Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

The inaugural closing and awards ceremony for the West Indies Women's Under-19 Cricket Championships took place on Friday night at the Shortwood Teachers' College.

Trinidad and Tobago were declared the champions of the tournament, which was decided on a net run rate, with Jamaica finishing second and Barbados third.

Coach of Trinidad and Tobago, Marjorie Thomas, said: "I am very happy that we have won this tournament. This all goes well for our cricket, because I think that more and more women in our country want to start playing the game now."

The champion had to be decided by the run rate as Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados were all tied on six points at the top of the standings.

Overjoyed

Guest speaker of the ceremony, Carol Whilby Maxwell, president of the West Indies Women's Cricket Federation, said she was overjoyed to see the number of young women participating in the inaugural tournament.

"I want to implore you to continue playing your cricket with this experience that you have gained," she said. "Use it to influence your friends and family to join you, this is just the start of better things for you".

Whibly Maxwell made reference to St. Lucian player Nadine George, who is the first femalr West Indies player to score a century in Test cricket. This was achieved in Pakistan against Pakistan in 2005.

Words of encouragement

She also told the youngsters not only to focus on cricket, but also their education.

President of the Jamaica Cricket Association, Jackie Hendricks, in his address to the players said he was very pleased with the level of competition and hope other nations will be able to compete in the tournament next year.

Jamaica's Stefanie Taylor was the most lauded player as she received three awards, which included Most Valuable Player, the most runs scored (364)and the highest individual score (184).

Barbados' Shakera Salmon won two awards for most wickets in the tournament (10) and best bowling figures (5-3 against St. Lucia).