Katherin Bean-Rosario, 18, one of two Bermudians to play for the Leeward Islands women’s team at the West Indies Rising Stars Women's Under-19 Championship in Trinidad, has been praised for her contribution.

Bean-Rosario played in all six matches in Trinidad as her side finished second and while she did not contribute much with the bat when asked to open in all the team’s fixtures, including against Guyana in the final on Sunday, the Bermudian impressed with her energy on the field.

Leewards lost the final by 23 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, with Amara Richards, the other 18-year-old Bermudian in the side, picking up two wickets in three overs, but due to her sharpness in the field, a member of the West Indies women’s under-19 coaching department, had some kind words for Bean-Rosario.

“My fielding was recognised by one of West Indies’ under-19 coaches,’’ Bean-Rosario told The Royal Gazette.

“It was definitely the one thing they pointed out, that my fielding was very good. I actually got two run-outs in the tournament, so that was really great.

“The coach said they’re keeping an eye on me. Hopefully, if I stick with cricket and continue training they might select me for next year’s team, which I really want to work for.

“I went there to put my best foot forward and that’s exactly what I did. I went with a good mindset because I knew that not every match was going to be great.

“I felt like we could have won the final but it wasn't a great day. It was definitely a learning curve for my team because we didn’t go in with the right mindset and that’s what really held us back.”

Richards, a medium-pace bowler who played three matches for Leewards, is eager to get another chance next year.

“My experience playing for Leewards was good and I had a great time while being with the team,” she said

“I played three matches, and it was a good opportunity for me to play and I enjoyed it.

“I am grateful for the opportunity and I look forward to playing next year and making the team.”

Bean-Rosario picked up some valuable lessons from the weeks she spent with Leewards, from the trials in St Kitts up to the tournament in Trinidad.

“The biggest lesson that I learnt was that I should be patient,’’ the teenager said.

“I learnt to understand that not every game is going to be your best. It’s not in every match that you’ll make lots of runs, take wickets or do your best in fielding.

“If you go into a game and just believe in yourself, then you’ll be fine, even though you’re not.

“There’s always someone watching, so having the right attitude helps. Although I didn’t have the best matches with the batting, I was still recognised by top coaches for my fielding, which I was very proud of.”

Reflecting on the tournament, the young cricketer felt she was adequately prepared for the challenges in the Caribbean, particularly facing spin bowling.

“It was very different and I just picked up bat and ball a month prior to the tournament, so I didn’t get much practice,’’ she said.

“I was dismissed by spin bowlers in all the matches, which was something I was definitely not used to, as I haven't had much practice with spin bowling.

“I’m definitely looking forward to learning how to deal with spin bowlers and I know that I’m capable of making runs from them, but I wasn't used to it and they got the better of me on the pitch.

“Although I didn't make a great contribution to batting, I had to open the batting every game aas that’s what they wanted me to do.”

Bean-Rosario, who qualifies to play for West Indies by virtue of being born in Dominican Republic, is next week heading to Monroe College in New York to further her studies, but is not sure what the future holds for her in cricket.

“I’m going to college on a football scholarship, so I have to play football,” she said.

“I’m going to try and see if I can get into a cricket academy in New York and I really hope I stay up with cricket because I do wish to play for West Indies one day.

“I was born in Dominican Republic and my dad is from Bermuda, so I might possibly be able to play for West Indies.”

Bean-Rosario and Richards were looked after by Terry-Lynn Paynter, a Bermudian female cricket coach, throughout their time with Leewards.

“If it wasn’t for coach Terry remembering my talent from years ago, I wouldn't have been on this trip,” Bean-Rosario added.

“I wouldn’t have been able to get this opportunity and recognition. I’m really grateful to coach Terry and she called me the end of April to start training for this tournament. On this trip she stuck with us throughout and she was an advocate for us.”