THE Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) has selected a 30-man Under 19 squad dubbed ‘Best of the Best’ to partake in a series of matches at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground (DSCG) with no spectators allowed and all COVID-19 protocols in place.
According to SLNCA 1st Vice President, Shawn Alcindor, the squad was selected based on members outstanding performances during the 3rd edition of the Sandals Under 19 Cup which ended in July at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground with Central Castries and new comers, the Saint Lucia Sports Academy sharing the title after heavy rain interrupted play during Central Castries run chase.
The players will go through a series of fielding, batting, catching, wicket-keeping and bowling drills under the watchful eyes of four coaches – Keith Charlery, Donald Albert, Alton Crafton, and John Eugene.
Alcindor said, “With no Windward Islands Under 19 tournament this year, the series of matches have been designed to help the players to the next level of physical and mental skills development.”
He added, “It’s ongoing preparation, because the next ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup will be in 2024.”
Wednesday 1st September – Coaching session, Thursday 2nd/ Friday 3rd – Two Day Match No.1, Saturday 4th – Coaching review, Sunday 5th – Curfew Day, Monday 6th/ Tuesday 7th Two-day Match No.2, Wednesday 8th/Thursday 9th – Two-day match No.3, Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th – 50 over match No.1, 2 and 3.
The 30-man ‘Best of the Best’ squad: Stephen Abraham, Khan Elcock, Kerrick Victor, Noel Leo, Desne Gidharry, Caleb Thomas, Quamie Deshong, Royce Paul, Zidane Arthur, Ephron Charles, David Naitram, Cody Lesmond, Ryan Goodman, Shawnil Edward, Kevin Gassie, Bolton Sayers, Keon Gaston, Daren Sammy Jr, Jaden Elibox, Tarrique Edward, Tyran Theodore, Udel Preville, Sky Lafeuille, Jude Joseph, Thai Harris, Stephan Theophane, Jayxan Justin, Jehan Boodha, Lee John and Aaron Joseph.
Scores on day 1 match 1, SLNCA South X1 59 all out, Noel Leo 19 and Bolton Sayers 16, the only batsmen to reach double figures.
Bowling for SLNCA North X1, Kevin Gassie 3 for 8, Keegan Arnold 2 for 3, Sky Lafeuille 2 for 16 and Keon Gaston 3 for 32.
In reply, SLNCA North X1 120 for 8, Jehan Boodha 40, Keegan Arnold 28, Quamie Deshong 15, Kevin Gassie 14 and Ryan Goodman 11.
Bowling for SLNCA South X1, Jayden Elibox 4 for 34, Tarrique Edward 2 for 15, Bolton Sayers 1 for 19 and Jude Joseph 1 for 3.
Alcindor took the time out to congratulate Ackeem Auguste who will captain the West Indies ‘Rising Stars’ Under 19 team and compatriot Mc Kenney Clarke. The two will tour England for a six-match Youth, One Day International (ODI) series against the host.
The West Indies will start their campaign today in game one at Beckenham, the second game is scheduled for Monday 6th September at the same venue.
