CNC3 – Esteemed commentator and the voice of West Indies cricket, Tony Cozier, has passed away, aged 75.

Winston Anthony Cozier was born in July 1940 in Barbados and became one of cricket’s great voices.

Cozier is said to have covered almost every cricket series involving the West Indies series since 1962.

He has donned many hats during his lifetime, and is one of the most respected cricket writers, broadcasters and historians to have come out of the Caribbean.

Cozier had been under doctors’ care at the Bayview Hospital in Beckles Road for some time.

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PRESS RELEASE – It is with deep regret that the HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) learned of the passing of world-renowned West Indies commentator Tony Cozier on Wednesday following a long illness.

Cozier, 75, covered almost every West Indies series since 1962, and is the most respected cricket writer, broadcaster and historian to have come out of the Caribbean.

Commenting on the sad news, Damien O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer of the CPL said: “It was with great sadness that we learned of Tony’s sad passing.

“To many fans across the Caribbean and beyond he was quite simply the voice of West Indies cricket. His love of cricket was a positive influence in telling the story across a golden era for West Indies cricket and he was hugely respected and loved, in equal measure, by fans of the game.

“For more than 50 years Tony’s voice has resonated through television, radio or the written word in homes across the cricketing world and he was admired internationally for his passion, insight and enthusiasm.

“Most recently Tony was kind enough to share some of his hopes and thoughts on the forthcoming CPL in a way that was typically Tony; full of insight, forthright opinion and, above all, humour. He spoke at length about his beloved Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis and the soon to be published Jamaica. Though this series will now remain unfinished, like his legacy, they will live on and no doubt endure for all time.

“On behalf of the CPL I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his wife Jillian, children Craig and Natalie and his family and friends at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”

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Tony Cozier

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Wednesday paid tribute to Winston Anthony Lloyd Cozier. The legendary cricket journalist, died on Wednesday morning in Barbados. He was 75 years old. Tony Cozier, as he was known worldwide, was the “voice of West Indies cricket” and covered the game for over 50 years.

He reported on all major events in world cricket during that period and was globally-respected for his outstanding work as a journalist, writer, historian, radio commentator and television analyst.

He was the editor and publisher of the West Indies Cricket Annual for over 20 years and the Red Stripe Caribbean Cricket Quarterly for a decade. He wrote for several publications in the Caribbean and was a contributor to the Wisden Cricket Almanack.

Tribute from the Office of the President, Board of Directors, and Staff of the WICB reads: “On behalf the WICB and the various stakeholders in West Indies Cricket we offer sincere condolences to his wife Jillian, his son Craig, his daughter Natalie, his grandchildren and other family and friends. ”

“The lifelong work of Tony Cozier centred around West Indies cricket and he made a lasting contribution to the game. He ensured that West Indies cricket fans all around the world received information and knowledge about their beloved team and their favourite players. His life was dedicated to the game in the Caribbean and we salute him for his outstanding work.”

“He was not just a great journalist, but also a great ambassador. He represented West Indies wherever he went. He educated people around the world about our cricket, our people, our culture and who we are. His voice was strong and echoed around the cricket world. He enjoyed West Indies victories and shared the pain when we lost. He gave a lifetime of dedicated service and will be remembered by all who came into contact with him.”

Cozier was a member of the Wanderers Cricket Club, where he played cricket alongside Test players Geoffrey Greenidge and Richard Edwards, as well as the late Peter Short, former President of the WICB.

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Tony Cozier, BBC Commentator

PRESS RELEASE – The executive and members of the West Indies Players’ Association would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of esteemed cricket journalist Winston Anthony Cozier.

Mr Cozier was considered by the many the voice of Caribbean cricket. He commentated on almost every West Indies series since 1962. He was renowned for his knowledge of cricket history and statistics.

Mr Cozier worked in radio and television all around the world, and wrote numerous articles about cricket. He continued having articles published with one as recent as last week, mere days before his passing. He was a pioneer in his field, at the beginning of his career he was usually the only West Indian on the commentary team.

He was the author of The West Indies: 50 Years of Test Cricket, he also received the honour of having the press box at the Kensington Oval in Barbados re-named for him. In 2011, for his contributions to the game the Marylebone Cricket Club named him an Honorary Lift Member

Mr Cozier passed away at the age of 75 in his home country of Barbados; WIPA again sends its condolences to his family, friends and the entire cricket fraternity.

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PRESS RELEASE – The SLNCA Mindoo Phillip Division 1, Division 2 and Alicia John T20 competitions continue this weekend at venues around the island:

Mindoo Phillip Division 1 – May 14th& 15th, 2016 from 10am:
1. Laborie v Soufriere @ Laborie
2. South Castries v Gros Islet @ Dennery

Alicia John Women’s T20 Semi Finals – Sunday May 15th, 2016:
1. 11am – Gros Islet v Choiseul @ Phillip Marcellin Ground
2. 2:30pm – South Castries v Laborie @ Phillip Marcellin Ground

Finals – Monday 16th at the Mindoo Phillip Park from 1:30pm

Division 2 – Saturday May 14th, 2016 from 10am:
1. Vieux Fort South v Vieux Fort North @ Phillip Marcellin Ground
2. Anse La Raye v Babonneau @ MPP
3. Micoud v Dennery @ Mon Repos

Monday May 16th
Anse La Raye v Micoud @ Mon Repos
Vieux Fort South v Babonneau @ Phillip Marcellin

Senior Cricket Team Trials May 14th& 15th, 2016 from 10am:
1. Senior team trial match @ Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium

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The players from the Digicel Kickstart Clinic in Trinidad and Tobago worked hard to impress the Manchester City FC coaches

PRESS RELEASE – Trinidad and Tobago’s top footballing talent was on display at the Digicel Kickstart Clinic, which was held at the St. Mary’s College Sports Grounds.

The sweltering heat did not deter the eager young players who came out and did their best to impress the Manchester City FC coaches. The ability of the players was evident as was their commitment to take on board the learnings from the coaches.

The top three players who were selected from the Clinic to represent Trinidad and Tobago were, from left to right: Trevis Byron, Judah Garcia and Jodel Brown

Lead coach for the Digicel Kickstart Clinics, Lewis Childs said; “Without a doubt there are some talented young players in Trinidad and Tobago and their creativity and passion were visible throughout the practices as they endeavoured to impress us each and every day.”

The players pushed themselves which made for a highly competitive and exciting couple of days. The coaches then selected the Clinic’s top three players who will move on to the Digicel Academy. These are Jodel Brown, Judah Garcia and Trevis Byron.

The Coaches put their players through various practices to test their abilities

The players will join other top players from across the Caribbean and Central America at the week-long Digicel Academy where they will receive another round of intensive training. The boys will then have the opportunity to impress the Manchester City coaches further, in the hopes of being among the top players who will be given the chance of a lifetime to train at the City Football Academy, Manchester City FC’s elite training and youth development facility in Manchester, England.

ENDS

ABOUT DIGICEL

Digicel Group is a leading global communications provider with operations in 33 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After 13 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$5 billion worldwide. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.

Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the presenting partner of the Caribbean Premier League. In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team.

Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.

About Manchester City Football Club

Manchester City FC is an English Premier League club whose roots began in East Manchester in 1880 as St Mark’s West Gorton. It officially became Manchester City FC in 1894 and has since then gone onto win the European Cup Winners’ Cup, four League Championship titles, including two Premier League titles in the last three years (2012, 2014), and five FA Cups. Manchester City FC is one of four teams comprising the City Football Group and counts New York City FC, Melbourne City FC and Yokohama F-Marinos among its sister clubs.

Under manager Manuel Pellegrini, the Club plays its domestic and Champions’ League home fixtures at the Etihad Stadium, a spectacular 55,000 seat arena that City have called home since 2003. Today, the Stadium sits on the wider Etihad Campus, which also encompasses the City Football Academy, a world leading first team training and youth development facility located in the heart of East Manchester.

Featuring a 7,000 capacity Academy Stadium, the City Football Academy is also where Manchester City Women’s Football Club and the Elite Development Squad train on a daily basis and play their competitive home games.

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PRESS RELEASE – The St. Lucia Football Association in collaboration with the Gros Islet Football League continues   Guardsman Northern Zone Under 14 Championship with the Semi Finals on Monday 16th May at the Corinth Playing Field.

The 1st Semi Finals will feature First Touch/Pioneers vs B1 Juniors at 2.00 p.m. and the 2nd Semi Finals will feature GMC United vs Big Players at 4.00 p.m.

All Teams must arrive at the Corinth Playing Field two hours before the scheduled start of the game to facilitate official match Count Down.  All Coaches and Managers must adhere to the new SLFA dress code which applies to the Technical area namely Dress Shirt, Dress Pants and Dress Shoe.

Following the Semi Finals the results will be given and the date for the Finals will be announced.

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PRESS RELEASE – The Saint Lucia leg of the Guinness Street Football Challenge, a community based, futsal styled variation of the sport, was officially launched on May 11th.

Speaking on high notes and with great expectations, the Guinness St Lucia Brand Manager, Rohan Lovence, promised that the challenge, now in its sixth year, will seek to showcase Saint Lucia’s best football talent, those that are made of more.

Highlighting the recent show of national pride, and feeling of togetherness surrounding Saint Lucia’s love of sports, Lovence indicated that Guinness is hoping to further contribute to this spirit of unity with football during this competition.

The Guinness Street Football Challenge last year saw a wild card team, Veterans of Castries, move up through the ranks to go on to win the local finals, and then went on to win the regional finals held in Jamaica.

The Head Administrator of the Challenge, David ‘Shakes’ Christopher, further stated that the Street Football Challenge would be a good opportunity for Saint Lucia’s Tourism sector, as the island would play host to the Regional Finals which takes place on July 02nd-03rd 2016.

The Guinness Street Football Challenge, which is endorsed by the governing football body in Saint Lucia, the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA), will officially kick off in Mabouya Valley on Saturday May 14th.

Thirteen winners from the various rounds of the Challenge and three wild card teams will advance to the National Finals slated for June 13th 2016.

A combination of cash and prizes totaling $20,000 is up for grabs and teams are encouraged to register at the WLBL Commercial Office in Vide Bouteille, Castries or at WLBL Brewery Office in Vieux Fort; registration also carries a few of $100.

Apart from recognizing and showcasing Saint Lucia’s best players in an entertaining setting, Guinness St. Lucia will also be launching various campaigns where consumers will get to win amazing merchandise.

The Saint Lucia leg of the Guinness Street Football Challenge will be broadcasted through the region’s premiere Sports Channel, SportsMax.

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Spencer

PRESS RELEASE – Levern Spencer made history once again on Saturday, becoming the first Saint Lucian ever to win an IAAF Diamond League event.

The 31-year-old from Babonneau cleared 1.94m to triumph in women’s High Jump at the Shanghai Diamond League meeting.

The meeting also featured two other Caribbean competitors, including Levern’s fellow Saint Lucian, Jeannelle Scheper.

Clearing first time at 1.85m and passing at 1.88m, Levern needed two tries at 1.90 and again at 1.92, before trying the winning height.

At 1.94, the talented Svetlana Radzivil had been knocked out, and 1.94 claimed Croatia’s European bronze medallist, Ana Simic, as well.

That meant that history would be made by either Levern or former Asian champion Nadiya Dusanova of Uzbekhistan, both in the top two of a DL meeting.

And at 1.94 the title was decided, Levern clearing at the first time of asking, whilst the Uzbekhistani needed three shots.

Levern declined to attempt a world-leading 1.96m, a height which also proved too much for her rival.

Third at one point due to misses at lower heights, Levern claimed 10 DL points and is on top of the rankings by virtue of her victory in China.

Said Levern: “I have finally won a Diamond League event, so I am really happy. My hamstring started hurting me at one point and I wondered if I should carry on, but I have been jumping really well this season. I am working with a new coach (Petros Kyprianou), we have been working on a few technical things and it is really starting to come together. It is a great way to start my Diamond League season.”

Scheper, meanwhile, came in to Shanghai with a best mark for the season of a a modest, 1.86m well shy of the 1.96m personal best she recorded in 2015.

With a third-attempt clearance at 1.85m, she was unable to improve on her season’s best, and finished joint seventh with her good friend Priscilla Frederick, who represents Antigua and Barbuda in international competition.

The IAAF Diamond League encompasses 14 cities and four continents throughout the summer, ending up in Zürich and Brussels for the season finals.

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JAMAICA GLEANER – Jamaica’s Women’s Beach Volleyball team advanced to the fourth and final round of North Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) Olympic Games qualification following a 3-2 victory over St Lucia in El Salvador yesterday.

The win placed Jamaica into the sixth and last qualification spot. However, they could place higher as the team will engage Trinidad and Tobago today.

Earlier, Jamaica defeated US Virgin Island 3-1, but lost to Guatemala, 3-2, in games played on Thursday.

The members of Jamaica’s team are Kai Wright, Danielle Perry, Sashalee Wallen and Alicia Perry.

The top six of 12 countries playing in the third round of Olympic qualification are assured of places in the fourth and final round, which will be held in Acapulco, Mexico, next month.

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PRESS RELEASE – A Current National Male Volleyballer and former National female volleyballer, on  scholarship in the United States  are currently working in collaboration with Ministry of Youth Development and Sports in staging a Caribbean Recruiting Showcase which will  bring together athletes from every Caribbean island as well as Brazil, who are of school leaving age and ready to begin higher education.

Co-Initiator Tyna William says  Caribbean athletes are from middle to lower income households and as such do not have the necessary funds to finance a four  year college education. 

‘ Whilst bank loans are always an option, these too require a certain level of funds, and/ or assets to secure, making it even less likely that these athletes could afford to face a lending institution, ” she said.

She noted that it was for this reason, that  coaches being targeted for this showcase are from NCAA and NJCAA divisions 1 and 2. and has  chosen to leave out division 3 schools, as more often than not, it is the case that these programs do not offer full ride, but partial scholarships to their athletes. The showcase is geared towards those who cannot afford to cover a large portion of, or their full tuition.

” Another factor which affects our young athletes’ chances for higher education are the lack of available opportunities. In 2013, when I first decided to begin my recruiting process, there were very few places where I could turn. Whilst the number of showcases where scouts came to observe were endless, they were also in the United States, and with Visa and financial restrictions, that translated to being  out of my reach. This seems to be the case with a number of our athletes, and whilst a select few might be able to make the trip over to the US to be seen, the majority cannot, ” William added.

The cost of the showcase to each athlete is US$ 200. This includes a US$ 50 registration fee, and a final fee of USD 150.  Regional airlines have been approached  in an effort to secure reduced air fares for athletes travelling to St. Lucia for this initiative. Invitations have been sent to coaches from over 200 NCAA Division 1 colleges, and over 100 Division 2, and Junior colleges across the US via email. Over 100 of these coaches have expressed interest in attending the showcase, some of which have confirmed their attendance. 

To make the showcase  more appealing to the coaches, each athlete is being  asked  to complete a player profile on the website’s registration page, www.caribshowcase.com containing various metrics and other personal information related to their sport . These profiles will be submitted to coaches prior to the showcase so they may have some idea of the athletes’ potential. Some of the schools with lesser budgets have indicated that due to final restrictions, they will be unable to make the showcase this time around but have however, expressed interest in recruiting Caribbean athletes. 

Each showcase day will commence at 8:30 am with an educational/orientation session. Following this, a drill segment will take place, allowing coaches to evaluate specific skills of the athletes. After an hour lunch break, the showcase will resume with competitive games. The drill, and game segments will be run by local and international coaches of the various sports. Officials will be needed for each of the games. The expected outcome is that, based on athletes performances during the event, they will be contacted by coaches with offers to become part of their athletic programs.

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PRESS RELEASE – Saint Lucia’s top volleyballer is on the move once again.

Julian Bissette is set to play with his third team in three years, having signed with French club, Narbonne. The Ligue A strugglers made the 25-year-old Caribbean middle one of their top recruits for next season, coming off his strong season in the Greek Volleyleague.

Julian, an alumnus of St Mary’s College, ended the Greek season first in blocking, second in attack efficiency, and was voted as Best Middle, whilst helping A.O.P. Kiffisias to the semifinals of the Greek cup competition. Julian had spent the previous year with MENT, who were relegated after just one season in the top flight.

Eight times in the team of the week in Greece, and mid-season MVP, Julian is eager to get started in France. But first he is taking a well-deserved break. The 1.98m veteran volleyballer, Saint Lucia’s player of the year the past two years, explained how the move came about and what he is looking forward to from his next big adventure.

“This latest transfer came about through my agent, Mike Aidonidis, and the club in Narbonne who been scouting my games this season,” he says. “It was not easy to make the move to Greece, much less to France, one of the best leagues in the world, if not the best now. I am from Saint Lucia, a small Caribbean island, not many people even know Saint Lucia. So after a great season at Kiffisias, I attracted another European team to sign me this season. And it just happens to be Narbonne in France.”

The French league is rated by the Confédération Européenne de Volleyball as the seventh best in Europe, a big step up from the 18th-ranked Volleyleague. Julian opines that what he will miss most about Greece is the people. Over the past two years, the young man has built up great relationships.

“Just today [Friday] I sat for coffee with the coach, president, and other members of Kiffisias. Generally the Greek players I have been around have been very close to me, which makes leaving Greece difficult. For sure I know I will return! As for when, I don’t know.”

But even though the move might be a little bit bittersweet, it is far more sweet than bitter.

“I am thrilled. I’m going step by step. I have a fire burning to do more. I will push myself to the limit. It’s a great feeling to be where I am now, especially coming from a small Caribbean island. Everyone knows the difficulty that’s comes with this, and that makes Greece and now France more special to me.”

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PRESS RELEASE – The St. Lucia Football Association in collaboration with the Gros Islet Football League continued   Guardsman Northern Zone Under 14 Championship with the Semi Finals on Monday 16th May at the Corinth Playing Field.

The 1st Semi Finals featured First Touch/Pioneers vs B1 Juniors.  First Touch/Pioneers took the lead in the 1st half with a goal from Kyle Serville in the 18th minutes ending the 1st half 1-0.  The 2nd half saw an own goal from B1 Juniors Jervon Victor giving First Touch/Pioneers the win over B1 Juniors at the end of the game 2-0.

The 2nd game featured GMC vs Big Players. GMC took the lead in the 1st half with a goal from Noah Lynch in the 30th minutes ending the 1st half 1-0.  No goals were scored in the 2nd half giving GMC the win over Big Players 1-0.

The Finals of the Guardsman Northern Zone Under 14 Championship will be held on Sunday 22nd May at the Grand Reviere Playing Field.  The 3rd place will feature Big Players vs B1 Juniors at 2.00 p.m. followed by the Finals featuring GMC United vs First Touch/Pioneers at 4.00 p.m.

All Teams must arrive at the Corinth Playing Field two hours before the scheduled start of the game to facilitate official match Count Down.  All Coaches and Managers must adhere to the new SLFA dress code which applies to the Technical area namely Dress Shirt, Dress Pants and Dress Shoe.

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PRESS RELEASE – South Castries Lionesses recaptured the Alicia John T20 Female trophy which they surrendered last year. In the Final played at the Phillip Marcellin Ground in Vieux Fort, the South Castries ladies defeated Choiseul by 6 wickets.

Batting first Choiseul were restricted to 100/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Julia Simon topped scored with 35 and openers Solange Aubert 13 and  Alyer Alfred 11 provided useful support,  For South Castries Maria David, Turner Thomas and Nerissa Crafton each picked up one wicket.

Led by a responsible, undefeated 32 from former West Indies and St Lucia alrounder Phillipa Eudovic,  South Castries cantered to 103/4 in 15 overs, Skipper Nerissa Crafton 15,  Ashlene Edward 13 and Maria David- 10 also contributed with the bat.

The victory by South Castries ensured that they captured both women’s titles on offer for 2016.
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The South Castries male team was also in winners row as their opponents Gros Islet, failed to turn up for their Mindoo Phillip Division 1 encounter at the Dennery Cricket Ground.

Meanwhile, the SLNCA is expected to release the names of the 13 players selected to represent the island at this year’s Windwards Senior Tournament scheduled for Grenada at the end of this month.

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PRESS RELEASE – The SLNCA has selected the following players to represent St Lucia at the upcoming Windward Islands Senior Cricket Tournament.
1.      Keddy Lesporis
2.      Audy   Alexander
3.      Christian  Ange
4.      Kevin Augustin
5.      Dornan Edward
6.      Larry Edward
7.      Craig Emmanuel
8.      Sabinus Emmanuel
9.      Tarryck  Gabriel
10.     Jamaal James
11.     Garey Mathurin
12.     Kimani Melius
13.     Shem Severin

Reserves
1.      Kurt Edward
2.      Dillon John
3.      Stephen Naitram
4.      Alvinus Simon

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PRESS RELEASE – Games continued this past weekend and tonight in the KFC National Basketball League in Micoud & Castries.

On Saturday May 14th, the VBCC Junior Warlords faced the Bocage team. Gaspard Thomas of Bocage was the KFC Player of the game for his double double of 34 points and 18 rebounds. The final score of the game was 79 – 21. Jovan Isaac chipped in 6 points and 3 rebounds in their loss.

In the second matchup at Micoud, the Morne Gladiators met the home team Micoud. The Morne gladiators let the game slip away in the final minutes of the forth and the Hustlerz got the win 46-43. Ulric Joseph was the KFC player of the game with his double double of 12 points & 11 rebounds.

Canaan St. Catherine chipped in with 11 points & 8 rebounds. Jerren St. Clair of the Morne Gladiators despite his efforts of the defensive end of 11 rebounds & 2 blocks proved not to be enough.

At the Vigie Complex Soufriere Sulphur Stars defeated Canaries Moon River Champs 65-47. The KFC player of the Game was Linzel Alcee who had 22 points & 7 rebounds. With a bare 5 man squad Canaries’ Chris Alexander gave his all putting up a double double of 21 points, 14 rebounds in their loss. Assisting him was Larry Shepherd who had 15 points, 6 steals.

In tonight’s matchups Soufriere Sulphur Stars faced Micoud Hustlerz. The Stars defeated the Hustlerz 58 – 54. Eugustus Jean is the KFC Player of the Game who ended the night with 17 points 8 rebounds and 4 steals. Assisted by Alcee with his double double of 11 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Ulric Joseph top scored for the Micoud Hustlerz with 10 points in their loss.

Courts Jets defeated Windwards 67 – 53. With 16 points Andre Louison was named the KFC player of the Game. Keegan Preville assisted defensively with 10 rebounds and 6 steals. Windwards’ Jean Michel Eloise had 12 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in their loss. Assisting him offensively and defensively was Jonas Landwehr who had 11 points & 9 rebounds.

KFC NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE

PREMIERE LEAGUE STANDINGS TO DATE

KFC NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE

DIVISION ONE STANDINGS TO DATE

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Reports are emerging today that Johnson Charles has been called into the West Indies squad for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) home tri-series, which will see the hosts going up against Australia and South Africa.

The 27-year-old opening batsman from Millet in Saint Lucia is fresh off winning the World Twenty20 with the regional team, and is a veteran of 35 ODI’s. Sources in the hierarchy of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association have indicated that Johnson was left off the national team to participate in the Windward Islands Goodwill Tournament due to his pending West Indies commitments.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) will officially name the squad in coming days. The WICB is also expected to organise a camp ahead of the 10-match 50-over series, which gets underway on 3 June in Guyana. Three group games will be played at Guyana National Stadium; Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis; and Kensington Oval in Barbados, which will also host the final on June 26. Each match will begin at 1 pm local time

“Johno” actually made his ODI debut for West Indies against Australia at Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines, in March 2012. His record against the Aussies is better than his overall career record. Of his 1015 career runs (1202 balls), 221 came against Australia in just seven matches. He has a 31.57 average against Australia, as opposed to 29.00 for his career. He also his one of his two lifetime centuries Down Under in Melbourne.

That knock came in 2013, during which year the right-handed top order batsman also had his personal best 130 against Zimbabwe. The Leon Hess Comprehensive alumnus has also compiled four fifties in his four-year career. He also holds the record for the highest score in regional limited overs cricket, 177 for the Windward Islands Volcanoes against the Barbados Pride in the 2015 NAGICO Super50.

Having last played ODI cricket for the West Indies in Sri Lanka last year, Johno will certainly be looking forward to working under head coach Phil Simmons at the High Performance Centre in Barbados. He most recently had scores of 59, an unbeaten 92, and 34 in trial matches for the Saint Lucia team.

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Saint Lucia and Windward Islands Under-15 captain, Simeon Gerson was the star of the latest round of play in the 2016 Ministry of Youth Development and Sports Inter-Secondary Schools Cricket Tournament.

But Grande Riviere Secondary and Beanfield Comprehensive got big wins, whilst Castries Comprehensive got a default victory.

Playing on Tuesday at Monchy Playing Field for St Mary’s College against the Jon Odlum Secondary School, Gerson hit 101 in the SMC total of 333/7 in 36 overs. The outstanding young spinner showed off his all-round chops by stroking 10 boundaries in his maiden century. Ackeem Auguste added 60, including nine fours and a six. In reply, SMC had reduced JOSS to 30/3 in five overs when rain brought a premature end to play. Arden Hallpike had taken two for 18 in 2.3 overs.

At the Dennery Playing Field, Grande Riviere Secondary beat George Charles Secondary by 122 runs. Batting first in a match reduced to 20 overs a side due to a wet wicket, Grande Riviere Secondary made 179/3, Darneil Deterville 96 not out and Darnel Dolor 40. For GCSS, Ethan Bellas was 2-29. In reply, GCSS was routed for 57 in 12.2 overs, Nevaughn Mitchel making 20. Darneil Deterville finishing a good all-round performance with 5-22, Nick Henville was 3-2.

At the Piaye Playing Field in a low scoring game, Vieux Fort Comprehensive Beanfield surprised Vieux Fort Comprehensive La Ressource with a hard-fought two-wicket win. La Ressource batting first were bowled out for 76 in 16.3 overs, Christian Fanis making 12. Quane Deshang was 3/3 and Kynan Mc Lawrence 2/8. Set 77 for the win, Beanfield finished on 77/8 in 21.4, overs with Jermaine Guillard making 19 and Tyron Theodore 17. Enrique Joseph was 3-10, Sachin Charles 3-16.

At Gros Islet Playing Field, SDA Academy did not show up for their match against Castries Comprehensive Secondary.

The tournament continues on Wednesday, with Sir Ira Simmons Secondary against Vide Bouteille Secondary at the Monchy Playing Field, and Leon Hess against Corinth Secondary at the Gros Islet Playing Field.

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The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association has named a 13-man squad to contest the Windward Islands Senior Goodwill Cricket Tournament. The competition starts on 29 May in Grenada, and runs until 4 June.

The national team will be without Darren Sammy and Johnson Charles, the latter having been called up for West Indies duty, whilst 25-year-old allrounder Dalton Polius is currently playing professionally in England.

Also missing out are three other players who were on the team last season. Tenacy Hippolyte made his senior debut in 2015, whilst Awen Edward and Loic Prospere were on the side the past two years.

But there is plenty to talk about with regard to the players who are on the team, including holdovers, returnees, and a trio of exciting potential debutants, including one who could make history.

The team is led once again by 30-year-old veteran Mon Repos batsman Craig Emmanuel, who hit 79 in a recent trial match. 27-year-old Sagicor High Performance Centre, Saint Lucia Zouks and Windward Islands batsman Keddy Lesporis is returned as vice captain for a third year. He made 46 in one of the two trial matches.

Other returning players include fast bowler Kevin Augustin; young batting allrounder Tarryck Gabriel; and 19-year-old 2015 debutant, Dornan Edward. Christian Ange and Sabinus Emmanuel were both reserves in 2015. They have both been promoted to the main squad.

Also returning to the national team is Audy Alexander, who last played for Saint Lucia in 2011. Notable too is the inclusion of West Indies Twenty20 player, Garey Mathurin, who is back after a year out of the group. Gifted spin bowler Larry Edward is set to rejoin the team from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill.

The newcomers provide the greatest excitement. Jamaal James, a fine young batsman from Central Castries, has been knocking on the selectors’ door for some time now. He made 104 in the first trial match and was one of the leading batsmen in the Prime Minister’s T20 earlier this year, helping Central Castries lift that title.

Shem Severin plays for Police and Mabouya Valley. He has been taking wickets consistently at every level of domestic cricket, and his call up is predicated in part on his performances during the trials, where he claimed three scalps at the cost of 43 runs in 12.4 overs.

Meanwhile, former Windward Islands Under-15 captain and 2015 West Indies youth player Kimani Melius is probably the most eye-popping addition to the squad. Kimani, aged just 15, is the youngest player named to a national team in recent memory. Garey Mathurin was 16 when he made his national debut.

Kimani made 51 and 43 during trials. He holds the record for the best individual innings ever in local cricket, having made 275 last year for Babonneau Secondary in the schoolboy competition. He was also one of the top batsmen in the 2015 West Indies youth competition, leading to his call-up to tour England last fall.

The four reserve players are Kurt Edward, demoted from the main squad; Alvinus Simon, who made his senior debut in 2015; bowler Dillon John and wicketkeeper / batsman Stephen Naitram, both of whom were on the team in 2014, but missed out last year.

The training programme for the national team continues from Tuesday through Thursday with skill enhancement. A camp runs from Saturday 21 May to Wednesday 25 May, with another two-day practice match over the weekend and other activities including team bonding exercises.

Saint Lucia has finished fourth and last in the Windward Islands tournament the past two years.

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In 2014, then 23-year-old Saint Lucian allrounder Dalton Polius made his professional bow for Harborne CC in the North Lancashire & Cumbria Cricket League.

He had a decent run, scoring three fifties in 20 innings, amassing a total of 530 runs and averaging 33.13, with a high score of 95 not out. He also took 15 wickets from just over 91 overs at an average of 25.47, his best bowling a spell of 5-26.

Dalton ended that season with 12.68% of his team’s runs, and 14.85% of Harborne’s wickets.

The young man remained unsigned in 2015, but returned to the North Lancashire & Cumbria Cricket League this year with Haverigg CC. He got off the mark with a century, and over the weekend followed that up with another.

Haverigg played against previously unbeaten Seascale CC on Saturday. The hosts won the toss and elected to bat, making 220 all out in 45.1 overs. Dalton took two of the top three wickets, grabbing 2-59 in 11 overs.

In reply, Haverigg lost openers Robert Bell and James Parminter early, each making four runs. So too did captain Jordan Postlethwaite, coming in anumber four, and Adam Rehead at number six. All four men hit a single boundary in their time at the crease.

It was left to the professional to get the job done, and the former West Indies Under-19 player did just that. Dalti hit 119 not out at number three, with 16 boundaries and six sixes. Dale Graham supported with 56, as Haverigg made 223/5, overhauling the target in 34 overs.

“Things have been going well so far,” says Dalton. “The last game went really well. It was a quite dry and sunny day, so the pitch was nice and hard, so very good for batting. It was a good win.”

Dalton has made 234 runs in a mere three innings, two of them not out, for an average of 234. He has contributed an eye-popping 36.73% of his team’s runs this season. He has already also taken six wickets, including 3-42 against Lindal Moor CC.

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