THE St. Lucia National Cricket Association has began preparation of the national selectees in readiness for the Senior Windward Islands Goodwill Cricket Tournament scheduled to take place in Grenada from May 27 to June 4, with intense physical conditioning, followed by a trial / practice match over the weekend.
The physical conditioning was conducted by trainer Cuthbert Modeste at the Mindoo Phillip Park. Over the weekend, in a two-day practice trial match, the teams were led by West Indies opening batsman Johnson Charles and current National Captain Craig Emmanuel. Charles’ team batting first made 278 for 9 in 67.2 overs, with Dornan Edward top scoring with 57, Kimani Melius 43, Captain Charles 34, Tonius Simon 24, Alvinus Simon 22, Garvin Serieux 21 not out and Dwight Thomas 20.
For Emmanuel’s team, the leading wicket takers were Shervon Leo with 3 for 24 in 9 overs and Johnnel Eugene 2 for 34 in 9.2 overs.
In response, Craig Emmanuel’s team made 328 for 8 in 89.2 overs, with Jamal James making 104, Captain Emmanuel 79, Audi Alexander 57 and Vidal Crandon 24.
For Johnson Charles’ team, Christian Ange finished with 2 for 53 in 17 overs and Alvinus Simon 2 for 54 in 19.2 overs.
Batting a second time, Johnson Charles’ team ended play on day 2, on 130 for 1 in 18 overs, with Charles remaining on 92 not out and Dwight Thomas making 28.