THE Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Beausejour will come alive tomorrow as the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association, in collaboration with title sponsor Sandals Saint Lucia, bowls off its inaugural ‘Sandals Cup’ for Under -19 cricketers on the island in a Cricket Rama format.
Play will commence from 9:30 a.m.
The Cricket Rama is to sensitize members of the public and avid cricket fans of what is in store for them on the field of play when the showpiece officially starts next weekend, as a number of young talents on the island will be on show to exhibit their individual talents throughout the tournament, at various venues.
Ten district teams will battle for bragging rights in a round robin format in two groups of five. The ten confirmed teams are: Anse la Raye, Babonneau, Central Castries, Choiseul, Gros Islet, Mabouya, Mon Repos, Soufriere, South Castries and Vieux Fort.
Sandals Regional Manager for PR Sunil Ramdeen, speaking at the official lunch of the tournament recently held at Sandals Halycon said, “This year marks an evolution of our partnership with the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association and instead of hosting the cricket academy, from this year we will be providing financial support to ensure that we develop the Under – 19 tournament, and all the players competing in it.
“Apart from reaching more players, the goal is also to uplift the way the tournament itself is conducted and to bring greater public and media attention to it. It will provide a platform for our local stars to shine and be recognised.”
“We have committed to this tournament for three years and once all goes well we will extend it even further. The total value of sponsorship is over EC $30,000 and that’s for this year only,” added Ramdeen.
The participating teams will be decked with coloured tops, while white balls will be used during the 50-overs-a-side tournament.
West Indies Under -19 opening batsman Kimani Melius will lead the charge for Gros Islet and will have alongside him West Indies senior woman cricketer Qiana Joseph, (left arm fast bowler and middle order batter) and Simeon Gerson (left arm orthodox bowler and left handed middle order batsman).
Central Castries campaign is led by top order batsman Johnnel Eugene and the in-form Keygan Arnold.
Saint Lucia national Under-15 captain Akeem Auguste will lead Babonneau’s charge.
Other players to keep a close eye on are: Dane Edward and Jard Goodman (opening batsmen), Lee Solomon (right arm seamer/ left handed top order batsman), Garvin Serieux (Mon Repos), Sky La Feuille (Choiseul), Nowelle Leo (South Castries), Brandt Jean, Stavon Gabriel, Rene Montoute, Tyrel Chicot, Dominic Auguste, Tyran Theodore (left arm fast bowler) and Jermaine Harding (middle order batsman).
