GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Guyana have come in for praise from West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Dave Cameron after winning the three-day title in the Regional Under-19 Championship for the first time in seven years, here Friday.

The hosts crushed Trinidad and Tobago by an innings and 41 runs in their final-round match to finish on 43.7 points, comfortably ahead of the second-placed Leeward Islands who registered 32.8 points, after losing by eight wickets to Barbados.

Guyana’s triumph was extra special since it came on the heels of the national side’s success in the Regional Under-15 Championship last week in Jamaica, and Cameron was quick to hail the achievement.

“On behalf of the directors, management and staff of the WICB, heartiest congratulations to the Guyana Under-15 and Under-19 teams on their victory in their respective regional youth tournaments,” said Cameron.

“We are proud of all of these young men setting themselves goals and making every effort to achieve them. They have all worked hard and proved to themselves and everyone what can be achieved with the right level of determination and commitment. We wish them all the best for continued success in the future.”

He added: “We would also like to recognise the work of the respective coaches, Julian Moore and Andy Amsterdam, as well as managers Andy Ramnarine and David Black for moulding these players into winning units.

“Recognition must also be given to the two young captains Bhaskar Yadram (Under-15) and Brian Sattaur (Under-19) for the leadership they showed on the field. With their combined efforts and hard work, they and every member of the team have contributed to success.”

Barbados finished narrowly ahead of Jamaica in third with 29.8 points, with Jamaica fourth with 29.1 points after being held to a draw by Windward Islands.

The Windwards, meanwhile, finished fifth on 27.3 points, while T&T came in last with 11.9 points, after failing to register a single win.

This year, only three rounds were played in the three-day format, a departure from the regular round-robin system.

The one-day phase of the tournament bowls off tomorrow.