Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) president, Jackie Hendriks (right), speaks to members of the national Under-17 team upon their arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport on Saturday. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Gibbs Williams, coach of Jamaica's Under-17 cricket team, says despite their failure to win this year's Digicel Sir Gary Sobers International School's Tournament, the performance was satisfying.

Trinidad and Tobago won the title for the second consecutive year, after defeating Barbados in the final at the Kensington Oval last week Tuesday.

Good performance

"It was a very good performance by the group because we went into Barbados and we did ourselves proud," said Williams, shortly after their arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport on Saturday.

The Jamaicans, who lost to Trinidad and Tobago in the semi-finals, played nine matches, won seven and lost two.

Williams also believes that the Under-17 competition is a good platform for the development of West Indies cricket.

Stepping stone

"It's a stepping stone in that West Indies needs a developmental programme because we have Under-15 and now we have the Under-17 and Under-19 and I think this is a step in the right direction," Williams reasoned.

Williams added there has always been an intent to bridge the gap between Under-15 and Under-19 cricket in the region, and this is a grand opportunity for the youngsters to play at the Under-17 level.

"We really have done ourselves very well by participating in this competition and a couple of the youngsters are really looking forward to going back next year," he said.

Williams also mentioned that Jamaica's wicketkeeper, Anchard Hamilton, was pinpointed by Test great Sir Everton Weekes as a future West Indies player.

All-Star team

Ashan Plummer and Kemar Marshall were selected to the tournament's all-star team.

"We've two players who were selected to the all-star team and one of the players was selected by Sir Everton Weeks as the next West Indies player, and so I believe it was a very good tour for us," Williams said.

Williams added that there are now plans to have a regional Under-17 competition in December in Trinidad and Tobago.