Lara named Trinidad's player of year

Brian Lara was named Trinidad's Cricketer of the Year by Gus Logie, the West Indies coach, at the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board's 47th annual presentation function last week.

As well as his efforts against Australia and Sri Lanka for West Indies this season, Lara also contributed to victories for Trinidad and Tobago in the Carib Beer regional series, making him the clear favourite for the honour. Ravi Rampaul, who holds the record for the most wickets in a regional youth series, was named the Young Cricketer of the Year over the weekend.

Logie announced the awards at the function, before which he addressed the club's up and coming players. He said all eyes would be on the successful young players in the coming season, and warned them of the pressures of making it to the top level.

Logie said: "You will have to love it. Love the battle, love the challenges, love to see the momentum shift, and you must not be scared to defy the norm."