The Leeward Islands Under-17 team, newly branded Leeward Islands Tropical Wave may not have lifted the CWI Rising Stars Men’s Under 17s regional title this season, but they finished the tournament unbeaten—an achievement that reflects their drastic improvement over the calendar year under Head Coach Ian “Pam” Tittle.
The team placed second in the two-day segment, falling just a few points short of defending Champions Barbados after a late start in the rain-affected first match. They grew stronger as the tournament progressed, and in the 50-over format, they performed well in the two games played, though rain forced the abandonment of three matches.
“For me, the improvement from last year to this year was massive,” said Tittle. “Last year we won just one game; this year we won four and didn’t lose any. I couldn’t ask for better.”
The squad benefitted from several players who had already represented the U19s earlier in the summer in St Kitts and Nevis, including Kunal Tilokani, Tanez Francis, Amoree Jones, Lawshorn Bergan and Eirette Richards. Their maturity and higher-level exposure helped to lift the team. Vice Captain Tilokani impressed as an all-rounder in the two-day format, contributing with both bat and ball and was the top run-scorer and wicket-taker which earned him the MVP Award. Captain Francis was outstanding, scoring the only century of the one-day tournament and finishing as the leading run-scorer. Jones and Richards added depth, with the latter excelling as a medium-pacer though primarily known for his wicketkeeping. Bergan who was voted as the player with the most catches in the 50 Overs competition also stood out with both bat and spin bowling.
Coach Tittle was particularly pleased with the emergence of youngsters like Jaquan Athanaze and Jathan Edward (a promising leg-spinner fresh from U15s), and other players who still have multiple years of eligibility at U17 level.
“That’s the way it should be,” Tittle said. “When the older boys move on, the younger ones must be ready to carry the load. Having that blend is very important.”
Tittle singled out wicketkeeper-batsman Tanez Francis for special praise, calling him “a wonderful player” and a hard worker. “Any coach would want to work with Tanez. He listens, he puts in the effort, and once he keeps a level head, the sky’s the limit.”
This was Tittle’s second year coaching the U17s, and he views the season as a step forward in his own development as well. He credited his partnership with assistant coach Derrol “Musai” Thomas, noting that their strong working relationship created consistency and stability for the players.
Looking ahead, Tittle expressed openness to coaching at higher levels: “I always want to go forward—whether it’s U19, the senior team, or wherever they put me. Whatever duty I get, I’ll give it my best to make the Leewards better.”
For Tittle, the team’s success comes down to discipline and communication: “What’s so good about these boys is that they listen. Once players listen and then execute what you ask of them, you have a chance to succeed.”
About The Author
