SAINT Lucia is set to host this year’s WINLOTT Inc. Windward Islands Under-15 Cricket Championship from December 8 to 15.
Team Saint Lucia is determined to regain the crown from the defending champions, the Commonwealth of Dominica, as the competition begins this weekend.
The competition follows a double round-robin format, giving teams plenty of opportunities to compete.
The host team begins its campaign against Grenada tomorrow (Sunday, December 8) at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground , while Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) meet Dominica at the Gros Islet Playing Field.
On Monday, December 9, Saint Lucia will face SVG at the DSCG, while Grenada will face Dominica at the GIPF.
Tuesday, December 10 will be a rest day.
On Wednesday, Dominica will face Saint Lucia at the DSCG, while Grenada will face SVG at the GIPF. Saint Lucia takes on Grenada at the DSCG on Thursday, while Dominica faces SVG at the GIPF.
Teams will have another rest day on Friday, December 13, as they prepare for the final rounds.
Next Saturday (December 14), a critical encounter between SVG and Saint Lucia will take place at the GIPF, while Grenada will face Dominica at Mindoo Phillip Park [MPP].
On December 15, the tension picks up again, with Saint Lucia meeting Dominica at the GIPF and SVG facing Grenada in the MPP.
The Ministry for Youth Development and Sports, in partnership with the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA), has named a formidable 14-member team and five reserves to represent Saint Lucia at the Windward Islands Under-15 Cricket Championship.
This team is loaded with outstanding all-rounders, batters, and bowlers, displaying a diversified skill set that sets them as strong contenders for the crown.
Jeanille Williams will captain the team, which will also include Curdin Jones, Kerlan Daniel, Samuel Jean, Hervon Jn Charles, Kaleb Charles, Cypriani Norville, Darjhan Sammy, Daniel Lorde, Kyle Stephens, Trevern Edward, Shervone Mathurin, and Harry Monzie.
The five reserves—Terrel Charlery, Garvey Serieux, Liam Stevens, Tristan Wilson, and Nicken Justin—are ready to step up if needed.
Roseline Preville is the team manager, with Alton Crafton as head coach and Dalton Polius as an assistant coach.
Coach Crafton underlines that the guys are extremely driven to win the championship. He emphasises that former players such as Kimani Melius, Ackeem Auguste, McKenny Clarke, Tarrique Edward, and Theo Edward have set a standard for excellence that inspires the present team.
Crafton adds, “They all aspire to take their game to the next level.” They are uplifted by the success of their predecessors, and it is our mission to channel this inspiration into their performance.”
The group has also received crucial assistance from John Eugene, coach of the Saint Lucia High Performance Centre, and Daren Sammy, West Indies white-ball coach.
Team Saint Lucia won the U-15 championship in 2022, and they are determined to win again.