SVG squad to battle for Windwards title

Local cricket selectors have named a 17- man squad to challenge for the 2006 Windwards senior title.

The squad chosen after several trial matches shows the inclusion of three new faces to national senior selection.{{more}}

Among them are two who are still attending secondary school.

Donwell Hector, a compact middle order batsman, whom many thought was unlucky not to make the final cut for the Stanford 20/20 last July has been given the nod. Hector a member of the Windwards Under-19 team blazed century at the regional tournament in Guyana in August. Like Hector, Dawnley Grant was a member of the Windwards outfit. The Emmanuel High School student who is a steady fast bowler is the son of former St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Windwards and West Indies A team opener Dawnley Joseph.

The other new comer is Mc Kian Williams, an opening order batsman.

Also included is Keron Cottoy who was not on the original list of those called for trials but was later invited.

Notable absentees from the squad are all middle order batsmen Kenroy Martin and Rolando Wilkinson and fast bowler Othneil Baptiste. The three were members of the Stanford 20/20 team and have previous experience representing the senior Windwards team.

Those returning are Donson Andrews, Miles Bascombe, Lynden James, Olanzo Jackson, Kenroy Peters, Deighton Butler, Norlan Williams, Dyke Cato, Hank Hall, Nicholas Baptiste, Marlon John, Seon Sween, Hyron Shallow, and Lauren Francois.

A captain and manager are yet to be named, however former St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Windwards and West Indies fast bowler Ian Allen has been confirmed as the team’s coach.

This year’s tournament will once again be played on a knock out format.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines meet Dominica in their opening fixture , with host and defending champion Grenada face St. Lucia.

The two winners will meet to decide the 2006 champion, while the two losers play for third and fourth spots.

Following the tournament, the Windwards team for the 2007 Carib Cup four day West Indies competition as well as the KFC limited overs competition will be selected.