Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring has congratulated Barbados’ rising stars after they retained their Rising Stars Under-15 title with a commanding victory over Guyana.
In a statement issued by CWI, Dehring praised the team’s efforts: “I offer sincere congratulations to the Barbados team for claiming consecutive titles. This is a testament to the hard work and collective effort of the players and the coaching staff. Barbados played with great skill, enthusiasm, and passion throughout the tournament. Their consistency showcased the rising talent in the Caribbean, and it was inspiring to see so many young players competing at this level.”
Barbados secured the championship with a 49-run win in the decisive top-of-the-table clash at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua, on April 23. After setting 209 for 8 from their 50 overs, they dismissed Guyana for 160 to seal back-to-back titles.
The week-long tournament, hosted in Antigua, featured youth teams from across the region. There were a number of standout individual performances, particularly from the champions.
Barbados captain Justin Parris was named Best All-Rounder after scoring 121 runs and taking 13 wickets with his leg-spin. Top-order batter Kelani Clarke also impressed, finishing as the competition’s leading run-scorer with 216 runs.
Guyana’s Reyaz Latif took 15 wickets to claim the Most Wickets award, while team-mate Richard Ramdeholl and the Leeward Islands’ J’Quan Athanaze shared the Most Catches accolade, with five each. Jamaica’s Luwain Pryce was recognised as Best Wicketkeeper with 11 dismissals.
Dehring highlighted the broader importance of the competition for youth development across the region: “This is the development phase for our players, and the pride and skill on display throughout the tournament bodes well for the future. The individual winners will have moments to cherish as they continue their growth and progress through the age-group levels, with the ultimate goal of representing the West Indies.”
Barbados topped the final standings on 27.4 points, ahead of Trinidad and Tobago, who finished second with 19.4 points.
