Webster claims top Queen’s Park award

Tion Webster and Joshua Da Silva claimed the respective Men’s and Youth Cricketers of the Year on Friday night, as the Queen’s Park Cricket Club staged its End of Season Cricket Presentation and Award ceremony.

The venue was the Century Ballroom, Brian Lara Pavilion, Queen’s Park Oval, St Clair.

Webster, who was recently omitted from the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force team for the current Regional Four-Day Tournament fixture against the visiting Barbados Pride, was given the nod after playing instrumental roles in the Parkites’ victorious campaigns in the National League and 50-over competitions. Da Silva, who performs dual roles as opening batsman and wicketkeeper, scored 447 runs at an average of 34.38 and claimed 18 dismissals. He was also chosen to go to the United Kingdom in April on the Kieron Pollard Scholarship Programme.

The 21-year-old Webster was elated to get the top gong this year.

“It’s a wonderful feeling, doing good for your club. I grew up playing cricket for Queen’s Park so it’s good.”

Reflecting on the 2017 season, Webster said, “It was a magnificent year.

I can’t find the words to describe it, but I’ll just keep working hard on my game and to repeat it in 2018.”

Looking ahead, he said, “I’ll love to get Player of the Year for Queen’s Park again and to represent my country.”

Webster was among the five Cricketers of the Year, alongside all-rounders Daron Cruickshank, Terrance Hinds, batsman Jonathan Augustus and Darren Deonarine.

Another prestigious award on the night – the Runako Morton Award (named after the late Leeward Islands, TT and West Indies batsman) – went to leg-spinner Sameer Ali as the Most Promising Youth Cricketer of the Year.

Looking back at his 2017 season, the 15-year-old Chaguanas resident said, “It was a good experience. It’s a good feeling because I know how hard I’ve worked throughout the year.”

The national Under-17 player expressed his gratitude to Queen’s Park coaches David Furlonge and Gregory Davis, as well as his family, for their support during the year.

As far as 2018 is concerned, Ali noted, “I hope to make the Trinidad and Tobago Under-19 team and the West Indies Under-19 team, and to improve my skills at Queen’s Park.”

Renaldo Forrester, a left-arm pace bowler, was presented with the Phil Thompson Youth Personality of the Year, having gathered a total of 21 wickets in 2017 and was rewarded with spots on the national Under-17 and Under-19 teams.

Queen’s Park also recognised players who either posted centuries or claimed five-wicket hauls, in various tournaments, throughout the season.