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By Neto Baptiste
A youth cricket team representing Antigua and Barbuda and the Ministry of Sports recently completed a successful tour of the United Kingdom, where they won five of seven encounters against UK-based teams and academies.
The initiative, which is in its second year, is the product of a partnership between the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London and the Ministry of Sports, Education and the Creative Industries.
In their final fixture held on July 20th, Antigua and Barbuda won on the DLS method over ACE. Batting first, Antigua and Barbuda posted 172 for 6 in their 20 overs with Michael Greaves hitting a top score of 59. ACE were then restricted to 162 for 7 in 19.3 overs with J’Quan Athanaze claiming three wickets.
The Antiguans also won their previous encounter by 14 runs against Jersey U19s. Batting first in the 50 overs clash, Antigua and Barbuda posted 177 all out with Brent Joseph Jr hitting a top score of 40. Jersey U19s were then bowled out for 163 runs.
On July 16th, Joseph Jr scored the team’s lone century on tour, hitting 131 runs to help lead Antigua and Barbuda to their highest team total of the tour, 288 for 9 in their 50 overs contest against Jersey U19s. Athanaze contributed with 83 runs.
Tayari Tonge picked up three wickets while there were two wickets each for Xaveek Toppin and William Pitman as Antigua and Barbuda bowled out Jersey U19s for 116.
Antigua and Barbuda had also won a T20 clash against Weybridge Cricket on July 11 and also against Rollins Cricket Club in their July 8 opener. The Antiguans were beaten by West Hertfordshire Cricket Club on July 10 and to AEP All Stars on July 14. Both were T20 encounters.
The tour benefited from support from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (UK); Ambassador Ahmed Oleiwi; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs; Cricket Jersey; Harrow St. Mary’s Cricket Club; and Keith Williams of the Antigua Exchange Programme. In collaboration with the High Commission, the Tourism Authority jointly sponsored the official team kit which was worn by the players during the tour.
Squad: Brent Joseph Jr, Hosea Roberts, Jaylen Francis, Jared Jno Baptiste, Jayden Charles, J’Quan Athanaze, Kerique Mentore, Malique Walsh, Michael Greaves, Ozan Williams, Tarek Charles, Tayari Tonge, Vonde Bowers, William Pitman, Xanden Hobson and Xaveek Toppin.
Staff: Winston Benjamin (Head Coach), David Joseph (Assistant Coach), Amy Harris (Physiotherapist), Brent Scotland (Manager)
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