New York Under-19s Raring To Go At National Championship

By Orin Davidson
In less than two weeks New York’s Under-19 cricket team will be going all out to cart off back-to-back titles in the United States national championship.
The team is currently rounding off its preparation for the big weekend early next month in Florida and are confident of bringing home the bacon despite a narrow escape in winning the Eastern American competition earlier this summer.
The squad which was presented with sweat suits by Brooklyn businessman Orin Morris on Thursday, is going through its paces at Gateway Park.
Today we feature four of the big names in the 14-man squad.

Akeem Dodson

Akeem Dodson:
Currently the best exposed of all the players selected, Dodson will be entering his third national championship with the squad following his appearances in 2004 and 2005.
One of the best batsmen, Dodson has also been the established wicketkeeper since then, but will relinquish the gloves to concentrate on his batting this time around.
He is one of three New York members who were part of the historic US team which competed in the World Cup in Sri Lanka early this year. A member of Villagers team in the Metropolitan League, Dodson chalked up a century this season and is in the final of the Tri State series with Tri State Youths were he has also done some bowling.

Karan Ganesh:
A former Guyana Under-15 player in the West Indies, Ganesh has been vested with the captaincy this year and is confidently going about his job.
It is his first experience at the helm, the responsibility is bringing out the best in his game. Apart from his solid middle batting, Ganesh is also finding bowling form with his off spin. He bagged five wickets for eight runs for his club Everest ACS in an Eastern American League game recently.
The right-hand batsman and off spinner is making his second run in the team and is intent on making the best of the opportunity.

Kumar Ramsabad:
In his second year, Ramsabad is aiming to capitalize on his exposure he gained last year which landed him a place in the U.S. World Cup team.
He was shunted up and down the batting order then, but is now well established in the middle. Ramsabad plays for Everest ACS in the Eastern American League and is hoping to go all the way to another World Cup in 2008.

Javein Thomas:
Thomas is one of the newcomers in the squad, but also happens to be one of the key players.
A batsman and off spin bowler, Thomas was outstanding in the Eastern Conference series with his all-round ability and cemented his place in the team as a result. At 17 years old, Thomas is also an established member of Mid Island club in the Metropolitan League and will also be in action today in the Tri State final for Tri State Youths.
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