New coach expects U19s to win regional title

Newly-appointed head coach, Odelmo Peters, believes Jamaica’s Under-19 cricket team has what it takes to go one better this year in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Under-19 Championship, which will bowl off in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday.

Speaking before the team’s departure yesterday - for the first regional Under-19 tournament since the West Indies captured the Under-19 World title earlier this year - Peters explained that his analysis is based on the balance and make-up of the team.

"Last year we barely missed out, but this year we intend to make sure we don't,’’ said Peters, who takes over from fellow former Jamaica batsman, Robert Samuels, who has been appointed the head coach of the national senior team.

He said in terms of the team’s batting, they are happy to have retained Michael Frew, one of three Jamaicans who were apart of the triumphant West Indies Under-19 team.

"In terms of our batting, we are delighted to have retained our West Indies Under-19 player, Michael Frew.

“This is in addition to Brad Barnes, Tyrone Daley and fast bowler Miguel Smith,’’ Peters said. "But having said that, it must be mentioned that we have a mixed combination of players in terms of other experience.

‘’For example, we have Jeavor Royal, who plays JCA Senior Cup with St Catherine CC, all-rounder Andre Bailey, another Senior Cup player from Kingston CC and Javar Harrison from St Catherine CA, who is a very promising fast bowler.’’

The tournament, which last year was played as a 50-over tournament only, saw Guyana defeating Jamaica in the final at Manchester High School for a second successive hold on the title.

This year, however, the regional governing body has reintroduced a three-day tournament, which will see the six participating teams vying for two trophies.
The Guyanese are also champions of the previous three-day competition, which was played two years ago in Guyana.

The three-day tournament will be played over the first 11 days the championship and will be followed by an inauguralWICB Youth Super50, which will also feature a composite guest team from ICC Americas.
Jamaica U19 squad: Brad Barnes, Kashawn Beale, Jeavor Royal, Dominik Samuels, Javar Harrison, Andre Bailey, Orande Pearson, Jordane Hill, Michael Frew, Rahvin Harvey, Tyrone Daley, Rashjni Roye, Javelle Glenn, Miguel Smith.