Castries, St. Lucia, July 27 – (www.bcacricket.org) - The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has congratulated the Windward Islands team on their triumph in the TCL Group Under-19 Challenge three-day tournament.

The Windwards won their first title since 2000 and only their second ever when they defeated the Leeward Islands by seven wickets at Beausejour on Monday. They ended the tournament with 39 points – nine more than second-placed Trinidad and Tobago.

Dr Julian Hunte, president of the WICB paid tribute to the champions and hailed it as a triumph for the players, the team management and everyone who supports Windward Islands cricket.

“I want to congratulate captain Audy Alexander, coach Raymond Duncan, manager Shawn Edward, and all the members of the Windward Islands team for their outstanding performance in the TCL Group Under-19 Challenge three-day tournament. It is a result of hard work and commitment which led to the Windward players coming together and performing at their best. It was truly an overall team effort,” Dr Hunte said.

“Last year the Windwards had a rough time of it but this year they rebounded in fine style. Every time the chips were down someone came to the fore with the star performance the side required. I urge the team to continue to strive for excellence, both on and off the field, and be good ambassadors for the game of cricket.”

Dr Hunte added: “Congratulations should also go out to the administration at the Windwards Board and everyone in the sub-region who has a played a part in the development of these young men. This victory is a triumph for all those who have contributed to the cause.”

The One-Day (50-over-a-side tournament starts on Thursday.