Blazer-clad New York U-19s Ready For Nationals

By Orin Davidson
United States cricket might not be in the best shape financially , but the New York management team of the Region’s Under-19 squad is pulling out all the stops to make their participation in the National finals, special on and off the field in Florida this weekend.

For the first ever a New York squad will leave the city decked out in blazers as is the custom for international teams in major competition.

Through the unstinting efforts of new team manager Lester Hooper, the 14-man team will leave La Guardia Airport Thursday, uniformly attired in dark blue blazers and with a firm commitment to win back the title lost last year.

Hooper, the brother of former West Indies star batsman and captain Carl Hooper, said the intention is to set the highest standards possible at the management level, to better motivate the players to perform their best.

At a briefing session Tuesday evening at Singh’s Sports Goods Store in 101 Avenue, the blazers were distributed to the players along with sweat suits and caps. Also, for the first time team members were given letters, complete with New York Region letterhead, with tour details including hotel and travel information for parents on their participation.

Hooper pointed out that the time has long come when greater professionalism must be practiced particularly where young players are involved.

Team coach Linden Frasr (right) and New York cricket committee chief Kris Prashad display the sweatsuits sponsored by Central Truck sales and Services.

Former West Indies B team player Deryck Kallicharran was on hand Tuesday to deliver a motivational pep talk where he stressed that discipline must be their motto throughout the two-day competition, if they want to win.

The all-rounder said in his playing days under the captaincy of West Indies great Clive Lloyd, the players were never placed under curfew but the latter always expected them to be capable of giving 100 percent performances when they took the field.

“ Once when I toured, my roommate’s bed was never touched, I never saw him sleep there, and I don’t expect anyone of you to have that experience. You all have to support each other on and off the field, you have to eat, rest and play as a team,” Kallicharran implored. He later made a monetary donation to help with the dinner bill for one day.

This year teams have to provide themselves with accommodation, meals and transportation, outside of airfares , as the impact of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) ban on the United States takes toll.

Experienced coach Linden Fraser who guided the team to winning the Eastern Conference title earlier this summer, also stressed the importance of unity within the ranks.

Longstanding supporter of New York cricket Shookmangal also gave a pep talk as was yours truly. New York Region committee chairman Kris Prashad was also present at the briefing.

Hooper who replaced ex West Indies wicketkeeper Junior Murray as manager after the latter returned to Grenada, said he plans to have the players practice on Friday to have a feel of the turf pitch facility, at Brian Piccolo Park in Fort Lauderdale. “Most of the players have never played on turf before so it is important we get a feel first before the first game.”

Like last year the competition will have a knockout format with the four teams facing off in two semi-finals on Saturday with the winners contesting the final on Sunday. The two losers will play for third place also on Sunday.

New York has a tough draw, having to take on defending champions North California (North West Region) despite placing third last year.

Hosts Florida (South East) has the easier match-up against Southern California (South West).

Nevertheless the New York side captained by experienced batsman/wicketkeeper Akeem Dodson is confident of sweeping aside their opponents in both games, having prepared intensely in the last six weeks.

They will leave in two batches on Thursday with the first set departing at 6.40 am and the other at 10 am. Regular team assistant JP Singh will accompany the squad as statistician.

Squad: Akeem Dodson (captain), Alex Kirton, Dwayne Hurley, Abdullah Syed, Shaan Metha, Javein Thomas, Francis Mendonca, Basdeo Ramnarain, Chris Sirkissson, Umer Farooq, Hugo D’Olivera, Asruddin Mohamed, Kester Grant and Gregory Sewdial. Coach – Linden Fraser, manager Lester Hooper.
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