Cricket is still popular in the West Indies, Caribbean, and in fact, stressed by Vernon Springer, Director of Cricket Operations in the Leeward Islands, “the only sport that provides a living for participants in the cricketing region”. 
Although over several years crowd participation has dwindled particularly for the longer and traditional version of cricket (test cricket, not so much and 3-4 day territorial matches as they were called). So, the result is that what became popular and retained good viewership are the 50-over matches and T-20 games, with smaller attendance for the local settings.
This may now work to good advantage for Montserrat who received great accolades for hosting the just-concluded Under17 and Under19 Leeward Islands competition.
With the effort and support from a growing interest in the promotion of cricket, Springer reports that he is very satisfied and pleased that he did respond to local authorities and brought the Under17 and 19 cricket competitions to Montserrat, which took place at the two cricketing venues (Little Bay playing field and Salem Park) here between June 20 – July 3. The games were immediately followed by the selection and announcement (at a prize giving event) of the Under17 team that went on to play preparation matches at Salem Park – the new team vs the MNI Under19 team.
The team them moved on immediately to compete in the regional tournament in Trinidad, where as of today they were leading the points table after round 3.
A report from DiscoverMNI gives an overview of the competitions ending with the prize giving ceremony at Little Bay –
Montserrat wrapped up two weeks of wonderful cricket on Monday evening with a park full of sports lovers.
The government granted half -day to civil servants to allow them to go out to the Little Bay Park to support the local Under 19 team which had so far been on a winning streak. They were up against Antigua & Barbuda for the coveted LICB trophy.
This was the first time Montserrat hosted the tournament and LICB representative Vernon Springer said the competition for 2018 would not have happened if the government and people had not stepped up.
Springer commended the work of Adrian Edgecombe of Live Island Events who streamed the matches from the Little Bay Park. ZJB and local sports enthusiasts provided commentary, (which reports say provided hundred thousands of views.)
Hon. Premier Donaldson Romeo was on hand for the closing. He said he was proud at the success of the tournament and thanked those who worked in front and behind the scenes to make it happen. He acknowledged the work of the Minister of Sports, the cricket association and the sponsors. He thanked the cricketers who made the historic event happen and lifted the spirits of the people of Montserrat.
Hon. Parliamentary Secretary Gregory Willock said the island hosted two well organised tournaments. He extended greetings on behalf of His Excellency Governor Andrew ‘Andy’ Pearce, who extended his congratulations to all.
Hon. Min of Sports Delmaude Ryan added similar well wishes for the athletes.
The Cricket Operations Director Springer sent in the following:
“Let me on behalf of the Leeward Islands Cricket Board say thanks to the entire Montserrat Media for your support first in the U-17 and also the U-19.”
Before leaving the Island this weekend, Springer hinted that subject to approval – the senior L Is tournament will come to Montserrat in September.
Here are some Results first for the U-19 Closing Ceremony.”
The Omari Banks MVP for Anguila U-19 Demari Benta.
The Ralston Otto MVP for Antigua & Barbuda U-19 Uri Smith.
The Edgar Gilbert/Cyril Puntan Webster MVP for St Kitts U-19 Mikyle Louis.
The Derick Parry MVP for Nevis U-19 Kian Pemberton.
The Lowell Mason MVP for Montserrat U-19 Zawandi White.
The Jim Allen Most Valuable Player of The LICB U-19 2018 Uri Smith (Antigua & Barbuda)
The Alford Corriette Batsman with the Most Runs LICB U-19 Mikyle Louis (St.Kitts)
The Lionel Baker Best Fast Bowler Award LICB U-19 Kian Pemberton (Nevis)
The Austin White Bowler with the Most Wickets LICB U-19 Kian Pemberton (Nevis)
The Kelvin Duberry Bowler with The Best Bowling Figures Jemuel Cabey (Montserrat)
The Auckland Hector Best Wicket-Keeper LICB U-19 Joshua Grant (Montserrat)
The Basil Morgan Best Umpire Award LICB U-19 (Donald Shekels) Antigua & Barbuda.
The Robert Jeffers Most Discipline LICB U-19 (Anguilla U-19)
Players Who Scored Centuries During The Leeward Islands U-19 2018
Mikyle Louis (St.KItts) 157 vs Anguilla.
Paul Miller (Antigua & Barbuda) 118 not out vs Nevis.
Joshua Grant (Montserrat) 110 not out vs Anguilla
Zawandi White (Montserrat) 102 vs Nevis.
Final Placing In The Leeward Islands U-19 2018 Championship
Champion (Antigua & Barbuda)
LICB 2nd Place (Montserrat)
LICB 3rd Place (Nevis)
