Consistency the key to Cooper's MVP Award

Even with scores of 49, 46, and 58 as well as a commendable bowling performance, in the recently concluded, West Indies Senior Women’s Cricket Tournament, Britney Cooper was surprised at the organisers’ decision to name her the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Instead, the Moruga resident, was expecting veteran, Pamela Lavine who recorded the most runs in the competition (211) to walk away with the title. “I was expecting Pamela Levine to win it because she made the most runs in the tournament,” said Cooper. But the decision was no doubt based on Cooper’s consistency, whereas, Lavine’s feat consisted solely of a century in one of her matches.

The team returned home on Monday night, after regaining the regional title which they lost to Jamaica last year. Along with Cooper, Anisa Mohammed (most wickets and most catches), Whitney Cudjoe (Player of the final), and team captain Merissa Aguillera “best wicket keeper” were also among the awardees. Admitting that she lacked the self confidence to really urge herself on at times, Cooper commended her teammates for their support which was never short when she really needed it and singled out vice-captain, Kirbyina Alexander, whom she described as her role model. “Everyone had confidence in me, but I didn’t know that I would have performed so good.” “Kirbyina is very supportive and a good friend who always has faith in me, and tells me ‘never say you can’t do anything’.”

Generally known as an aggressive batswoman, Cooper explained that it was patience and self motivation that got her through the three long innings she spent in the middle. “I am more of an attacking player, so I was just thinking ‘take your time, patience, there are plenty overs left’ and I really tried to encourage myself.” It was her constant dedication to sport however, that got her on the team in the beginning. As in addition to cricket, the Princes Town Senior Comprehensive School student, also plays football for both her school and club, Petrotrin United, while also having to juggle her “A”-level studies.

“There’s just no day off, it’s from school to training and then sometimes after training I may have a windball match in the night,” she said. But according to team captain, Merissa Aguillera, who lives just a short distance from the MVP as well as plays with the same club “Hard work pays off.” This is something to which Cooper can now attest. “I’m very proud of her,” said Aguillera “especially knowing that she’s actually from my area and club, and I know her to be such a wonderful person on and off the field. I look forward to seeing her in the big league.” The 20-year-old now hopes that her performance was good enough to earn her a spot on the WI team for their upcoming tour to South Africa in October.

Awardees

Along with Cooper, Anisa Mohammed (most wickets and most catches), Whitney Cudjoe (Player of the final), and team captain Merissa Aguillera “best wicket keeper” were also among the awardees.

Shari John
Trinidad Guardian