Barbados Boys Poised for Title Defense in West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-17 Championship

The Barbados boys are days away from commencing the defence of their West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-17 2-Day and 50-Overs Championship. This year’s tournament is set to get underway at the National Cricket Centre in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago, from August 13.

Head coach Dexter Toppin believes his charges are well prepared and ready for the challenges of the upcoming competition, he said: “The team is well balanced; preparation was pretty good, as the guys went through their paces well and really worked hard leading up to the competition”

Coach Toppin also spoke on what he is projecting in terms of team performance.

“Expectations are pretty high, as defending champions,” he told Barbados TODAY. “I think the guys going for the first time will represent us well. They are very talented. Expectations are to do well and to make sure the boys do the right things.”

Batsman Joshua Dorne will lead the squad as captain.He was a member of the West Indies team to the ICC U19 World Cup earlier this year in South Africa. He also tasted further success as Barbados won both titles in the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 2-Day and 50-Overs Championship in St Vincent & the Grenadines.

A great deal will be banking on Dorne to show his true potential at this level. The stylish left-hand batter Micah Greenidge would be the other member of the team who also took part in the Cricket West Indies U19 tournament.

The fast bowling department will be spearheaded by Jakeem Pollard, Damani Roach, and R’jai Gittens, while key contributions are expected from players such as Xaundre Baptiste, Zachary Carter, Gadson Bowens, Shaquan Belle, and Joshua Branch.

“Barbados cricket is really in a good state, I hope these boys will answer the call and make Barbados cricket proud” Toppin concluded.

The boys will begin their quest for back to back titles when they take on Jamaica next Tuesday in the 2-day competition.

Full Team- Joshua Dorne (Captain), Xaundre Baptiste, Shaquan Belle, Gadson Bowens, Joshua Branch, Zachary Carter, R’Jai Gittens, Jordan Graham, Micah Greenidge, Khomari Griffith, Kevion Newton, Jakeem Pollard, Damani Roach, Damarko Wiggins.

Reserves – Justin Parris, Vickram Dhanraj, Rachad Gill, Mikhail Grant-Bennet, Raedon Bellamy, Akobi Crichlow-Byer.

Head Coach – Dexter Toppin, Assistant Coach – Nhamo Winn, Manager Dwayne Best, Physio – Qwayne Darymple.(ZM)