WI U-15: Youngsters promise bright future (17 Apr 1998)

April 17, 1998

Youngsters promise bright future

Tony Becca

CRICKET: The regional Under 15 cricket tournament sponsored by Caribbean Cement Company enters its final round tomorrow and those fans who have not yet seen the young players in action should take the opportunity to do so.

After four rounds, Guyana, the Leeward Islands, and the Windward Islands share the lead on six points each, and with Guyana up against the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands tackling Jamaica who are on four points, the promise is for a lovely climax to what has been a wonderful tournament.

Two points behind the leaders, Jamaica, who lost their first two matches and won the next two, are out of contention. Apart from finishing second however, the hosts can determine what happens at the top.

If Jamaica defeat the Windward Islands, not only will they finish with the same number of points as the Windward Islands and the losers of the Guyana/Leeward Islands encounter, but the title will go to the winners of the Guyana/Leeward Islands match. If Jamaica lose however, the Windward Islands and the winners of the Guyana/ Leeward Islands contest will finish on top with equal points with the title going to the winner of the game between the teams.

As satisfying as victory is and always will be, this tournament is not so much about winning and losing as it is about development, and based on performances so far, the future of West Indies cricket appears to be in good hands - especially in the batting department.

As far as line and length are concerned, the bowling has been good, and the fielding has been sharp. The batting however, has been really impressive. The batsmen have displayed not only good technique in defence, but they have also played some good strokes - especially while driving off either the frontfoot or the backfoot.

The coaches obviously have done a good job with the youngsters and they should be commended. There has been a tendency however, to shout instructions from the pavilion or from the boundary's edge, and in the process of development that may not be good for the youngsters - especially the batsmen.

While there is no question that occupation of the crease is vital to good batting, at their present age the batsmen should be allowed to express themselves, encouraged to play strokes, and to enjoy the art of batting.

So far, it has been a pleasure watching the youngsters compete against each other - especially as the standard of play has been matched by the spirit in which the matches have been played.

Source :: The Jamaica Gleaner (https://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/)