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By Samuel Peters
The Leeward Islands Tropical Wave exceeded expectations in this year’s CWI Rising Stars Under 17 Tournament, capturing nine individual awards and demonstrating the bright future of cricket in the sub region.
Captain Tanez Francis led from the front, claiming the Most Runs Award for the One-Day Tournament and earning two Player of the Match awards. His leadership and batting prowess were instrumental in the team’s success throughout the competition.
Vice-captain Kunal Tilokani dominated the Two-Day format, earning MVP honors along with both the Most Runs and Most Wickets Awards. He capped off his exceptional tournament with a Player of the Match performance against the Windward Islands.
The team’s depth was evident through other standout performances. Lashorn Bergan showcased excellent fielding skills to win the Most Catches Award, while Jathan Edwards delivered a match-winning performance to earn Man of the Match against Guyana.
The Tropical Wave’s impressive campaign saw them finish second in the Two Day Tournament and third in the One Day Tournament. These results, combined with nine individual awards, highlight both the team’s collective strength and individual talent.
Coach Ian “Pam” Tittle was full of praise for his young players, highlighting that they played the entire tournament unbeaten and won their Two Day matches outright. This marked a dramatic improvement from last year when the team managed only one victory under his first year of leadership.
“Had it not been for the inclement weather, the team quite possibly could have lifted the trophy,” Tittle noted, emphasizing how weather conditions affected what could have been an even more successful campaign.
Tittle expressed particular admiration for his captain and vice-captain. On Tilokani, who also competed in the Under-19 tournament, the coach noted: “He surprised me with his batting. I think he has a very good future ahead. The only thing for him going forward is going up.”
Regarding Francis, Tittle was equally complimentary: “He is a wonderful player. Anyone would want to be Tanez’s coach because he listens and wants to put in the hard work. He needs encouragement and has all the talent to get everything right.”
Under Francis’s captaincy and Tittle’s guidance, this young team has not only brought pride to the Leeward Islands but has also established a foundation for future success. The transformation from winning just one match in the previous year to an unbeaten tournament demonstrates the rapid development of these talented cricketers.
The nine awards won by the Leeward Islands Tropical Wave, combined with their unbeaten record, stand as testament to their dedication, natural talent, and the bright future that awaits Leeward Islands cricket.
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