…Defending champions set to compete in Trinidad and Tobago
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has announced its 14-member squad for the 2025 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Under-19 Female Tournament, which takes place from July 6 to 20 in the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Guyana’s U19 ladies will enter the competition as defending champions.
Guyana’s U19 girls will be looking to defend their title next month in T&T
Leading the squad is captain Laurene Williams, supported by vice-captain Crystal Durant. The full team includes Trisha Hardat, Shonette Belgrave, Tiea Isaacs, Danellie Manns, Lotaya Williams (wicketkeeper), Mahadevi Dass, Jada Fraser, Daniela Hicks, Briana Samaroo, Rebekael Cleto, Cianna Barkoye, and Devani Rickram.
Standby players are Jaraya Rodrigues, Aneesa Chetram, Ackella Stephens, Thalia Hack, Shanaya Mackay, and Emely Booker.
Chairman of Selectors Andre Percival explained that the selection process was not easy, given the limited match exposure this season.
“We only had one inter-county game and then the National Park tournament, which wasn’t played with the usual hardball conditions,” he said. “However, we were satisfied with the performances and have seven players returning from last year’s title-winning team.”
The squad will undergo a week-long encampment in Essequibo from June 27 to July 3. Percival noted that recent weather challenges could affect outdoor sessions, but he remains hopeful the facilities will allow for productive preparation.
“Every country is facing its own struggles, but I’m confident in this group,” he added. “With experienced leaders like Laurene and Crystal and promising new talent, we’re ready to compete.”
Percival, when asked about the team’s chances of defending the title, said, “Yes, listen, I am confident because cricket is a game of glorious and unsurprising things. You never know what will happen on the day. The team that plays the best during the competition will win the competition. Just like how we’re going through the struggles here in Guyana, other countries are going through struggles as well. So, you know, it’s going to be an open competition. That’s the reason why I’m quite confident in our girls.”
President of the Guyana Cricket Board, Bissoondyal Singh, extended his best wishes to the team, urging the players to remain disciplined, committed, and focused.
