Bermuda youngster Stephen Outerbridge successfully graduated from the prestigious Shell Cricket Academy at the St.George's University in Grenada on Tuesday.

Enrolled with 28 other students from around the globe, Outerbridge made his mark as he was presented with an award for the most improved batsman - good news for his Bailey's Bay team-mates.

During the closing ceremony, president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Rev. Wes Hall challenged the students to remember the academy as "a wonderful opportunity to improve themselves and their cricket".

"These three months that you have had at the academy can be a launching pad for successful careers," said Hall, one of the West Indies greatest pace bowlers.

"I want you (students) to recognise this. When I was your age I was playing for the West Indies, but I never had any of these privileges that you take for granted."

Outerbridge has now been drafted into the Rest of Americas team currently competing in the West Indies Cricket Board Under-19 Tournament in Jamaica.

He joins ranks with fellow Bermudians Jacobi Robinson, Jekon Edness and Detroy Smith who were already representing the Americas select.

Students from all six traditional territories of the WICB, along with one each from Canada, the US and Bermuda participated in the intense three-month programme in Grenada under the directorship of Dr. Rudi Webster.

Guyana's Narsingh was voted the most improved player, Barbados' Fidel Edwards the most improved bowler and Outerbridge the most improved batsman.

Other awards went to Jamaica's Brenton Parchment for being the most disciplined and St.Vincent and the Grenadines' Kenroy Peters and Guyana's Azib Haniff for the best work ethic.

Bermuda Cricket Board of Control President Reggie Pearman said yesterday: "We are grateful to the services of the ICC Regional Development Manager, Robert Weekes, for facilitating this opportunity for Stephen."

Pearman said that the exposure to a higher standard of cricket in addition to having had the chance to play two-day games would provide Outerbridge with a chance to benchmark himself against other talented cricketers in the future.