Barbados’ back-to-back title triumphs in the West Indies’ Under-15 Cricket Tournament weren’t a stroke of luck.
In fact, team manager Jason Haynes says their victory in Jamaica following last year’s home feat, resulted from prolonged preparation and planning with the boys showing mental toughness to rebound from a first match loss to Trinidad and Tobago.
“This success, it just didn’t happen like that. We just didn’t turn on a switch and success is there. Things had to be put in place and obviously when you achieve what you set out to do, that’s a fulfilling feeling,” Haynes said at the team’s celebratory reception at Kensington Oval on Wednesday evening.
It was the fifth Under-15 title for Barbados and Haynes, a former national youth and senior team captain, said he was proud of the players.
“The reason why I am obviously proud of these boys too is when we had the disappointment of losing that first game, they would’ve been under so much pressure because every game after that became a must-win situation and these boys showed a lot of character and mental toughness,” Haynes declared.
He praised the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) in paving the path for progress.
“The guys obviously went with a plan. I want to say thanks to the BCA for putting things in place and creating an environment for these boys to succeed,” he said.
Dr Rudy Alleyne was also hailed for his inspiring motivational meetings before the tournament.
“He would’ve engaged the boys in a number of mental skills sessions which I believe have been of tremendous value to these boys.”
While captain Nimar Bolden led from the front, Jaden Leacock copped the Most Valuable Player award which went to Jacob Bethell last year, off-spinner Tariq O’Neale took the most wickets and Jamario St Hill was the top wicketkeeper, Haynes said every player weighed in.
“It was really a very good team effort. Each individual in this team contributed to the success. At any given point in time, someone always stepped up,” he said.
He also mentioned the team’s battle with bouts of viral illness as Devon Stephenson was forced to return home and Hakeem Perryman replaced him.
“We had our challenges. About seven boys came down ill during the tournament, including members of the management team. After the third game, we only had about ten and a half fit players,” he said.
BCA president Conde Riley also lauded the team, noting their success was a fitting award for the legendary 93-year-old Sir Everton Weekes after whom their training base, The Centre of Excellence, was named.
He said it was achieved during the 70th anniversary of his long-standing record of five consecutive Test centuries against India in 1948.
Riley urged parents and other family members, who attended the function, to continue supporting their children in their cricketing pursuits.
“I am extremely happy that you are paying attention to the development of your children. There are several distractions for young people nowadays but cricket is a viable option, get your children to take up balls, not bullets and knives,” implored Riley.
Marketing manager of team sponsor, Rubis Eastern Caribbean Limited, Andrea Gooding congratulated the players and said it was a pleasure to work with the BCA and the team. (EZS)
