ST JOHN’S, Antigua – A 28-member Antigua Masters contingent departed for Anguilla yesterday to defend their title in the Leeward Islands Cricket Masters Tournament from May 24-27.

President of Antigua Masters Elkanah Charles is leading the contingent that also includes manager Alcott “Wally” Browne, 19 players and nine supporting members of the club.

The team comprises captain Pernel “Roxy” Joseph, Jenson “Gunner” Joseph, Robert Browne, Vince “Worldman” Smith, Clarence Fredericks, Frankie Francis, Glenroy Weekes, Pat “Ipa” Spencer, Derrick Benta, Devon Neil Thomas, Aldrick “Ched” Meade, Ian Gore, Earl Waldron, Kirthley Maginley, Vincent Shadrach Sr, Cartwright Piggot and Frederick “Fish” Floyd.

Seven other teams will be competing with Antigua Masters in this weekend’s tournament.

They are St Thomas, St Croix, British Virgin Islands (BVI), St Kitts, Nevis, St Maarten and host Anguilla.

Charles said his team is confident that they will retain the title they won in St Croix last year.

He has also expressed thanks to Cool & Smooth for providing the team with uniforms, the Government of Antigua & Barbuda for its assistance and also to everyone else that assisted the team in any way.

Antigua Masters have already won the tournament, which started in 1999, on five occasions.

The team is expected to return home on May 28.