CEO Dehring Commends Barbados’ Dominant U-15 Cricket Victory

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Under-15 Championship concluded with Barbados emphatically retaining their title, culminating an unbeaten run through the tournament held in Antigua. The young Barbadian team showcased a dominant performance, combining skill, passion, and a consistent level of play that cemented their position as the region’s top Under-15 team. Their victory serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of both the players and the coaching staff, reinforcing the strength of Barbados’s youth cricket development program. CWI CEO, Chris Dehring, extended heartfelt congratulations to the team, lauding their back-to-back championship win as a shining example of the emerging talent within the Caribbean cricketing landscape.

Barbados’s dominance was evident in the final match against Guyana, a top-of-the-table clash at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. They posted a challenging total of 209 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs, showcasing their batting prowess and setting a difficult target for their opponents. Their bowlers then dismantled the Guyanese batting lineup, restricting them to 160 runs and securing a comprehensive 49-run victory. The impressive win demonstrated the team’s well-rounded capabilities in both batting and bowling, further solidifying their deserving claim to the championship title. This final performance was a microcosm of their overall tournament display, marked by consistent performance and a never-give-up attitude.

The tournament was not just about team success, but also about individual brilliance. Several players distinguished themselves with outstanding performances throughout the competition, earning well-deserved recognition for their contributions. Barbados captain, Justin Parris, was named Best All-Rounder, a testament to his exceptional skills in both batting and bowling. Parris amassed 121 runs and captured 13 wickets with his leg-spin, playing a pivotal role in his team’s success. His teammate, Kelani Clarke, emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, accumulating an impressive 216 runs. Clarke’s consistent performance at the top of the order provided a solid foundation for Barbados’s innings throughout the tournament.

The tournament also saw outstanding individual performances from players representing other teams. Guyana’s Reyaz Latif claimed the Most Wickets award with an impressive haul of 15 wickets, showcasing his bowling prowess and contributing significantly to his team’s efforts. Richard Ramdeholl, also from Guyana, and J’Quan Athanaze of the Leeward Islands jointly earned the Most Catches award, each securing five catches throughout the tournament. Their fielding prowess undoubtedly contributed to their respective teams’ chances and highlighted the importance of sharp fielding in the game. Jamaica’s Luwain Pryce was named the Best Wicketkeeper, with 11 dismissals. Pryce’s sharp work behind the stumps made him a valuable asset to his team, further emphasizing the importance of all facets of the game in achieving success.

CWI CEO Chris Dehring praised the overall standard of play witnessed throughout the tournament, highlighting the importance of this developmental stage for young players. He emphasized that the pride and skill demonstrated by these budding cricketers bodes well for the future of West Indies cricket. Dehring’s words underscore the significance of the Rising Stars U15 Championship as a platform for identifying and nurturing young talent, laying the foundation for the future of West Indies cricket. The tournament provides a valuable opportunity for players to gain experience, hone their skills, and compete at a high level, preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead in their cricketing journeys.

The CWI Rising Stars Under-15 Championship concluded with Barbados standing tall as the undisputed champions, finishing with 27.4 points, significantly ahead of second-placed Trinidad & Tobago with 19.4 points. This victory underlines the strength of Barbados’s youth cricket development program and their commitment to nurturing young talent. The tournament, as a whole, served as a showcase for the promising future of West Indies cricket, highlighting the abundance of talent emerging from the region. The individual awards further recognized the outstanding performances of various players, celebrating their contributions and encouraging their continued development. The tournament’s success ultimately signals a bright future for West Indies cricket, reaffirming the region’s passion for the sport and its dedication to fostering the next generation of cricketing stars.