– players urged to remain focus and stick to basics
Windies under-19 players Raymond Perez and Ashmead Nedd were meat of the attention on Friday evening when the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) in partnership with Regal Sport staged an appreciation ceremony for the duo who will depart these shores on Wednesday for the ICC Youth 50-over World Cup in New Zealand.
The two sons of the city’s marque club along with Bhaskar Yadram, Ronaldo Alimohamed and Joshua Persaud are the five Guyanese on the squad.
During the evening of appreciation, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and Regal Sport of Seafort street Campbellville made tangible cash donations to the duo that will add to their comfort while in New Zealand.
Members of DCC, ‘Home of the Legends,’ at the appreciation ceremony on Friday night. Sitting are; from left Raymond Perez, Patrick Harding and Ashmead Nedd (Photo courtesy of The Xercise)
First Vice president of the club, Roger Harper posited “when we all started playing we all dreamed of playing for West Indies and you have made a significant stride by earning a spot on the World Cup team.”
Harper reminded the players of their club mates Keemo Paul and Tevin Imlach who won the title in 2016 to be example in their pursuit of victory.
The former West Indies player also echoed, “conduct yourself in a manner that you will continue to make parents proud and the club. You have the talent but that alone is not enough but you will have to go out and keep it simple by sticking to basics.”
He added, “see it as small step but a great step in maximising your ultimate goals I could remember Clive Lloyd telling us, the only time success comes before work is in the dictionary and I look forward to welcoming you home from the tour as champions.”
Rogers’s brother, Mark Harper, who is a former West Indies u-19 player stated, “the under-19 World Cup has been most significant start for future stars, several have done well but then then struggle to find their feet on the senior level; it means you will now have to remain more focused on your goals.”
More so, club coach Garvin Nedd, Ashmead’s father has been one of the motivating factors behind the players’ growth.
“Young Perez is a revelation. I saw the talent and I always knew he that he had I in him to do well and is doing well”, the coach posited. Nedd reminisced on the days where the batsman would have struggled at the National under-17 level but never gave up as he as determined to succeed.
Regarding his son, the former national off-spinner said with great humour “Ashmead’s coaching began since he was in his mother’s womb.
Garvin also thanked the support from National all-rounder Christopher Barnwell who aided the young left-arm spinner to develop his talent. In closing, the coach reminded the players “attitude is linked to altitude.”
Club president, Patrick Harding congratulated the teenagers for a job well done on earning selection but was adamant the hard work has now begun. Harding hoped that the duo can aid the team in defending their title.
Senior member at the club Larry Smith asked to the duo to enjoy their cricket while “keeping it simple and look to make an impact.”
Both Perez and Nedd thanked the club for their support and stated they hope to make everyone proud by retaining the coveted title.
Meanwhile, Philip Simon, a club member since 1962 donated five boxes of cricket balls and disclosed he will continue to support the club in the new year sending various equipment. (Akeem Greene)
