Six inches made all the difference

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Cricketers (batters and bowlers alike) know that six inches can make a huge difference. That can be the difference between a perfect yorker and a poor full toss.

On November 18, the six inches did matter.

When ‘Whisper’ Richards made that run into our opponents’ box in ‘time added on’, had the ball been six inches further in front of his feet when he was tackled, we would have been awarded a penalty, and the scenario which now obtains could have been an entirely different one.

A victory for Reggae Boyz would have been an automatic qualifying spot in next year’s World Cup Finals. There would have been a celebratory mood. Something to which we can look forward while we pick up the pieces here at home. Reggae Boyz and Steve McClaren would have been celebrated as heroes. But, the six inches could have made a big difference.

The team was deficient in certain areas, particularly so in the centre of the park. Jamaica has been crying out for a creative midfielder for many, many years, and the non-availability of Kasey Palmer was a sucker punch to the already weak underbelly. The result was a flurry of the so-called Hail Marys from defence into attack, totally bypassing midfield. Mr. McLaren made blunders

Truth be told, his major blunder was in the penultimate match in Trinidad when he seemed satisfied with a draw, and started what we all thought was a ‘second-string’ attacking line-up to lead our attack. Had we won there, it would have been far easier to play for a draw rather than knowing that our lives depended on a win on Tuesday night.

His second blunder in the final match was that he left the necessary changes too late in the match. The necessary changes were obvious, and were made, but, by then, the proverbial horse had already bolted.

Six inches in time added could have been a game-changer.

Let’s not forget, however, that all is not lost and that hope still abounds. Let’s recall two names not recently spoken of – Trivante Stewart and Miguel Coley.

We will continue to pray for the nation as we traverse difficult times in recovery from the devastation caused by the hurricane. We will continue to pray for future success for our Boyz.

All is not lost. There is much for which we can pray and for which we can play.

JOHN ROYES