SPORTS

Cayman Islands cricketers gain valuable experience in Canada

National Coach Theo Cuffy

Monday,  September 12, 2005

For a small nation, the Cayman Islands has made massive strides in international cricket lately. The greatest of these must surely be the debut of the country’s national senior cricket team, sponsored by Cable & Wireless, in the International Cricket Council Intercontinental Cup held in Toronto, Canada. 

The national team played its first match against Bermuda on 27 August, and its second match against Canada. Matches were played at the first rate facilities of the leading cricket club in Toronto, namely Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club.

Although the national team lost both matches, there were clear signs of improvement in the performance of the team, and the individual players, as the tournament progressed. This improvement was however not only in the minds and hearts of Cayman supporters. Even the official news release from the tournament took note of the work the team did during the tournament. In the report, as published on the ICC’s website (www.icc-cricket.com ) the development of the team was described like this:

“What was interesting was the remarkable improvement as the tournament progressed by the Cayman Islands squad. Playing for the first time in three-day competition, the Caymanians struggled adjusting to the longer version of the game especially against Bermuda. While never a threat to Canada there was a remarkable improvement. With very little time to prepare (3 weeks) for this tournament due to the late withdrawal of the USA and limited facilities in the Cayman Islands as they try to rebuild after Hurricane Ivan last year, the Cayman team was eager for the opportunity to gain valuable experience. They did extremely well considering those two major hurdles.”

National Coach Theo Cuffy was very pleased with the impact of the tournament on his players.

“There is nothing better than the actual events to develop the minds of our youngsters. Nine players under the age of 24 meant that some of our future players experienced the real deal for themselves and the general feelings were that it has opened our eyes to the level of commitment required to be successful at the higher level.”

He was also extremely impressed by all the effort put into the game by every single player. “It was very encouraging to witness first hand our adoption to the longer version of the game. Cayman is accustomed to limited overs (maximum 50 overs) matches and to see the guys fighting for all its worth for seven and a half hours or 105 overs each day, for three days, gives me the added incentive to continue our development programme.” 

In discussion with some of players, Ricardo Roach, who incidentally did not start in the matches remarked “three day cricket is made to order for me”. 

For Cayman to build on the lessons learnt in the Intercontinental Cup, it will be necessary to make some changes to the local competitions in order to prepare players for the challenges of the extended form of the game. The general preparation of the team will also need to be adapted in order to deliver players ready to take on the world in all formats of the game.

For his tremendous work during both matches Troy Taylor was adjudged “Most Improved Player” which netted him not only bragging rights to the title, but also a new bat. Canada is a lucky hunting ground for Troy as he won the bowling award there two years ago. 

Coach Cuffy also thanked everyone involved in getting the team to Canada. “We are thankful to the ICC Americas for the invitation to participate, Government, sponsor Cable & Wireless, employers and the association for the support. The battle goes on.”

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