ST.GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC- Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell has applauded the Windward Islands Cricket team for an impressive run in the WICB Regional Four-day tournament, saying their success to date is as a result of ‘total team effort’.
Dr.Mitchell’s comments come on the heels of the Windwards’ latest victory, a comprehensive 197-run win over Leeward Islands with a day to spare in fifth round action at the national stadium here Sunday.
Windwards have surged to second place in the tournament, three points behind tournament leaders Barbados who moved to 65 points after hammering Jamaica by 245 runs.
“I would like to congratulate the Windward Islands cricket team on an impressive run in the current WICB four-day tournament,” said Prime Minister Mitchell, an ardent cricket fan and former Grenada and Windward Islands cricketer.
“They have really done a great job to and what is even interesting their success is coming because of a total team effort”.
Highlights of the match against Leewards included a career best seven for 49 for Captain Liam Sebastien, a knock of 77 from Devon Smith and 42 from 50 balls from Keddy Lesporis.
“It’s not just one player who is excelling.Everyone is contributing to their success,” said Dr.Mitchell.
“It is so far a team performance and it shows what playing as a team can mean…which is yielding good results and I believe the management team as well must be complimented. I Wish them continued success and hopefully they will bring home the trophy”.
The Grenadian Prime Minister also extended high praise to the Dominican offspinner Shane Shillingford who has twice been suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for an illegal bowling action.
The West Indies offspinner has again been cleared to return to international cricket after remedial work on his bowling action but will not bowl his doosra which remains illegal.
“I also think high praise must also be extended to Shane Shillingford as well. He has gone through quite a lot and every time he has rebounded stronger,” said Prime Minister Mitchell.
“He is a very good example of fortitude and to the idea that we should not give up when faced with challenges under difficult circumstances…he is testament to resilience and I back him to go from strength to strength”.
Windward Islands play Combined Campuses & Colleges at the Arnos Vale Multiplex, St. Vincent this weekend in round six action.
