The third edition of the Sandals Under-19 cricket tournament for 2021 is now on the home stretch with the semi-finals and final in the Plate and Cup Divisions scheduled for this weekend at four venues around the island.
Today in the Plate Division, Gros Islet ll takes on Laborie at the Gros Islet playing field, while Micoud will fancy their chances against Vieux Fort North at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort.
Some of the players who will be on show for their respective teams in the Plate Division include – Leon Alexander, Shahid Roberts, Jaheem Simon, Tori Hippolyte, Rene Jones, Sanjay Francis (Gros Islet ll). Kevin Albert, Ethan Francis, Nicholas Francois, Aiden Paul, Cody Emmanuel and Hervia Paul (Laborie).
Micoud will rely on Bernard Calix, Riyon Charles, Denzel Marquis, Daren Sammy Jr, Denzel Marquis and Kamal Serieux. West Indies Under 19 World Cup hopeful, left arm fast bowler Tyran Theodore will lead Vieux Fort North charge along with Hansie Mason, Sheldon Joseph, Christian Peter, David Naitram and Chrislon Fannis.
In the Cup Division, Mon Repos plays last year’s losing finalist Babonneau at the Wenn playing field.
Mon Repos will depend heavily on the following players for the win, Dichege Henry, Shawnnil Edward, Seth Reneau, Talan Gaston, and Omari Victor.
Babonneau will have Caleb Thomas, Stephen Abraham, Amari, and Tyler Venner, Seigo Auguste and Anslem Gittens.
Choiseul will be at home to newcomers the Saint Lucia Sports Academy (SLSA) at Piaye in what is expected to be a keen encounter.
Tarrique Edward will lead the SLSA and will have alongside him, season campaigners Keon Gaston, Royce Paul, Kevin Gassie, Theo Edward, Noel Leo, Niesha Cherry, Jahil Evans, Daneo Carro, Stephon Durpes, Ashton Alexander, Jeremiah Fedee and Kensly Paul.
Choiseul will select their final X1 from Stephan Theophane, Sky La Feuille, Ryan St. Rose, Jaheim St. Aimee, Hansie Thomas, Shaquan Mitchel, Jude Joseph, Ed Cooper, Shervon Brown, Lester Emmanuel, Niege Eugene, Jermaine Thomas and Amez Boulogne.
Tomorrow, (Sunday 13th June), in the Plate Division final, Winner 1 versus Winner 2 at the La Ressource playing field in Dennery.
Also on Sunday, in the Cup Division semifinals, defending champions Gros Islet 1 who remain unbeaten since the inception of the tournament in 2018 will play the Winner of the Choiseul versus Saint Lucia Sports Academy encounter at the Gros Islet playing field.
In the second semifinal, Central Castries, last year’s semifinalist, awaits the winner of the Mon Repos versus Babonneau encounter at a venue to be decided by the SLNCA.
Central Castries – Ackeem Auguste, Keegan Arnold, Jayden Elibox, Mc Kenny Clarke, Ephron Charles, Thai Harris, and Jaayxan Justin.
Gros Islet 1, Zidane Arthur, Jehan Boodha, Khan Elcock, Lee John, Udel Preville, Bolton Sayers, and Ryan Goodman.
In relation to Gros Islet 1 & 2, Head Coach, Alton Crafton was precise, he said, ‘‘Both teams will go out playing confidently in pursuit of positive results.”
President of the Choiseul League, Esther Theophane said, “It will be a very exciting match, a lot of talent will be showcased and the better team will emerged victorious.”
“I believe cricket is on the day, so we will go out and give it our best shot.” she noted.
Team Manager for the Saint Lucia Sports Academy, Dwight Francis said, “We have been preparing for the quarterfinal for the past couple of days and despite the slipup against Central Castries, the boys are all set to take on Choiseul. Last weekend disappointment due to rain has just boosted their confidence and they’re all up and ready to do battle.”
