and well-balanced.

“I think the new international players are going to make things pretty interesting and challenging as well, and I think it’s going to be really nice to see good cricket all around. We are going to have an opportunity to really gel as a unit, and get to know each other a bit more. I think we have seven days between the first match and the second, and that’s a really good opportunity for us,” she said.

Matthews has encouraged fans to support the team, as they try to clinch a record fourth title.

She added, “I think to come out and support is always one thing, but they should also  come out and be entertained, because the women’s game is definitely growing.

“I think it’s certainly a spectacle that when you do come out and watch it, it’s something that can be very entertaining, as the standard is getting better and better every year. So certainly come out to support, but also come out to watch some really good cricket and hopefully to watch us win some matches.” 

Minister of Sport Charles Griffith, in a brief address, congratulated the rebranded franchise and urged its members to continue to excel in their various roles.

“In the last 10 to 15 years, we have not had the type of success in sports as we had this year. I’m not going to attribute that to the fact that I’m the minister of sport.

“I’m going to peg that to the preparation process and I want to salute the people who are behind me, the teams, the coaches and all the other support staff that are doing what it is that they’re supposed to do.”

Griffith signalled his intent to personally support the team. 

“I have my shirt and I am ready, so again, congratulations and welcome home. We are expecting a lot.”

(KH)