Cricketers build on football success

This was observed by Dudnath Ramkessoon, First Vice President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB).

"I am overjoyed as it proves the point that the Cricket Board’s Development Programme is now beginning to pay handsome dividends," said Ramkessoon yesterday.

Trinidad and Tobago led by Daren Ganga defeated Barbados by 264 runs on Sunday in the final round match to win the championship after 21 years.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the team was properly and effectively marshalled by Daren Ganga, who has definitely been improving ovet the last few seasons and with him ensuring that members were well focussed for the final, victory was inevitable," Ramkessoon said.

The former outstanding Presentation College, Chaguanas batsman and West Indies Youth captain said the achievement was especially pleasing.

"It was all the more sumptuous considering that it was only three weeks ago that we lost to the Windward Islands. It just goes to show that if the motivation is there discipline and performance will follow," Ramkessoon said.

He pointed out that the inclusion of Brian Lara and Mervyn Dillon on the team for the Barbados match made a big difference and he hoped that they would continue to make themselves available for selection when the knock-out tournament is staged in April with the top four teams.

Ramkessoon said that in was in 2004 that the national cricketers won the President’s Cup one-day series.

"With the four-day title now in our grasp it is clear that the team is beginning to mature and we could rule the Caribbean roost for the next few years all things being equal," he said.

The Chief selector said the presence of Lara and Dillon must have helped the other members of the team to push forward with a greater sense of determination.

In that regard he praised young Lendl Simmoms for his splendid knock of 115 runs in the second innings. "And in fact the entire team for their concentrated approach to the game," he said.

Ramkessoon noted that Trinidad and Tobago are currently the Under-15 and Under-19 regional champions but have turned the corner with the seniors.

"There should be no turning back," he said.

"We as a Board would continue to provide the necessary support to the players to ensure consistency of performance so that we could make a vital contribution to the West Indies team to regain our international image and further to be of service to the region in our thrust to play at our best in the 2007 World Cup," Ramkessoon said.

He commended the young players of the team including Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, Dwayne Bravo among others saying they came through the local cricket.

"With the team’s overall training and mental approach we are on the verge of greater regional cricket accomplishments," he said.