CUL DE SAC—Jathan Edward is the lone St. Maarten player on the Leeward Islands U15 team for the upcoming Cricket West Indies U15 tournament in Grenada.
Edward who is the brother of popular youth cricketer Nathan Edward is a budding leg spinner and competent batsman. He was selected to the team after participating in two practice matches in Antigua over the weekend. At just 12 years of age, Edward is expected to have a bright future in cricket. Like his brother, he was introduced to organized cricket through the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket programme at the Leonel Connor Primary School. He has been with his primary school team for Inter-school Kiddy Cricket tournament from since he was eight years old. His love for the game led him to the cricket field with his dad and brother where he received further guidance from Coach Rishie Singh. Edward was recently accepted at the St. Maarten Academy for this new school year.
In the two practice matches in Antigua, Edward with his leg breaks grabbed a total of six wickets. Bowling leg breaks is one of the most difficult tasks in cricket but the youngster has already been showing that he has the discipline and control to master the trade. It is a rare trade around the region and this unique talent was spotted and appreciated by the coaches at the practice matches.
President of Cricket St. Maarten, Dwayne Elgin was elated with the news as St. Maarten continues to send quality youngsters to the Leeward Islands youth teams. He sent a congratulatory message to Edward that read, “Your selection to the Leeward Islands U15 team is celebrated by all of us on St. Maarten. Cricket St. Maarten is happy with the return on investing in you and other youngsters that love cricket. Take this opportunity as a rare one and strive to do your best at all times to make your yourself, your parents and your land of birth proud of you. Remember to respect the game, your coaches, your teammates and your opponents and you would continue to enjoy the game. Congratulations to you and all the best in Grenada.”
Cricket West Indies U15 tournament will be held from August 18 to 28 in Grenada.
