West Indies Domestic: Think of the opportunities

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!