Hard work paid off for U19 cricket champions

Head coach Robin Parris has attributed the success of the Barbados team during the recent Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 competition, to hard work, dedication and solid preparation. The team returned to the island on Thursday night, having played unbeaten during six games in the competition in Antigua. Barbados defeated Jamaica by 116 runs in the final. “I’m happy and satisfied. If we go way back to when the trials started in April, until the climax, their commitment has been tremendous,” said Parris. Coach of the Barbados Under-19 Cricket team, Robin Parris. (Photo Credit: Kurtis Hinds) “They worked hard at their game, have been early for training and the general body of the team has been really good. The idea was to hit the ground running, make our mark on the tournament, and leave our mark on it. The general standard of the tournament was pretty good. We took it one game at a time and we ended up winning each one, which is tremendous.”  Also on hand at the Grantley Adams International Airport last night to welcome the team was Barbados Cricket Association President Calvin Hope. “A lot will be expected of you, so we await your hard work as you continue the hard work to go further in cricket.” Hope urged them to follow the high standards set by Sir Garfield Sobers, who died on June 17. He said the former West Indies captain always kept himself informed about the exploits of young Barbadian players. “He was a man that never missed anything that happens in our cricket. Had he been fit and alive, he would want to see every one of you. But in his name, I’m asking you. Make him your example.” In addition to being crowned champions, Barbados also claimed a number of individual awards. Justin Parris was named Most Valuable Player after scoring 196 runs, including a century, in the final. He also took a tournament-leading 17 wickets. “I think I performed pretty well, thanks to God. I think the team bonded pretty well and that was one of the reasons for our success,” he said. Parris also believes his senior team experience with the Barbados ‘A’ team was a major asset. Captain Gadson Bowens finished as the championship’s leading batsman, after scoring 309 runs, including a double century. “It was a very proud moment for me, very proud moment for my family. I think me buying into the coaches’ plans from early on, saying once we bat well in this tournament we will do well, was the main focus for me going through that innings.” In the remaining final round matches, Trinidad and Tobago secured third place with a seven-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands while in the  fifth-place playoff, Guyana recorded a 53-run victory over the Windward Islands. (KH) The post Hard work paid off for U19 cricket champions appeared first on Barbados Today.