A new initiative by the Sports Department on Nevis, coordinated by local coaches, Stuart Williams and Carl Tuckett, got underway on Sunday 21st May.
A brief opening ceremony was held at the ET Willet Park, which was ably chaired by Carl Tuckett.
Prayer was offered by one of the young cricketers, Adiel Persaud and Mr. Tuckett in his opening remarks, noted that it was indeed an historic occasion, as the tournament was the first of its kind.
He thanked the sponsors, Pennyless Auto Parts, for sponsoring the tournament and recognized chief coordinator of the tournament, Stuart Williams. He made mention of all of the parents; coaches and mentors who would have assisted the players.
He promoted camaraderie and long term friendships, as a result of such a tournament.
Director of Sports, Mr. Jamir Claxton, used the opportunity to congratulate Stuart Williams and Carl Tuckett for their vison in helping to develop the young cricketers.
He also left the following pointers with the young players:
Attitude-has to be positive in everything you do
Discipline-each individual must be disciplined on and off the field
He noted that his department has a lot of confidence in the young cricketers of Nevis and will do everything possible to assist them in their growth and development.
A minute’s silence was observed in remembrance of the late Philo Wallace, in whose honour the tournament is being played.
The trophies at stake include: championship trophy; batsman with the most runs; bowler with the most wickets; best fielder; best wicket keeper and the MVP of the tournament.
Immediately after the opening ceremony, the first match in the exciting series commenced, as Eastern engaged Windward.
Windward, won the toss and elected to bat first and scored 151 in 29.5 of their allotted 30 overs. Shevon Jeffers top scored with an attacking 27.
The Eastern team used all of 28.3 overs, before eventually overhauling the total, in the close encounter.
Jamie Cornelius was his usual aggressive self with 59.
Summarized scores: Windward-151 all out in 29.5 overs: Shevon Jeffers 27; Theron Bussue 24; Ryan Powell 22
Carlon Tuckett 3 for 34; Tewani Prentice 2 for 16; Jamie Cornelius 2 for 18; Naje Amory 1 for 16 and Jivani Tyson 1 for 18. There were 40 extras
Man of the innings-Carlon Tuckett
Eastern 152 for 5 in 28.3 overs: Jamie Cornelius 59; Carlon Tuckett 30; N’Cosie George 19*
Patricio Stapleton 3 for 28; Theron Bussue 1 for 23; Marcus Dubberry 1 for 24. There were 20 extras.
Man of the innings-Patricio Stapleton
Man of the match-Carlon Tuckett
Eastern won by 5 wickets
The next set of games will be played this coming weekend as follows:
Saturday 27th May Central v Eastern
Sunday 28th May Windward v Eastern