Promising Willow Cuts batsman Duente Darrell received a ringing endorsement from club skipper Dexter Basden yesterday after being invited to train with the Island's Under-19 World Cup squad earlier this week along with team-mates Kevon Fubler and Sherwin Hall.

Basden is among those who feel early bat Darrell has a bright future ahead of him as well as team-mates Fubler and Hill who he says have also made "steady progress" in recent seasons.

"Duente has played regularly for us over the past two seasons and that's when I first noticed his potential as a batsman," he said. "At that time his technique was more defensive and so I figured it would be just a matter of time before he became more aggressive. But this season he has definitely matured and has become more aggressive with the bat."

With Basden still active in the sport, Darrell appears to be benefiting from the good advice he is receiving from the former Somerset Cup Match skipper and coach Rodney (Hoyt) Fubler.

"Most of the time I arrive at the crease he (Darrell) is still there which has given me a very good opportunity to talk to him and keep him on the right track," Basden continued. "And one of the things that please me most about him is that he listens to advice. And whenever you have a youngster who is willing to listen to experienced players, then that benefits them later down the road.

"He is only 14 years of age but very mature. And I've never batted with a 14-year-old who has scored three half-centuries in a season since my brother (Richard) and I broke through (at Willow Cuts). I can see him progressing to the senior level one day, providing he doesn't let things go to his head and start thinking he's bigger than the game."

Basden also sang the praises of young seamers Fubler and Hall who made his Western Counties debut at the senior level with Cuts last month. Despite his tender years, Fubler continues to impress with the ball while the versatile Hall has also come in leaps and bounds, Basden said.

"It's good to coach and play alongside these guys because they also need some good guidance on the field," he added.

Along with father Kevin, young Fubler shared in a 82 run tenth-wicket partnership against Somerset Bridge last weekend, a performance that drew rave reviews from Basden.

"Kevon has showed a lot more maturity in his batting and looking at his technique I think he bats similar to my brother. He hits the ball all along the ground," he said.

"Sherwin, who I've used as a wicketkeeper and opening bowler, also continues to blossom and will only get better as time goes by. And it really makes me proud to see these three youngsters coming through the ranks. And we have many more to follow."

The young trio will now try and convince Under-19 national team selectors they are worthy of representing the Island during next year's Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia with Basden confident they can achieve their objectives.

"I know they have only been selected to train, but judging by their performances and statistics I think they have a good chance of making Bermuda's Under-19 World Cup team.

"I can see these youngsters being in a very strong position to play because I play with them every week and see their potential," he said.

With so many good opportunities in the sport these days, Basden has encouraged the trio to aim high in their endeavours both on and off the pitch.

"Back in the day we didn't have the same opportunities these youngsters have today. Now they can strive for a scholarship to play cricket and get an education at the same time," he added.

"I think since Bermuda (senior squad) qualified for the World Cup (in 2005) the tone has been set for youngsters coming through. But it's now all up to them to take advantage of the opportunities.

"We preach to them all of the time the importance of completing their school work because that comes first. And as a team we also pray for our young players before every game because we realise it's difficult being a teenager these days. We try and get a blessing for them every week and now it seems as though some of our prayers have been answered.

"But it's now all up to them and they have our (Cuts) support all the way."