Ceramic Trinidad Merryboys rule

Ceramic Trinidad Merryboys Cricket Club were the winners of  three coveted titles in the 2003 domestic cricket season. Their biggest catch was the Carib National League Division One title and a $35,000 purse.

They repeated as champions having won the crown last year. Going into the final round, Merry boys were in third place and the title was still up for grabs. They hammered Queen’s Park Cricket Club, thanks to contributions from  national players Lincoln Roberts and Lendl Simmons, for an outright win. Their closest rivals going into the final day’s play were First Citizens Clarke Road United who were facing the mighty Alescon Comet. That match ended in a draw and Merryboys were crowned national champions for the second straight year.

In addition to this title, the boys from Diego Martin also won the Carib National League Reserve competition. They were placed in Group “A” and won their zone, to claim their title. They were then sent to a national play-offs with the winners of the other zone and took that title as well. In the limited overs league, success still eluded them at the final hurdle as they finished runners-up in the Carib Cup series. Their loyal fans had packed Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre for the final hoping that they would finally win a limited overs title after trying for three years. They were however turned back at the final stage by First Citizens Clarke Road United. Their efforts did not go unnoticed and the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) awarded them the “Club of the Year” title for 2003.

At their prize giving last Saturday at the Diego Martin Community Centre, president Patrick Rampersad said: “We must celebrate our success that we have achieved in 2003. In the midst of celebrations we must always be mindful of our shortcomings and find creative methods for sustenance and improvement. But we have cause for real celebration based on a tremendous achievement by the Ceramic Merryboys Cricket Club.” Rampersad added that winning the “Club of the Year” title was a great achievement. “This prestigious award was the source of much controversy and I wish to compliment the chairman and the members of the National League Committee for their strength of character in maintaining their decision in spite of the tremendous pressure brought on them by club presidents. In fact, one very popular president took the issue to the press, but the press being fair, understood that Merryboys properly deserved this prestigious title. “The results speak for themselves, so there is little wonder that Merryboys have become one of the most followed clubs by cricket supporters and enthusiasts.” Rampersad ended by saying that the club will be going all out to make it a hat-trick of victories next year by winning the National League Division One title yet again.