2 weeks Ago By Barbados Today
The Barbados’ Under-15 cricket team is celebrating a flawless campaign in Antigua, where they successfully defended their title with five straight wins to remain undisputed champions of the 2025 CWI Rising Stars Under-15 (50-over) tournament.Captain Justin Parris guided the team through a dominant campaign.“I was confident in the ability and preparation of the team, that if we were able to execute our plans we would have a high chance of winning again,” he said, adding that the “mood in the team is one of jubilation”.
“It is always great to win a title. There were six players coming back from last year, including myself, who were able to do the double. Eleven players have capped off their Under-15 regional careers with a championship victory.
We also have three players who are eligible for the tournament next year and hopefully this year’s victory will motivate them to do the same next year.”Barbados secured back-to-back titles with a 49-run win over Guyana in the top-of-the-table clash at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. After posting 209 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs, Barbados bowled out Guyana for 160.
Standout individual performances came from Parris, who was named Best All-Rounder after scoring 121 runs and claiming 13 wickets with his leg-spin. His teammate, top-order batter Kelani Clarke, finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 216 runs.Head coach Roderick Estwick said the preparation leading up to the tournament helped lead the team to success.
“It gave them a greater understanding of field placing, situation awareness, momentum shift; of handling uncomfortable moments that arise during a cricket game,” Estwick said as he reflected on the efforts of the entire squad. “We were able to do that by having game sense scenarios at the Rubis ground for 2 weeks. It also improved our tactics and running between the wickets.
’Looking ahead, Estwick added, “For these young players I would love to see them challenged to go and play some cricket in England or Scotland so that they can play in different conditions. They are very talented and have proven that they can handle West Indian conditions . .
. . This exposure would allow us to see how they adapt.
”Chief Executive Officer of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chris Dehring congratulated the champions for their impressive title defence.“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,” he said.Dehring also praised the overall standard of play during the competition.“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,” he said.Barbados finished the tournament with 27.4 points, ahead of Trinidad and Tobago on 19.
4 points. (BCA/CWI/BT)The post U-15s revel in retaining title, CWI chief offers congratulations appeared first on Barbados Today..
