‘Pres’ Chaguanas cop Sam Jattan cricket crown

The Presentation boys were set up by excellent knocks from “Man-of-the-Match” and “Best Fielder” Aaron Bankay who made 28 with three fours, and Aidan Ragoonath, who scored an undefeated 29, including two boundaries as they cruised to 101 for one in 11 of the 15-over match.

Earlier, the Chancellor team had scored an impressive 99 for three wickets after winning the toss and taking first strike on a flat, easy-paced wicket and lightning fast outfield. Their captain Kristian Dookree, a student of Vishnu Boys College in Caroni, claimed the “Best Batsman” prize awarded for an attractive 39 with three maximums and one boundary; while Isaac Ramoutar contributed 23 not out, with two hits to the boundary ropes.

The Presentation College bowling was highlighted by “Best Allrounder” recipient Ragoonath, who took one for 15 in his three overs. He is the son of Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) Chief Executive Officer Suruj Ragoonath, an opening batsman who played for the West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago.

The other two wicket-takers when the Chancellor boys batted were Rajeev Ramnarine (one for 12 in three overs) and Presentation captain Raul Pitiram who claimed one for 14 in two overs.

Witnessing the match were local government councillor for Monroe Road, Adrian Ali, also an active cricketer; general secretary of the TT Cricket Board, Arjoon Ramlal; president of the TT Umpires and Scorers Council Paras Ramoutar; and Surujdath Mahabir, president of the Secondary Schools Cricket League.

In a short address to the appreciable crowd, Lalman Kowlessar, second vice-president of the TTCB, and coach of the Presentation College team said that he was pleased with the revival of the San Jattan Memorial Youth League which he stated was founded in 1998.

“The competition brought out some exciting cricket by a crop of young talented cricketers who we are certain will go on to represent Central Zone and the national and regional teams,” said Kowlessar, one of the longest serving cricket administrators in Trinidad and Tobago. He also made a strong plea to the cricketers to concentrate on their studies while pursuing their cricket so they can develop into well-rounded individuals who can excel in both academics and sport and lay the foundation for a successful future on and off the field.

Main driver behind the resuscitation of the league, named after a well-loved central Trinidad politician who made a sterling contribution, was Manohar Ramsaran, a former Minister of Sport and now executive member of the TTCB.

He said he was pleased with the completion of the league and paid tribute to top Central Zone umpire Farouk Hosein, and TTCB Central Zone Co-ordinator Neisha Wildman who both worked tirelessly to ensure that the competition met the highest expectations.

Ramsaran said that Sam Jattan Memorial Youth Cricket League is a timely reminder that the young cricketers hold the key to the success of the Central Zone and he has pledged to continue to work towards the growth and development of the sport at all levels.