West Indies Domestic: Think of the opportunities
Antigua have made what the W.I.C.B
Zach Kenworthy
27-Feb-2000
Antigua have made what the W.I.C.B. may consider as a bold move
last week when they announced that they were attempting to break
away from the Leeward Islands and play as a separate entity in
regional first-class competition. Antigua announced that they
felt that they were ready for first class cricket and felt that
they should have their chance to prove themselves later this year
in the Red Stripe Bowl.
The West Indies Cricket Board should consider this bid seriously
and not make a decision without first investigating the Leeward's
system. Off the bat, it is clear from such a move that Antigua's
heart is no longer part of Leeward Island's cricket. Furthermore,
the opportunities created from such a move would not only be
evident in Antigua's cricket but also in Leeward Island's cricket
as a whole.
Antigua should be given their chance for a number of reasons. One
of the most obvious is the fact that it will produce a much
needed, longer regional season. Too many of our young cricketers
are not producing the `goods' because of the lack of match play.
Our cricketers enter the international arena with very little
first-class cricket under their belt and the consequences are
evident. The inexperience of our cricketers when dealing with
match situations is too often exposed by better, more experienced
cricketers of other, stronger international teams.
Another, very important reason why Antigua should be given their
chance to play as a separate entity is that it will expose far
more talent than would normally be exposed at the first-class
level. Both the Leeward Islands and Antigua would have the
opportunity to `blood' more young cricketers in the first-class
arena. Initially, both sides may be weak but in the long run,
Antiguan, Leeward Islands and West Indies cricket would benefit
tremendously.
Antigua also produced their list of cricketers who are more then
capable of playing first-class cricket and included such names
as: Curtley Ambrose, Kerry Jeremy, Dave Joseph. Sylvester Joseph,
Wilden Cornwall, Earl Waldron, Ricky Christopher, Goldwyn Prince,
Anthony Lake, Kenny Benjamin and, of course, Ridley Jacobs. This
is, indeed, quite a formidable eleven. The remaining territories
of the Leeward Islands would have a more than adequate side, even
though Montserrat is not producing cricketers at the moment.
However, Nevis, Anguilla and St. Kitts could definitely produce a
first-class side that can ably compete at the regional level.
The list would include such players as:- Stuart Williams, Keith
Arthurton, Carl Tuckett, Runako Morton, Warrington Phillip, Joel
Simmonds, John Maynard, Merlin Liburd, Sylvester Browne, Tonito
Willet, St.Clair Challenger (Nevis), Alex Adams, Omari Banks,
Terry Adams, Marlon Martin, Chaka Hodge (Anguilla), Junie
Mitchum, Colin Cannonier, Jason Saddler, Elsroy Powell, Jason
Williams, Frank Monzac and Codville Rogers (St. Kitts). This
twenty four-man squad is more than capable of taking over the
reins of Leeward Island's cricket and producing a first-class
side. Of the twenty four, twelve have played first-class cricket
for the Leeward Islands and all twenty four have been involved in
a Leeward Island's training camp at one time or another.
Of course, The W.I.C.B. would also have to look towards the
future before they make a decision. Antigua have not entirely
dominated any of the youth tournaments in recent years but one,
and that was last year's Leeward Islands Under 15 Tournament. In
the other tournaments, both under 15 and under 19, Anguilla,
St.Kitts and Nevis have performed well and this is portrayed in
the youth teams that were selected. In recent years the Leewards
youth teams have been a `good mix' of players from all
territories. St. Kitts, Anguilla and Nevis also have very good
youth programs. St. Kitts have had a youth cricket academy for
some time and has produced very good youth talent over the past
few years. It is an impressive learning facility that enables
many youth cricketers the opportunity to further their careers in
all aspects of the game. They also have a very dedicated and
qualified youth coach in Ingleton Liburd, as does Anguilla in
Cardigan Connor. Both Anguilla and Nevis have the advantage of
being small. Not much young talent slips through the cracks and
is lost. Both Anguilla and Nevis have very good youth programs
that will only improve as time evolves.
The W.I.C.B. would also have to consider the facilities that are
available throughout the Leewards. Although Antigua have the most
formidable facility in the Leewards in the A.R.G., Anguilla, St.
Kitts and Nevis are making great strides. Anguilla has
undoubtedly the best pitch in the Caribbean and there are plans
to build a grand stand at the southern end of the R.W.P. which
will include a media centre. St. Kitts, who have been seriously
hit by Hurricanes in recent years, also has plans to renovate and
modernise Warner Park. Nevis is also not far behind and have
plans for a new, modern pavilion.
There are indeed, numerous areas that the W.I.C.B. will have to
look at before they can make a decision. However, there is no
doubt in most Leeward Islander's minds that Antigua's departure
from Leeward Islands cricket would definitely benefit all
territories that are currently under the `pineapple flag'. Just
think of the opportunities!