CATEGORY:SPORTS(CRICKET)
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By Trevor Thwaites
Inside Grenada correspondent
Wednesday November 29,2006


ST.GEORGE’S, Grenada - Two of the country’s most accomplished cricketers, West Indies players Rawle Lewis and Junior Murray, are calling on the authorities to provide adequate training facilities for cricketers and aspiring cricketers.

The top cricketers are involved in a training programme, working with school children from several schools in St George’s. The programme is expected to be spread to the various parishes around the country.

However, the inadequate preparations of the grounds at Tanteen and Queens Park are causing serious problems. “I have been asking for well-prepared turf wickets, but it has not been forthcoming”, stated national captain Rawle Lewis. He added “This is nothing new. It has been happening over the years.”

“This is not a very good idea because there could be problems, if the youngsters are badly injured from balls, which rise sharply from the uneven ground”, commented Murray. He is heartened by the by the high spirit and enthusiasm shown by the youngsters. “They are really keen and eager. I hope they will not lose interest because of the bad condition”, Murray said.

However, the two admit that having adequate facilities for cricketers to practice has been sadly lacking over the last decade. Murray says that quality training facilities have been the biggest challenge he has endured, since making his debut for the West Indies in 1995.

“It’s nothing new. We have always being under-prepared. That’s one of the reasons why the Windward Islands performance has been so inconsistent. We play on pure talent most of the times”, Rawle said. He pointed out that it will be a similar situation when the Windward Islands Tournament starts here early next month.

Murray, who is probably coming to the end of his career, would certainly like to pave the way for others. “There are many young and talented players, who if given the chance can certainly play international cricket. I might be on my way out, but I am appealing to the authorities to provide adequate facilities for them. Many more have the talent to play for the West Indies and perform consistently well”, Murray said.