Former West Indies leg-spinner Rawl Lewis says the WICB Regional Under-15 tournament, which started in Grenada on Wednesday, provides a platform to uncover the “depth of talent that exists in the region”. Lewis, now WICB project officer for junior cricket, says the tournament also gives officials an indication on where to place the emphasis “in the development cycle”. The Tournament, into its 21st year, is being contested under a round-robin format, featuring five rounds of matches with the team accumulating the most points being declared champions. “Having regional matches for players in this age group is also extremely valuable and productive for us because it will give a clear understanding about the depth of talent that exists in the region,” said Lewis, also a former Windward Islands captain. “So we know where we need to place the emphasis in the development cycle, as the players work to move up through the age groups in their respective territories.” Guyana captured the title last year on home soil by topping the points table, following victories over Leeward Islands, Jamaica and Windwards, and in spite of having no results against Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados. “This competition gives our junior players an opportunity early in their development to showcase their ability on the regional stage and test themselves against the best players in their age group,” said Lewis. In first round matches, Guyana face Windward Islands at Progress Park, Barbados meet Trinidad & Tobago at La Sagesse, and Jamaica tackle Leeward Islands at the Tanteen Recreation Ground. The Regional Under-15 Tournament commenced in 1996 with then hosts T&T taking the inaugural title. They hold the record for the most regional U-15 titles with seven also winning the title in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2010 and 2013. Source: antigua observer