The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association has announced a 14-member squad for the Winlott Inc. Windward Islands Under-19 Championship, set to take place in Grenada from April 5–14. The Saint Lucians will aim to reclaim the title from the hosts, having last triumphed in 2022 and 2023.
Much is expected from the trio of captain Theo Edward, Khan Elcock and Cody Fontinelle who were last year selected to undergo training under the guidance of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Pathway and High Performance coaches.
Edward was the leading batsman in last year’s Windwards U-19 tournament, with 188 runs, an average of 37.6, and a top score of 81 not out. Elcock, a classy left-handed batsman, played alongside Edward and Fontinelle for the Windward Islands Under-17s in the 2024 CWI regional competition. Fontinelle, a leg spinner, took 24 wickets in that series, including 6-26 against the Leeward Islands.
With several key players – Tarrique Edward, Shawnil Edward, Lee John, Kevin Gassie, Royce Paul and Stephen Abraham – having aged out, the team will rely on fresh talent. Only Isiah Jones and Jonathan Daniel return from last year’s squad.
The newcomers include Kensley Paul, Roystan Fanus, Tyler Venner, Germian Thomas, Zanaki Louis, Yunieski Gustave, Bjorn Fanis, Darvin Forde and Nathaniel Joseph. A number of these players would have put their hands up during the just-concluded Secondary Schools Under-19 Tournament as well as two trial matches.
Former West Indies senior player Garey Mathurin will once again coach the team, which will be managed by Eldridge Charles.
