TT cricketers steal spotlight at Under-17 awards

TT defended the title ending the tournament with three wins, one loss and one no result. Avinash Mahabirsingh, Leonardo Julien and Sameer Ali all won awards for TT . Mahabirsingh won the MVP Award for his excellent all-round effort during the tournament. The spinner finished fourth among the wickets with 11 scalps, fifth on the batting chart with 110 runs and took three catches to finish seventh on the most dismissals/ catches standings.

Julien held six catches, completed five stumpings and had one assisted run out to top the most dismissals/catches standings.

Ali and Barbadian Matthew Forde both ended the tournament with 13 wickets, but the TT spin bowler was given the award because TT won the tournament. Ali also had a better economy rate and average.

Barbadian Rashawn Worrell ensured TT did not sweep the prizes taking home the most runs award. Worrell scored 137 runs in the tournament and was the only batsmen to score a century (101).

Dr Allen Sammy, an executive member of the TT Cricket Board, encouraged the youngsters to progress to the senior level. “I urge you in going forward.

Everyone of you will probably play for the West Indies at some point or at least come close to it, or play for your national team because you are the best,” Sammy said. Sammy said it is important to work hard and have respect for the game. “But you can’t remain the best without working hard and without learning the laws of the game and without respecting your colleagues.

Respecting your fellow players, respecting umpires and match referees. You have to understand that. The minute that slides away then your play slides away. You will not understand the connection now because you are young, but it will happen later in life.” Also addressing the youngsters was Director of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Jimmy Adams.