Donovan Nelson Despite missing out on the rest of the Headley Cup final between first-timers Tacky and St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS), outstanding players John Campbell and Donovan Nelson are looking forward to travelling to link up with fellow invitees to the West Indies Under-19 team.

The duo, Nelson who represents (STETHS) and Campbell of Tacky, were summoned earlier than expected and left the island on Tuesday for the eastern Caribbean. The West Indies Under-19 team is set for an upcoming tour to Dubai. That squad will be captained by Barbadian Kraig Bratwaite, considered at this point, the region's brightest batting prospect.

Primarily a leg-spinner, Nelson has a reputation as a capable lower-order batsman, but his contribution was limited on the first day as he scored only two runs, after his team won the toss and elected to bat first.

It was felt that any time spent at bowling would have been important for his team, given his role as the leading wicket-taker for the last three seasons, despite the fact that he could not finish the match. He was ecstatic about leaving to represent the West Indies junior team.

"It's a very good feeling," he told Star Sports.

"This is what every youngster my age would dream of and I can't wait to give it my best shot."

Campbell has made the West Indies junior team before, and expectantly was far more subdued. He was appreciative of another opportunity but obviously felt some pain knowing the weight that will be left on his team members. His role and solid performance with the bat was considered key if Tacky were to defy STETHS.

imminent departure

Some fans expressed the view that consideration of his imminent departure had a strong influence on STETHS' decision to bat.

"It is a pretty good feeling that I am getting the chance to represent the region again," Campbell said of the Windies call-up.

"The last time I didn't get enough runs or wickets, so I am hoping to better that performance."

He believes both aspects of his game have improved.

In last week's semi-final against Vere at G.C. Foster College in Spanish Town, he made 41 in his team's first innings of 157. However, it was his match haul of 11 for 73, including returns of six for 30 in the second innings, which propelled Tacky to their first ever berth in a schoolboy cricket final.

John Campbell