Lambert expects tight race for Courtney Walsh prize

Former Jamaica cricket captain Tamar Lambert has described his nomination for the 12th annual National Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence as a great feeling.

The 35-year-old was recently named as one of three nominees for the award, which is awarded to outstanding Jamaicans for their excellence in sports on and off the field.

"It feels great,'' said Lambert, who, along with former national footballer Warren Barrett, and current national and West Indies cricketer Stafanie Taylor, has been nominated.

"Having done so well over the years, and for somebody to recognise those achievements is always a good feeling, and I feel honoured and privileged.''

Lambert, who began leading Jamaica at the Under-15 level, also captained Jamaica to a record-breaking five-straight regional senior first-class titles.

The accomplishment, which Lambert put down to a lot of hard work and determination, has subsequently seen him being awarded with an Order of Distinction by the Government of Jamaica.

"Winning the award would mean a lot for me. It would be a real pleasure,'' cited Lambert, who up until last season wore the national colours.

"I have always lived my life trying to be a shining example, whereby a youngster would want to grow up and be like a Tamar Lambert.''

CLOSE CONTEST

The former Jonathan Grant High and long-standing St Catherine CC representative believes it will be a close contest for the award.

"I think I have a good chance of winning, but whomever wins it, deserves it. Stafanie has done well for herself and for the Jamaican public and Caribbean people, and has been a number one all-rounder. She has also won a Twenty20 World Cup, and continues to play the sport.

"Warren Barrett, on the other hand, has really done well whenever he represents Jamaica, including going to the World Cup and captaining Jamaica."