Sandals U19 Cricket 8th Edition: Still Going Strong!

Key stakeholders are unequivocally hailing the Sandals -SLNCA Under-19 Cricket tournament as a definitive reflection of the future of cricket in Saint Lucia and the wider region.

Now in its 8th edition, this competition showcases the exceptional skills of young players across the island and has consistently produced outstanding talent who have advanced to represent sub-regional and regional teams.

During Wednesday’s Closing Ceremony, a common sentiment emerged: players must strive and excel in the game with relentless determination to restore West Indies cricket to its pinnacle of success.

The Sandals Under 19 Championship title was shared between Gros Islet and Central Castries.

Filius Laurent, General Manager at Sandals La Toc and an avid cricket fan, expressed his pride in witnessing local players compete on regional and global stages. He eagerly anticipates seeing more local talent making it to the ‘big screen’ in global cricket.

President of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA), Wayne Auguste, emphasized the outstanding performances of several players this season, citing five individuals selected to represent the Windward Island U17 squad, led by the prolific top-order batter Theo Edward.

Clivus Jules, Director of Sports, strongly endorsed the partnership with Sandals and the SLNCA, affirming the Ministry of Sports’ unwavering commitment to advancing this junior cricket league. He urged young players to aspire to the next level of cricket with vigor and purpose.

Jules highlighted the vital role of the Sandals management team in their ongoing promotion of youth development and sports throughout the country.

Winston Anderson, Regional General Manager for Sandals Resorts and a staunch advocate for the future development of West Indies cricket, pointed out the unsettling string of defeats experienced by the West Indies Senior Men’s team in recent weeks, specifically calling attention to the poor performance of top batters.

Addressing the players, Anderson declared: “You aspire to be at the highest level, and your dream is to represent the West Indies. Keep striving despite setbacks; do not be disheartened by recent results. Embrace the challenge and rise to the occasion to restore Windies cricket to its ‘glory days’.”

He affirmed that regional players carry forth a dynamic legacy from a “rich and glamorous history” of West Indies cricket.

Guest Speaker Ryan Joseph, a legal student and motivational speaker, praised the organizers for staging this youth cricket league, asserting its critical role in steering youngsters away from the criminal and deviant behavior currently affecting communities island-wide.

He stated: “Your partnership proves that these young men are defying the odds by actively engaging in sports within the country. You may not realize it, but in a significant way, you are contributing to the reduction of deviance, crime, and violence by providing these young boys with constructive activities every weekend.”

Joseph passionately encouraged the young athletes to “use cricket to fuel your dreams.”