[dropcap]A[/dropcap]fter nearly two months of cricket the Sandals Under19 Cricket Tournament is now in its final stages. The finals will be between Babonneau and Gros Islet set for 10:00a.m. Sunday at Mindoo Phillip Park.
Gros Islet is a perennial favourite and appears to be stacked behind the leadership of West Indies Under 19 cricketer Kimani Melius. They also feature the likes of West Indies U16 players Dane Edward, Lee Solomon and Garvin Serieux Jr, but that’s not all. Entrepot Secondary School captain, Tyrel Chicot, and St Mary’s College captain, Simeon Gerson are also members of this squad.
Melius started playing cricket in his home community Boguis. He was part of the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Program and later got admission to the Babonneau Secondary School, where he was identified for his skill and was selected to be part of the St Lucia Under 15 Team. Melius then went on to the Windwards Under 15 Team and later the West Indies Under 16 Team. He served St Lucia in Under 15, Windwards Under 15 in the capacity of Captain. This year Melius was also a member of the West Indies Under 19 Team that played in New Zealand. He is a huge fan of Virat Kohli.
This is truly a talented outfit, however, Babonneau is not without talent of their own. Captain Kwane Henry is in a talented batsman. He is ably supported by St Lucia and Windward Islands Captain Ackeem Auguste, Ephron Charles and Ryan Goodman who are also Windward Islands U16 players will be providing support.
Captain Henry began playing cricket at the tender age of eight through the Sports for Life Cricket Program at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. When this program came to an end, Henry joined the John Eugene Cricket Academy. That’s where he honed his skills. Under the watchful eye of Head Coach, John Eugene he developed into a formidable batsman.
Where Babonneau has truly distinguished themselves is in the bowling department. Craig Elisee and Windwards U15 player Amari Venner have been amazing all season long. They will be ably supported by Nyheem Rosemond, Caleb Thomas and Zayee Antoine.
This David vs Goliath matchup is expected to be an exciting affair.
