Defending champions Guyana have named a 14-member squad, built around a core of seven players from last year’s victorious campaign, to compete in the 2025 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Under-19 Female Tournament in Trinidad and Tobago.The tournament is scheduled to run from July 6 to 20.The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has retained Laurene Williams as captain, and Crystal Durant has been appointed her deputy. The squad will be looking to replicate their success and secure back-to-back titles.The selection committee, led by chairman Andre Percival, faced a challenging task due to a rain-affected season that limited opportunities for players to impress.“We only had one inter-county game and then the National Park tournament, which wasn’t played with the usual hardball conditions,” Percival said.“However, we were satisfied with the performances and have seven players returning from last year’s title-winning team.”Despite the limited match practice, Percival expressed confidence in the chosen squad, which is set to assemble for a week-long encampment in Essequibo from June 27 to July 3.He acknowledged that inclement weather might disrupt their outdoor preparations but remained optimistic about the team’s prospects.“Every country is facing its own struggles, but I’m confident in this group,” Percival stated.“With experienced leaders like Laurene and Crystal, and promising new talent, we’re ready to compete.”When asked about the possibility of retaining the title, Percival was pragmatic.“Yes, listen, I am confident, because cricket is a game of glorious and unsurprising things. You never know what will happen on the day.The team that plays the best during the competition will win the competition.Just like how we’re going through the struggles here in Guyana, other countries are going through struggles as well. So, you know, it’s going to be an open competition.”GCB President, Bissoondyal Singh, also offered his support, encouraging the players “to remain disciplined, committed, and focused” on the task ahead.Guyana U-19 Squad: Laurene Williams (capt), Crystal Durant (vice-capt), Trisha Hardat, Shonette Belgrave, Tiea Isaacs, Danellie Manns, Lotaya Williams (wk), Mahadevi Dass, Jada Fraser, Daniela Hicks, Briana Samaroo, Rebekael Cleto, Cianna Barkoye, and Devani Rickram.Standby Players: Jaraya Rodrigues, Aneesa Chetram, Ackella Stephens, Thalia Hack, Shanaya Mackay, and Emely Booker.The post GCB unveils Girls’ U-19 squad with eye on title defence appeared first on News Room Guyana.