The Windward Islands Men’s Super50 title remained in Saint Lucia at the weekend, as the hosts defeated Dominica in the title game at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. The home team was especially dominant in that final fixture, but head coach Alton Crafton told St Lucia Times that it was no easy task.
“Well, let me say to the team, ‘Congrats, and a job well done’,” said Crafton. “It was hard work throughout. We got some pressure from the public even before the tournament started. So, I find they really did well to hold themselves and focus on our team goals, and their own goals, and win the tournament.”
Crafton referred to the fact that before the series, several commentators vented their displeasure regarding the squad selection for Saint Lucia. But the final result certainly vindicated the panel, which opted for a relatively youthful unit.
“I think the process we have is a good process,” Crafton said. “If there’s any problem, you know, it can be resolved otherwise. But let me say congrats to the selectors on picking a winning team.”
The veteran coach, who has also enjoyed a productive year in local cricket, marvelled at the tournament’s most valuable player, Ackeem Auguste, who made an unbeaten 208 against Dominica in the final. Auguste ended the tournament with 348 runs from 236 balls.
But Crafton also noted that the team got contributions from several players. Wicketkeeper Noelle Leo made 131 runs, Shadrack Descarte 115 and Kimani Melius 108. Keon Gaston topped the wicket-taking table with 12, Shawnil Edward was joint second with eight, and Jaden Elibox finished with six.
“Oh, Ackeem’s knock was exceptional. I mean, throughout my time as a coach, I’ve hardly seen an innings so clinical and so much in command,” gushed Crafton. “And let me just tell him, you know, congrats on a wonderful, marvellous innings.
“I think it was just everybody raised their hands up at some point. We never allowed the team to be on the ground. Somebody always raised their hand. We had good partnerships throughout; the openers did well in patches. So, it was just a good team effort both with the bat and the ball.”
Batsmen
| Name | Runs | Balls | Sixes | Fours | |
| 1st | Ackeem Auguste | 348 | 236 | 18 | 36 |
| 9th | Noelle Leo | 131 | 112 | 10 | 11 |
| 15th | Shadrack Descarte | 115 | 103 | 6 | 6 |
| 18th | Kimani Melius | 108 | 107 | 3 | 15 |
| 20th | Jaden Elibox | 89 | 82 | ||
| 21st | Keon Gaston | 84 | 100 | ||
| 22nd | Johnnel Eugene | 75 | 91 | ||
| 23rd | Tarrique Edward | 64 | 98 |
Bowlers
| Name | Wickets | Overs | Average | Economy | |
| 1st | Keon Gaston | 12 | 31 | 12.75 | 4.94 |
| 2nd | Shawnil Edward | 8 | 22.4 | 20.38 | 7.19 |
| 5th | Jaden Elibox | 6 | 37 | 26.17 | 4.24 |
| 15th | Shadrack Descarte | 4 | 17 | 27.50 | 6.47 |
| 18th | Tarrique Edward | 3 | 17.5 | 35.67 | 6.00 |
| 18th | Dornan Edward | 3 | 15 | 32.33 | 6.47 |
