The Gros Islet team was officially crowned champions of the annual Sandals Under-19 Cricket Tournament during a closing ceremony on Thursday at Sandals Regency La Toc.
Under the leadership of head coach Alton Crafton, the team dominated the series, winning six of the seven editions of the 50-over competition.
The Sandals Under-19 tournament is regarded by local cricket officials as crucial for developing young talent in Saint Lucia. Notably, two former West Indies Under-19 captains, Kimani Melius and Ackeem Auguste, honed their skills through this initiative.
The 2024 series ran from February 24 to May 1 and featured six teams: Central Castries, Babonneau, Choiseul, Gros Islet, Mon Repos, and Saint Lucia Sports Academy. The matches were held at various venues across the island. After the preliminary rounds, Mon Repos and Gros Islet faced off in the final, with Gros Islet emerging victorious by 62 runs.
At the ceremony, standout players were celebrated, including tournament MVP Lee John, a Gros Islet all-rounder who achieved the most wickets, taking 23 in total, along with scoring 124 runs. Jonathan Daniel, also from Gros Islet, was recognized as the tournament’s top scorer with 327 runs, including two centuries.
Jaheem Simeon, a young talent who tragically passed away this year, was also honored. A moment of silence was observed, followed by heartfelt applause for his mother, Hyacinth Serville, a manager at Sandals.
Sunil Ramdeen, Regional Public Relations Manager at Sandals Resorts International, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the tournament and its partnership with Saint Lucian cricket.
“We started off with a vision of what we wanted to do now, several years ago, and what we wanted to try to achieve with our partnership with the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association,” Ramdeen said. “We look forward to continuing to work with the SLNCA, with the clubs, with the coaches, and with everybody who’s contributed to this partnership and this tournament, and we will be announcing some plans soon for what we’re gonna do next year. But this evening is for you guys to celebrate.”
Wayne Auguste, President of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association, encouraged the players to remain focused and work hard, emphasizing that success is built on discipline and effort, rather than talent alone.
“What you get on the playing field is not your talent, it’s the work you put in. If you look at all the cricketers who are now contracted in the first-class season…one thing you will discover about them is their work ethic. These guys work hard,” he said. “Remember, what you achieve has nothing to do with talent. It’s your discipline and your hard work. That is what drives you forward.”
Great job ..congratulations and best wishes.