GUYANA’S Under-15 cricketers are in Antigua, hoping to end a near-decade-long title drought at the Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Under-15 Championship which commences today.
Their last triumph in this specific age-group tournament came in 2015.

Captain Richard Ramdeholl has voiced his confidence, stating that the team’s diligent preparation and hard work in the lead-up to the tournament will be instrumental in their quest for glory.
In media reports, Ramdeholl has emphasised the squad’s readiness to bring the Under-15 championship trophy back to Guyana for the first time since Ashmead Nedd, now a senior national player, led them to victory.
Ramdeholl and Henry are among four players returning from last year’s squad, the others being wicketkeeper/batsman Justin Dowlin and all-rounder Jathneil Nurse, both hailing from Essequibo.

Adding to the optimism is Coach Yeuraj Khemraj, who is particularly enthused by the firepower in the fast-bowling department. Guyana will field a four-pronged pace attack, a strategic move Khemraj believes addresses a past deficiency that has seen them narrowly miss out on the title in previous editions.
He highlighted the 2024 tournament, where Guyana went undefeated but ultimately finished as runners-up to Barbados by a mere 1.2 points, as evidence of how crucial those extra “fast-bowling points” can be.

The quartet of promising quicks includes Patrice Fraser, Rafael McKenzie, Propsper Jacobus, and Usain Fredericks.
The tournament, a five-round affair featuring 50-over matches, will be played across four venues in Antigua from April 15 to 23.
Guyana’s campaign starts with a highly anticipated clash against Trinidad and Tobago at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

This opening encounter will see them face a Trinidad and Tobago side led by Kaiden Pollard, the son of West Indies white-ball legend Kieron Pollard.

Following their opening match, Guyana will face Jamaica in their round two clash on Thursday, April 17, at the Antigua Recreation Ground.
Their schedule continues with a match against Windward Islands on Saturday, April 19, also at the Antigua Recreation Ground. On Monday, April 21, they will take on Leeward Islands at the same venue.

The final round will see Guyana pitted against defending champions Barbados on Wednesday, April 23, at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.
The full Guyana Under-15 squad comprises Justin Dowlin, Lomar Seecharran, Luke Amsterdam, Shahid Ramzan, Arif Bacchus, Richard Ramdeholl (captain), Nathaniel Ramsammy, Jathniel Nurse, Usain Fredericks, Brandon Henry (vice-captain), Reyaz Latif, Patrice Fraser, Rafael McKenzie, and Prosper Jacobus.

The team will be under the guidance of Coach Yeuraj Khemraj and Manager Terry Newton.