By Akeem Greene
He stands at 6’3’ and looks more like a boxer preparing for his next heavyweight contest, than a pacey fast-bowler in the mould of the lean structures of the contemporary era.
Describe him how you wish, Romario Shepherd has been a find for the Guyana Jaguars championship team this season.
His round-arm action makes him a constant threat to batsmen and his high energy levels are outstanding. At practice, the 24 year-old usually needs two jerseys to combat the excess perspiration that comes from dedicated work ethics.
The result of hard work and commitment to his craft has yielded positive returns- 37 wickets at 20.13 from a whopping 257.3 overs. Add 315 runs, inclusive of two fifties, and Shepherd’s value to the Jaguars cause is amplified.
Such outstanding numbers have quite understandably earned him the title of Standout Player, as was bestowed on him by influential skipper Leon Johnson.
Match-defining performance such as his match-haul of 8-76 in a must-win match against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force makes him a candidate for another test in Windies ‘A’ colours, an opportunity he is looking forward to with deep interest.
Last year he had stints against India A and England Lions, but did not gather the desired success. The New Amsterdam lad is now keen on making it count as he prepares for a possible ‘Take Two.’
“It [this season] did help; I am more confident, I believe in the work that I have put in and I’m not afraid of anything now…10 games are not easy, coming out every game and performing like I did, bowling the amount of overs like I did, I am thankful,” he confidently related to News Room Sport.
While the numbers show there is quality for the international coaches to develop, his hallmark this season was his grittiness to never ‘throw in the towel’ with ball or bat.
“This season was one of the toughest in terms of, I had to go early to bat. We had some poor batting performances, so I had to come back after bowling and (then) bat (early). It is more of a mental challenge and I got passed it. That is what helps in life as you go pass challenges it makes you stronger,” the youngster noted.
He credited the role of physiotherapist and trainer Neil Barry Jr in his vast improvement in fitness and insisted the strong bond among teammates makes each player a winner in the Guyana Jaguars’ set-up.
