by HAYDN GILL September 2006 Compliments of the Nation News

FIFTEEN YEARS of going without Division 1 cricket glory ended in emotional celebrations for Caribbean Lumber YMPC at Windward Club.

Wendell Coppin, the man largely credited with rebuilding the Beckles Road, St Michael club after it was hit by a mass exodus of leading players in the late 1990s, was overcome by the moment.

YMPC, joint-champions in 1991, were confirmed winners of the 2006 Banks Barbados Cricket Association Division 1 title at exactly 4 p.m. yesterday after their four-day final against Carib Carlton ended in anti-climax because of heavy afternoon rain that denied spectators the chance of seeing an enthralling run-chase.

Before the YMPC faithful could pop champagne and receive the cup, club president and inspirational player/coach Wendell Coppin emphasised the meaning of the moment.

"Numbing!" was Coppin's first word when asked by the DAILY NATION how he felt about YMPC winning the title.

"It is unexplainable . . . euphoria, hysterical, all completely wrapped up into one. I am completely numb."

First innings lead

YMPC, runaway winners of Zone 'B' under a new format which featured a final for the first time this season, took the title on account of gaining first innings lead in a drawn match that was marked by gripping, absorbing battles throughout.

Coppin himself played a significant hand, having made 30 in the first innings and a vital 37 yesterday after a dramatic first hour in which Carlton made a spirited bid by capturing five wickets for 25 runs.

Carlton were asked to score 199 to win the match, but rain just after 2:30 p.m. made conditions unfit to resume, leaving YMPC to bask in the glory of their $20 000 top prize.

"We've worked hard. We've come a long way," Coppin said.

"With the exile of the so-called YMPC heroes of the 1990s, we've had a lot of youngsters coming into the club . . . . Words can't explain how it feels."

Captain Calvin Watson, leading the side in the absence of Dwayne Smith, who made frequent calls to the ground from Malaysia yesterday to monitor the match, was just as delighted as Coppin.

"Words can't really explain how we feel. We are totally overjoyed," Watson said.

"It's a great feeling. They say good things come to people who wait. We've waited 15 years for this."

haydngill@nationnews.com

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