Blackwood relishing SDC T20

When Jermaine Blackwood is not on senior West Indies or national duties, the middle-order batsman represents his community of Whitehouse in the Social Development Commission (SDC) National Community T20 competition on Sundays.

Blackwood, who was born and raised in Westmorland, disclosed that it is a pleasure to play cricket among his peers in his community and that he is always ready and raring to impart his knowledge of the game to young cricketers from his district.

The aggressive right-hander has represented Whitehouse in two games this season in the ever-popular T20 competition. Blackwood's handful of runs and wickets helped Whitehouse to be Westmoreland's representative to the national phase, having won the parish stage two weeks ago.

Being home playing cricket with neighbours is a joy to the batsman, who has played in 54 Tests and three One-Day Internationals (ODI) for the West Indies.

"I love representing my community and playing alongside my brother, Hugh Blackwood, and some of my friends I grew up with. The community of Whitehouse loves cricket, and every time we play, we get a packed house, so it is a good feeling to know that I can be a part of this type of initiative even at this stage in my career," Blackwood said.

Whitehouse, in this year's competition, are stacked with talent, with Jamaica national batsman Kennar Lewis and former national youth players Ziggy Levy and captain Ramaal Lewis leading their charge in their second title bid, having won the competition in 2016.

"We have a pretty good team, which is well-balanced. I have no doubt that we will go to the final this year and win, once the players continue to play the brand of cricket that they are playing," added Blackwood.

Blackwood highlighted that he is also particularly pleased with one of Whitehouse's young cricketers, Kevin Samuels, who he believes is one for the future.

"Kevin is a good off-spinner from St Elizabeth Technical High School, and one thing I like about him is that when I am in the team, he asks me questions and wants to learn about the game.

"I am always happy to share my knowledge, as my thing is to give back to my community in any way I can," he said.

Whitehouse are set to bow into action in the national phase of the SDC competition on Sunday.