Trinbago Young Starz: A Summer full of potential

     The Trinbago Young Starz Academy team is a vibrant mix of emerging talent and raw energy, with each player bringing their own unique skill set to the game. They are quick on their feet, both in the field and in their thinking, constantly strategizing to outsmart their opponents. The team’s batters are fearless, showing remarkable equanimity under pressure, while their bowlers combine both pace and spin with precision to keep opponents on edge. Their fielding is sharp-edged, with nimble-footed players diving for every ball, turning half-chances into match-winning moments. Though young, they manifest a maturity and comprehension of the game far beyond their years, with a clear hunger for victory that pushes them to continually improve. This team isn’t just playing for today, they are building a legacy for the future.

     In the last Summer, Trinbago Young Starz toured Canada from August 18th to 31st 2024 to participate in a T20 tournament, followed by a two-match series comprising of 35 overs per side. It was a tournament filled with more highs than lows. The other participating teams were Ontario Cricket Academy, Mississauga-Brampton Academy and Hamilton Lashley (Barbados Academy). Canada, though not well known for cricket, definitely possess some beautiful grounds and the pitches despite being uncovered produced very good matches throughout. A few venues utilized were Danville North, Danville South, Mavis and Terramoto. The most impressive in my opinion was the Terramoto Park located in the city of Brampton. 

    Whether they are explosive batters capable of innovative stroke play or bowlers with remarkable pace, spin, or variation, they bring a freshness and unpredictability to the game.

     Trinbago Young Starz in the preliminary games were on fire, having won 5 out of 6 games. Having achieved this, they automatically qualified for the final of the tournament. The final played at Terramoto Park on Monday August 26th 2024 saw them come up against Ontario Cricket Academy. Coincidentally it was the same opponent that narrowly beat them in the previous final in 2022 by 1 run. Could the Trinbago Young Starz seek revenge? Unfortunately every team in sport is entitled to an off-day and the Trinbago Young Starz went down by 59 runs. Ontario Cricket Academy crowned the champions of the 2024 Brampton-Mississauga Cricket Festival. Despite the defeat, a lot of young talent were identified within the team and it is important these young teenagers be highlighted.

     Vashish Persad Maharaj (17 years old) of SWAHA Hindu College is a talented right-handed batter and right-arm off-spinner. This young man had an outstanding series shining with both bat and ball consistently. His favorite cricketer is Brian Lara and idol is Nathan Lyon. Khaleem Emamdee (18 years old) recently finished his CAPE at SWAHA Hindu College and is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology at UWI St Augustine. Nicknamed “Beef”, he is a left-handed batter and left-arm medium fast bowler that swings the ball. His favorite batter is Babar Azam and bowlers are Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult. Jadon Simon (18 years old) is a right-handed wicket-keeper batter and very chirpy behind the stumps. Also known as “Sio”, he is currently in Upper 6 at St Mary’s College as a business student. His idol is Nicholas Pooran. 

     Tyreese Lawrence (17 years old) also known as “Rounds” is a left-handed batter and right-arm medium fast bowler. He loves playing straight down the ground and can build up some good pace with the ball in hand. He idolizes Brian Lara and Dwayne Bravo. Samir Hosein (18 years old) also known as “Slips” is a UWI student pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Banking and Finance. He is a right-handed batter and right-arm medium fast bowler who one day plans to follow in the footsteps of Shai Hope with the bat and Pat Cummins with the ball. 

    These talented young men are the rising stars of the sport, known for their exceptional skills, fearless mindset, and boundless potential. These players often display a mix of raw ability and refined technique far beyond their years, making them stand out on the field. Whether they are explosive batters capable of innovative stroke play or bowlers with remarkable pace, spin, or variation, they bring a freshness and unpredictability to the game. These young cricketers were mentioned because of their youthful ages in the team (teenagers), however, others to mention that are more experienced in the squad and also very talented are Giovanni Ramdenny, Sameer Mohammed, Christian Mangra (played an exceptional innings of 78 not out in a league game), Kyle Jattan, Ricardo Chase, Kion Paul, Aidan Lackhansingh and Alex Kassiram.

     These young men also played a two-match series against Ontario Cricket Academy in a 35 overs per side. Having won the first game, Trinbago Young Starz lost the second game hence series drawn 1-1. The exceptional head coach Kelvin Williams, who over the years coached Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, brought his tactical knowledge, leadership, and mentoring skills to the players. Coach Williams knew how to manage individual personalities within the team, understanding that each player responds differently to feedback and pressure. Having the opportunity to work under him and assistant coach Dominic, they built trust, kept the players motivated, and managed egos while maintaining a positive team culture. Despite not bringing home a trophy, it was an amazing tour for the boys and everyone involved. Experience in foreign conditions will only assist the boys in the fine-tuning of their skills, and we look forward to what this team brings on their next tour.