SVG loses Windwards U-19 title; gains 4 picks

The title as champions of Under-19 Cricket in the Windward islands no longer belongs to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but this country still gained four picks for the Windwards’ team to this year’s regional competition set for July and August in Jamaica.{{more}}

After their beaver trick, the Vincentians were derailed by hosts Dominica by four wickets in their final match which ended on Thursday, April 9.

Dominica had enforced the follow on after they had made 235, to which St. Vincent and the Grenadines responded with 118.

Batting a second time, the Vincentians scored 170, giving the hosts 54 to win, which they did, reaching 55, losing six wickets in the process.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, though, turned the tables on the Dominicans, by winning the knock out phase.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the knock out first beat St. Lucia last Saturday, then followed it up with a triumph on Sunday, to return the compliment to the new league winners. St. Lucia, which placed fourth in the league, was third in the knock out, exchanging positions with Grenada .

But despite giving up the league crown, four Vincentians were named on a 14 member Windwards team for the West Indies Under-19 Tournament.

Selected were Captain Marvin Small, who is making his second trip at this level, as well as Sunil Ambris, Atticus Browne, and Kentish Phillips.

Philips was the competition’s leading wicket taker with 18 wickets. He also had the best bowling figures in an innings, 8 for 41 against St. Lucia, in which he finished with match analysis of 12 for 97.

Philips was also voted this country’s Most Valuable Player in the competition.

The Windwards team will be captained by talented St Lucian all-rounder Dalton Polius, and he is joined by his countryman Audie Alexander, to return from last year’s outfit. The other St. Lucians selected are Kurt Edward and Hubert Joseph.

Dominicans Kaveem Hodge, Oscar George, John Fabian and Casimir Benjamin along with Grenadians Rudolph Paul and Josh Thomas complete the team.

Hodge, George and Paul, were part of the four nation team in 2008.

Another Vincentian Ray Charles was named among the four reserves, which also include Dennis Smith of Grenada, Akim Charles of St. Lucia and Damian Dumas of Dominica.

The thirteen tired looking young ambassadors, along with Manager Roger Davis and Coach Augustine Victory returned last Monday morning, but without any member of the Executive of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association on hand at the E T Joshua Airport to greet them. (RT)