THE Saint Lucia National Cricket Association Inter-District sponsored Sandals Cup Under-19 cricket tournament bowls off from 10:00 a.m. this weekend at three venues.
Babonneau will travel to Gros Islet for their encounter against the home team today. West Indies under 19 opening batsman Kimani Melius, who blasted a 14-ball 51 in the finals of the Cricket Rama this past weekend versus Central Castries at the DSCG, will lead Gros Islet campaign.
The Gros Islet team also boasts a number of top youth players in the Under 15, 17 and 19 age group: Dane Edward, Lee Solomon, Jard Goodman, Simeon Gerson, Garvin Serieux, Dominic Auguste, Rene Montoute, UdelPreville ,TyrelChicot and Quina Joseph (female).
Head coach for the Gros Islet team, Alton Crafton, said, “With that sort of line-up, I am confident that the players will do well.”
Crafton believes the team has a very good chance this season, but will take one game at a time.
The Central Castries versus South Castries game, which was slated for the Mindoo Phillip Park, has been rescheduled for a later date.
Tomorrow, Mon Repos play Soufriere at the Dennery playing field, while Mabouya Valley come up against Choiseul at the Piaye playing field.
This year’s tournament will be contested by 10 teams in two groups. Group A comprises: Central Castries, South Castries, Gros Islet, Babonneau and Anse la Raye. Group B has: Mon Repos, Soufriere, Mabouya Valley, Choiseul and Vieux Fort.
Following the preliminary round of matches — which ends on Sunday 15 April — and heading into the quarter-final round of the tournament, the winner of Group A will play the fourth place team in Group B, the winner of Group B plays the fourth place team in Group A, the second place team in Group A plays versus the third place team in Group b, while the second place team in Group B plays the third place team in Group A.
The participating teams will be decked with coloured tops, while white balls will be used during the 50-overs-a-side tournament.
President of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association/ Director of CWI, Julian Charles, thanked Sandals International and reiterated the need for corporate support of the sport in Saint Lucia.
He said, “The SLNCA is extremely happy that Sandals have decided to invest in our Under-19 cricket tournament. We have been looking for a sponsor for this tournament because we believe it is the jewel in our cricket and we have to take care of our youngsters.”
Meanwhile, cricket action resumes in the Division 1 two-day competition following last weekend’s break for the official opening of the Sandals Cup.
In matches scheduled, Mabouya Valley versus Babonneau at the La Ressource playing field; Gros Islet versus Central Castries at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground; Soufriere versus Micoud at the La Fargue playing field; Choiseul versus Vieux Fort North at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds and Mon Repos versus Vieux Fort South at Mon Repos.
