The Babonneau cricket community gathered on May 21 for the second annual Clash of the Leatherbacks draft, ahead of the upcoming tournament. The draft featured some of Saint Lucia’s most exciting young players, selected for this developmental Under-21 competition. Three teams will compete in a double round-robin group stage, with each team playing the others twice. The top two teams on points will then face off in a winner-takes-all final.
Spearheaded by Babonneau head coach Jervaughn Charles, the tournament will be played in a 35-over format, a blend of T20 and 50-over cricket. Victorious teams will earn 10 points for a win, with additional merits awarded for excellence in batting, bowling and fielding.
According to Charles, the vision behind the competition is firmly rooted in player development.
“The main focus of this tournament is a developmental tournament where we have a double round-robin,” he said. “Because we have only three teams, each team will play the other two teams twice, plus each aspect of the game – batting, bowling, fielding – there are points that you will get if you do those aspects right.”
He further emphasised the inclusion of younger players:
“This year, I really wanted to incorporate the under-15s into the game. We often find out that because teams are so willing to win, they are often forgotten. Special rules were put in place so that the under-15s will actually be more engaged in the game, and there’ll be a little bit more respect. This tournament is not looking at the now, but at the future as well.
“We give them that opportunity to play with other people and just build this rapport, build friendships, and so on. We just want to see continued growth in and confidence in our players.”
The draft itself consisted of nine rounds, with the first four reserved for Babonneau-based players. Teams then selected five marquee outside players. Each team had one minute to deliberate on their picks.
Drafted Teams
Snapping Strikers
- Sacchin Cepal (Captain)
- Javonnie Dorville (Vice Captain)
- Kyle Stephens
- Cansius Simon
- Yunieski Gustave
- Shakim Jacobie
- Therron Herelle
- Armani Florius
- Kurnil John
- Roystan Fanis
- Daniel Lorde
- Nyhim Weekes
- Ryan Goodman
- Tarrique Edward
- Isaiah Jones
Hawksbill Hitters
- Yulieski Gustave (Captain)
- Jdell Louis (Vice Captain)
- McKay Brigitte
- Lesean Alphonse
- Nemiah Wilfred
- Joshua Solomon
- Shaidei St. Omer
- Desne Gidharry
- Kierverny Melius
- Khan Elcock
- Theo Edward
- Darvon Forde
- Garrette Alphonse
- Kethan Charlemagne
- Leon Alexander
Terrapin Thumpers
- Alexi Khodra (Captain)
- Vishal Singh (Vice Captain)
- Kenrick Louis
- Vincy Cadasse
- Torres George
- Jaedon Khodra
- Jahim Mathurin
- Jayvon Eugene
- Jadel Regis
- Lee John
- Aaron St Clair
- Kaleb Charles
- Jewelle Simon
- Shawniel Edward
- Nathaniel Joseph
Of note is an EC$5,000 contribution to the tournament by West Indies and Saint Lucia Kings top-order batsman Ackeem Auguste. Auguste, now a professional cricketer, credited Babonneau’s cricket programme for his development and growth. His contribution represents a heartfelt gesture of giving back to the community that helped nurture his talent.
Babonneau cricket facilitators reaffirmed their commitment to the continued development of the sport within the community and across Saint Lucia.
