Sports
Fans Go 'Crazy' over C&W'sCricket Weekend
Sherwin Campbell showsthe prober way to hold a ball
Tara Bush
The Cable & Wireless Cricket Crazy Weekendheld recently, was totally amazing, attracting large crowds throughoutthe weekend.
From the private clinics of the youth national cricket teams andthe open clinics for school age children to the Gala Dinner atthe Marriott, and fantastic exhibition match on Sunday at theSmith Road Oval, Cricket Crazy Weekend had something for everycricket enthusiastic.
Even representatives from the International Cricket Council werepresent to see the development of cricket first hand in the CaymanIslands: Andrew Eade, Development Manager of the ICC and ReneHolfolt a member of Associated Council. In addition, Tony Cozieran international cricket commentator and writer was there producingspecial on the weekend blitz.
"Cable & Wireless was absolutely thrilled with the Weekend.The kids' clinics were amazing with more than three hundred youngsters.The dinner was packed. And a fabulous display of talent at theexhibition match on Sunday made the weekend complete," saidTina Trumbach, Public Relations Manager for Cable & Wireless.
Cricket Crazy seemed to be extra special this year with the admissionof the Cayman Islands into the Red Stripe Bowl, and it was notfar from any cricket fans minds or lips.
The weekend started as early as Wednesday, with the arrival ofReon King, Franklyn Rose, Sherwin Campbell and Michael Holding.Sir Viv Richards arrived on Thursday just in time for the clinics,which seemed to be the biggest part of the weekend. The clinicscovered the entire gambit of youth and so far this part of cricketweekend seems to bear fruition with the number of youngsters nowinvolved in the sport.
The Gala Dinner was another sellout affair with more than 370people in attendance. The keynote speakers were General Managerfor Cable & Wireless, Mr. Tim Adam and Michael Holding previousWest Indian Cricket turned commentator.
The dinner was one of the most important aspects of the Weekend,for funds raised will go towards the development of youth crickethere in the Cayman Islands. Mr. Adam pointed out in his speechthat Cable & Wireless was the telecommunication company ofthe Caribbean and that cricket was the game of the Caribbean.
"What began as a small idea to bring back the sport of cricketto Cayman in 1995 has now become one of the largest and most anticipatedlocal sporting events. It has grown to be a full-blown weekendextravaganza bringing out both young and old to enjoy this traditionaland enduring Caribbean sport," he explained.
As most of you are aware, cricket was a popular sport here inCayman in the late 60's and early 70's. He acknowledged JimmyPowell, Derek Wight, National Cricket Coach, Theo Cuffy, U-15National Cricket Coach Andy Myles and the CI Cricket Associationfor playing their respective parts in assisting in the recentgrowth of cricket.
Michael Holdings opening remarks were, "While things arenot as bright as they were, they are not as bad as they couldbe." He was referring to the lackluster performance of therecent West Indies tour in England.
He added, "Do not compare what is happening today with whathappened in the good days. He reminded the audience that the WestIndies lost some 26 test matches at one point."
He then went out to congratulate the Cayman Islands Cricket Associationfor being admitted into the Red Stripe Bowl and hoped that intime, Cayman would compete in the Buster Cup.
Match Results "Surpassed"
Tara Bush
The Sherwin Campbell 11 won the Cable &Wireless Crazy Cricket Exhibition match by three wickets with3.4 overs to spare, scoring 240 runs for seven wickets in 39.4overs on Sunday at the Smith Road Oval.
Despite a magnificent inning of 237 runs for the loss of eightwickets in 40 overs the Sir Viv Richards 11 fell to the SherwinCampbell 11.
Governor Peter Smith, a right arm slow-bowler who mixes off spinswith leg cutters, bowled the first over to Sir Viv Richards. Duringthat over a light drizzle threatened the match. And minutes afterthe opening a loud thunderclap and lightening struck nearby whicheven producing smoke. But this seemed to have driven the rainaway, making way for a great exhibition match.
Chris Wight of the Sir Viv Richards team was retired after 34runs by the class bowling of Gary Tulloch. His twin David fellshortly after with 34 runs after hitting two sixes. Then bravehearted Ryan Bovell took to the crease blasting six sixes acrossthe boundaries for a total of 62 runs.
But it was Sir Viv Richards who stole the show with 36 runs withtwo sixes that seemed to drive the crowds wild with anticipation.It was local national team captain, Michael Wight that capturedSir Vivís wicket. In fact M. Wightís bowling tacticsnetted him 3 wickets for 19 runs followed by Tulloch with threefor 34 runs.
After tea the Sherwin Campbell 11 team came to bat and of course,the current vice-captain of the West Indies took his usual positionof the opening batsman.
Campbell survived 34 overs collecting a total of 98 runs withfive-sixes and five-fours. Michael Wight followed with 35 runshitting six sixes and two fours. Jamaican fast bowler FranklynRose had a short but sweet ride at the crease capturing the crowdwith four sixes and two four for 33 runs in total.
However, it was the partnership of Philip Wight and Ryan Ebanksthat brought the total runs needed for the win.
"I could not have asked for a better game or weekend,"said, National Cricket Coach, Theo Cuffy. "Every year I saythis is the best Cable & Wireless Crazy Cricket Weekend, butthis year was definitely the best. I cannot believe it was possibleto surpass last year's energy level, but we did. With more than400 runs recorded with a number of sixes and fours. The crowdwas great. It was a true festival," he added.
"I would like to point out to the public that it was thefirst time that a youth player participated for the entire match.That player was Ryan Ebanks who was the wicket keeper for theSherwin Campbell 11. The youngsters who participated were JosephKirkconnell, Dwight Rivers, Jalon Linton, Ryan Ebanks, Colin Riedand Gregory Ebanks," he continued.