A MIRACLE IN PORT OF SPAIN
Debutant Chris gayle during his innings of 33.
The first test between the West Indies and Zimbabwe in Port of Spain was indeed a miracle. The West Indies entered the test with renewed optimism as they now had a new manager, coach and captain at he helm. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, were playing their first ever test match in the West Indies and hoped to gain some respect by taking advantage of the West Indies� vulnerable position.Zimbabwean captain, Andy Flower won the toss and made an interesting decision to take the field. Trinidad had not prepared the best wickets in recent history and batting fourth on the Queen�s Park pitch was not going to be easy but it did not effect Flower�s decision. Initially, Flower�s decision looked well calculated as Adrian Griffith (0) fell LBW to the third ball of the morning. Campbell (24) and debutante, Chris Gayle (33) were able to push the score up to 48 but not before Gayle was dropped for just 6. Wickets, however, fell at regular intervals. Newly appointed captain, Jimmy Adams (17) scratched around for an extended period of time and the other debutante, Wavell Hinds looked solid as he compiled (48 not out). Hinds� patient knock finally ended when he ran out of partners and the iinings closed at 187 all out. Zimbabwean pacer, Heath Streak, took the bowling honours as he claimed a tidy 4 for 45 and new-comer, Brian Murphy spun his way to three wickets.
Zimbabwe�s innings could not have started worse. Ambrose and Walsh were up to their old tricks again and before a run was scored Neil Johnson and Grant Flower were back in the pavilion. After Murray Goodwin quickly departed for 20, Trevor Gripper (41) and Andy Flower (113 not out) accumulated the largest partnership of the match of 117. Both batsmen rode their luck as Flower was adjudged not out to a delivery that clearly was caught of his glove before he even scored and Gripper edged and pushed his way while facing 219 deliveries. The support bowlers of Rose and King, however, looked very ordinary and caused Flower no problems as he eased his way to his sixth test hundred. The tail and provided little resistance as Ambrose finished with 4 for 42 and Gayle claimed three late scalps. Zimbabwe were eventually dismissed for 236, a respectable 49 run lead.
The West Indies second innings never got underway. Griffith and Gayle were dismissed before any runs were scored and after Campbell was unluckily run out by the forward short leg, the West Indies future looked bleak. Chanderpaul (49) and Adams (27), however, fought on. It was not easy as the Zimbabwean bowlers stuck tot heir task on a difficult pitch and the fielding was magnificent. Both batsmen eventually got bogged down and when Adams was dismissed, caught at square cover, Chanderpaul followed quickly. There was not much more resistance as Streak claimed 5 for 23 taking his match tally to nine wickets and the West Indies were pushed right back for 147, leaving Zimbabwe just 99 to score for victory.
Jacobs, Ambrose and Chanderpaul celebrate after their memorable victory.On the fifth and final morning when Grant Flower and Neil Johnson walked to the crease they hoped to seal a memorable victory. Instead it was to be a memorable victory for the West Indies. Zimbabwe were dismissed for just 63 from 47 overs with Grant Flower top scoring with 26 from three and a half hours of grueling concentration. This time around, Rose (4 for 19) and King (1 for 11) bowled tirelessly with continued pace and venom. Ambrose (3 for 8) and Walsh (2 for 18) were spectacular as Zimbabwe could do nothing but crumble.
It was a victory pulled from the deepest and most viscous jaws of defeat. West Indies fought back admirably and although their batting struggled throughout the match the West Indies never threw away their wickets. They toiled hard to find the confidence they lack against a very disciplined bowling attack. The Queen�s Park grounds-staff also did not produce the greatest of pitches, a factor, which contributed to 28 individual scores under 10 in the match. The West Indies, however, move on to the second test in Jamaica which starts this Friday.
As Seen In The Anguillian March, 2000
posted by Zack Kenworthy Wednesday, March 22, 2000
TOUGH LUCK FOR FOOTBALLERSNeeding to win by at least three goals to advance to the second round of World Cup Qualifying matches, Anguilla took on the Bahamian team at the Nassau Queen Elizabeth Sports Stadium on the 21st of March.
Once again the Anguillians came out strong an attacked tirelessly. However, play was not easy on the muddy field as the rain drenched the stadium. In the 16th minute the Bahamas took the lead when a shot was taken by a Bahamian midfielder from inside his own half. The shot towered over the defenders and gave the young Anguillian goalie, Colin Liddie, problems, as he could not control it. However, this did not stop the Anguillian�s aggressive play as they continued to attack. Colin Johnson, Richard O�Connor and crowd favourite, the diminutive Girdon Connor, in particular continued to create chances with some very flamboyant footwork. This resulted in Anguilla�s only goal when, in the 41st minute, Girdon Connor took the challenge to three Bahamian defenders and moved into the penalty area where he was brought down. This resulted in a penalty for Richard O�Connor who had no problems in slipping one past the Bahamian keeper.
In the second half the Anguillians continued to create numerous chances for themselves in and around the penalty area. The confident attack of the Anguillians, however, allowed for gaps to be created in their defense which resulted in another Bahamian goal with just 13 minutes remaining. It was again a good fight but the experience of the Bahamas proved too much for our tiny island nation. It was nonetheless wonderful exposure for our players and for our football.
As Seen In The Anguillian March, 2000
posted by Zack Kenworthy Wednesday, March 22, 2000
UNDER 15 CRICKETERS IN ST. KITTSThe Anguilla under 15-cricket team returned from St. Kitts this Tuesday where they took part in the annual Leeward Islands under 15-cricket tournament. Although the Anguillians lost all four matches against Antigua, St. Kitts, Montserrat and Nevis, manager, Sam Webster and coaches, Cardigan Connor and Wendell Samuel were very pleased with the progress that the youngsters have made.
Speaking with Sam Webster on his return, he remarked that considering how few matches the Anguillians play he was very pleased with their performance and that at this stage developing player�s techniques is more important than winning. In particular, he spoke highly of the talents of Lyndel Richardson, Colin Harrigan, Dillon Skellekie, Duquain Lake, Muncin Hodge and Maurice Burleigh, all of whom performed well in the tournament. He noted that although all the players contributed, that Richardson and Harrigan were outstanding throughout the tournament and that Harrigan won man of the match twice for Anguilla and scored the teams highest individual score with 32.
Webster noted, however, that not enough is being done in the schools to introduce cricket to the youngsters and that coaching must start from the grass roots in primary schools. He pointed out that without the windball tournaments in the primary schools that not enough players are entering secondary school with the hopes of playing hard ball cricket. It was, however, a much needed tournament that showcased the talents of many future stars.
As Seen In The Anguillian March, 2000
posted by Zack Kenworthy Wednesday, March 22, 2000
CCB LOCAL LEAGUE BEGINS
Offspinner, Omari Banks who claimed 7 for 76 in the match.
The Annual Caribbean Commercial Bank Local League Cricket Tournament started this past weekend at the RWP with a two day match between the Nagico Upsetters and the All Stars after a small opening ceremony which was chaired by Sports Officer, Alkins Rogers. Rogers addressed the small assembly of cricketers who gathered at the main pavilion and spoke of the respect and love that they must have for the game and also thanked CCB for their invaluable contribution to local cricket, as did Gerard Gumbs who spoke on behalf of the Anguilla Cricket Development Committee. Gumbs profusely thanked the CCB for their continuing contributions and noted that this tournament is the basis for all cricketers in Anguilla who wish to make the step to the next level.
Chief Minister, the Hon. Osbourne Fleming was the main speaker and emphasized the importance of sports in Anguilla and that more must be done to ensure that sports remains an integral part of the Anguillian Community. The vote of thanks was given by Cardigan Connor and an address was made by David Kenworthy who both spoke of the importance of cricket in the Anguillian community and thanked all those who continue to strive for excellence in ensuring that cricket remains a thriving part of Anguillian sports. When the match finally got under way, the Nagico Upsetters were rocked back early on the first day as they were bowled for just 122. Keith Harrigan (29) and Joseph Gumbs (25) top scored as off spinner, Omari Banks did the bulk of the bowling for the All Stars and captured 5 for 38 for 17 overs. He bowled with good variation and caused trouble for the Upsetters� batsmen with his extra bounce.Fats bowler, Marlon Martin also bowled well as he claimed 2 for 12.
In reply, the All Stars posted a sound total of 264 with Leon Lake top scoring with a brilliant knock of 93. Lake, a young opening batsmen, safely guided his side, along with veteran Sam Webster who crashed a brisk 70, to a strong lead of 142 runs. Fast bowler, Richard Stevens was the pick of the bowlers as he grabbed 5 for 90.
The Upsetters� second turn at the crease was definitely an improvement on their first innings total. Mitch Harrigan was the top scorer with 57 as he helped his side to 157. Leg spinner Corwin Carty plucked 4 wickets as he extracted much turn from the RWP pitch and Omari Banks took his tally to 7 wickets as he took 2 for 38. This left the All Stars just 15 runs to score to win the match and they did so easily without loosing either openers. It was a comprehensive victory for the All Stars who rest this following weekend as the ALHCS Spartans take on Cable and Wireless.
As Seen In The Anguillian March, 2000
posted by Zack Kenworthy Thursday, March 16, 2000
LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB TO VISIT ANGUILLA
Aftab Habib, part of the talented Leicestershire teamLeicester County Cricket Club is to visit Anguilla from the 29th of March to the 7th of April on a pre-season tour. Leicester, which is one of England�s premier clubs, is following in the footsteps of Yorkshire and Hampshire County Cricket Clubs who have visited Anguilla in the past. The tour, which has been organised in an effort for Leicester to gain some match practice before their grueling six month season in England, is being co-hosted by the St. maarten Cricket Association who will also stage one 1-day match on the second of April. The other matches, which will all be played at the RWP, include a 2 day match and two 1-day matches against the Anguilla side.
Leicester CCC are an extremely strong side and showcase talent such as Chris Lewis, Aftab Habib, Vince Wells and Phillip DeFreitas, all of whom have played for England before. The Sports Department of The Anguillian invites all cricket fans to come out to the RWP and support this wonderful event.
As Seen In The Anguillian March, 2000
posted by Zack Kenworthy Thursday, March 16, 2000
FOOTBALLERS LEAVE FOR BAHAMASThe Anguilla National Football Team leaves this Friday for the return leg of their World Cup qualifier against the Bahamas. The team, which is to play on Sunday the 19th in the Bahamas, must win by three goals if they are certain to advance to the next round of World Cup qualifying matches. The Anguillians are coming off a home defeat here, in Anguilla, at the Ronald Webster Park when they lost 3-1 on the 5th of this month. The team has been training vigorously every evening at the RWP Annex and is hoping to regain some pride in defeating the Bahamas on home turf and, in turn, attracting the Anguillian public back to the game of Football.
As Seen In The Anguillian March, 2000
posted by Zack Kenworthy Thursday, March 16, 2000
ANGUILLA YOUTH TEAM DEPARTSThe Anguilla under 15cricket team departs Anguilla this Thursday for St. Kitts to play in the Leeward Islands under 15 Tournament. Anguilla, who are coached by Cardigan Connor, Wendell Samuel and Sam Webster are a young team but are nonetheless expected to Anguilla proud as they take on Antigua on Friday the 17th, Montserrat on the 18th, Nevis on the 19th and finally, hosts St. Kitts on the 20th.
The tournament has not only been established to develop cricket throughout the Leeward Islands but also to select a Leeward Island under 15 cricket team that will travel to Trinidad and Tobago for the West Indies Regional under 15 tournament that will be played from the 10th to the 20th of April 2000. From that tournament a West Indies under 15 youth team will be selected to travel to the United Kingdom this summer to take part in the under 15 youth World Cup.
As Seen In The Anguillian March, 2000
posted by Zack Kenworthy Thursday, March 16, 2000
SARWAN KNOCKING HARDThe West Indies Busta XI finished their four day match in Trinidad, against the touring Zimbabwe team this past Monday on a very strong note as Guyanese youngster, Ramnaresh Sarwan, slammed two centuries in a very comprehensive bid for West Indies selection. Upon winning the toss, Zimbabwe captain, Alistair Campbell, asked the home side to take first knock on a Guaracara pitch that looked like a batsman�s paradise. The decision must have delighted the Busta XI batsmen for when they were finally bowled out for 349, both Ramnaresh Sarwan and Sylvester �Bouncin� Joseph had compiled two even centuries of extremely high class. Both batsmen were perfect foils for the other as they were relentless in their attack on the Zimbabwean attack. Henry Olonga was the main sufferer as he was milked for 103 runs from his 18 overs. Bryan Strang was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 36.
The Zimbabweans initially started badly as Trinidadian, Marlon Black claimed two early wickets for just nine runs. However, the middle order batsmen in Trevor Gripper (30), Murray Goodwin (30), Alistair Campbell (158) and Stuart Carlisle (86) pulled the fight back together as they established a formidable total of 394 all out. Campbell played a captain�s innings as he and Carlisle shared in a sixth wicket 160 run partnership. Marlon Black had a strong return of 4 for 87 and was ably assisted by Cameron Cuffy (3 for 70) who bowled with persistent aggression.
In their second innings, the Busta XI decided to bat out for some much needed batting practice. At the close on the fourth and final day the Busta XI were all out for a formidable total of 417. Sarwan once again played an innings of brilliance as he accumulated his second century of the match, this time a masterful 111. He was ably assisted, as in the first innings, by Sylvester Joseph who put together a solid 51. Darren Ganga (41), Rawl Lewis (62) and Cameron Cuffy (37) also aided the Busta XI�s cause as they constructed a massive second innings total.
Sarwan has obviously submitted a huge claim for selection, as the selectors can obviously not ignore these centuries. Such a situation is food for thought as the WICB announced that they will not select outside of their 20-man squad, of which Sarwan is not a member, for the two test series against the Zimbabweans. It seems to be a poor move by the WICB as they are restricting themselves to 20 players in a home series. Why restrict yourself on home soil? Restriction should be avoided as much as possible, especially ahead of a two test series, which starts this Thursday, in which a new captain, manager and coach are to embark on a mission to revive West Indies Cricket.
West Indies 13 man squad for first test to begin on the 16th March: Jimmy Adams (captain), Ridley Jacobs, Curtley Ambrose, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sherwin Cambell, Adrian Griffith, Courtney Walsh, Wavell Hinds, Reon King, Franklyn Rose, Nehemiah Perry, Chris Gayle, Ricardo Powell.
As Seen In The Anguillian March, 2000
posted by Zack Kenworthy Thursday, March 16, 2000
A GOOD FIGHT BUT NO CIGARThe Anguilla National Football team may have lost 3-1 this Sunday to the Bahamas in a World Cup qualifying match at the RWP, but by no means was the final score a true representation of the game. The words of the Bahamian coach were testament to this as he said that his team was extremely lucky to walk away with a 3-1 victory and that the Anguillian team is an aggressive and cohesive group of players who will only improve as time goes on.
From the kickoff, Anguilla were aggressive and controlled possession of the ball. However, the Bahamas first scoring opportunity, just eleven minutes into the game, yielded their first goal as Anton Haven cleared a shot past the Anguillian goalie, Colin Liddie. Despite this early setback, the Anguillians responded valiantly and continued to control most of the game, which resulted in some wonderful passing by Terrance �Casa� Rogers who supplied Girdon Connor with Anguilla�s first scoring opportunity which was denied by a spectacular save by the Bahamian keeper.
Anguilla�s aggressive play, however, was soon squandered when Kevin Hawley committed a foul in the 27th minute which resulted in the Bahamas� second goal from a free kick by mid fielder George Moussis. The crowd was stunned as the Bahamas had converted on the only two scoring opportunities that they had created. To rub salt into the already gaping wounds of the Anguillians, just three minutes later, Colin Liddie was unable to control a hard shot that deflected back into the penalty area which was then put into the back of the net by Bahamian forward Kevin Davis. However, the Anguillians battled on and some fancy passing in the middle, particularly by Girdon Connor, Tyrone Benjamin, Kenny Hughes and Terrance Rogers created countless opportunities of which none were converted into scores.
The second half was no different. The game was almost totally controlled by the Anguillian midfielders and forwards who continued to let chances to slip away. Anguilla�s lone goal came early in the second half when Tony Fleming was roughly tackled in the penalty area. The penalty kick was subsequently taken by Kenny Hughes who easily slammed it past the Bahamian goalie. The celebration that followed proved to be Anguilla�s solitary moment of joy in the match which ended 3-1 in favour of the Bahamas. Despite Anguilla�s impressive play, the forwards were unable to capitalise on the countless opportunities afforded to them and although the match was lost, Anguilla looked undoubtedly the stronger of the two teams.
As Seen In The Anguillian March, 2000
posted by Zack Kenworthy Tuesday, March 07, 2000
TOURING ZIMBABWEANS START WELLThe touring Zimbabwean cricket team started their 2000 Caribbean tour last Saturday with a three day match against The West Indies Busta XI at the New Queen�s Park in Grenada. The Zimbabwean captain/wicketkeeper, Andy Flower won the toss and decided to bat in an effort to allow his batsmen as much batting practice as possible. The decision proved to be the correct one as a second wicket partnership of 98 between his brother Grant Flower (69) and Trevor Gripper (62) announced the Zimbabweans arrival on West Indian turf. Flower and Gripper scored quickly and were particularly severe on Cameron Cuffy and Marlon Black. The Board XI bowling attack toiled tirelessly against the Zimbabwean batsmen but initially got little reward as Alistair Campbell (116 not out) and Stuart Carlisle (69) put together another substantial partnership, this time of 127 runs. The Zimbabweans were eventually dismissed but not before they amassed a massive total of 428. Kerry Jeremy, the Antiguan and Leeward Islands pacer was the pick of the bowlers as his return of 6 for 81 was his best in first class cricket.
The Busta XI initially started very badly, as Philo Wallace (9), Keith Semple (1) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (5) were all back in the pavillion before the score was 35. However, Darren Ganga (57) and Ryan Hinds (31) were successful in giving the Busta XI scorecard some respectability as they accumulated a 56 run partnership. Only captain Courtney Browne (30) was capable in producing another score above 12 and the West Indians were skittled out for 198.
With only 10 overs remaining on the final day�s play the Zimbabweans were 24 without loss. The match provided some much needed practice for both the Zimbabweans, who are on their first trip to the Caribbean, and for West Indies Busta XI, which was comprised of a good mix of youthful talent and experience. The Zimbabweans continue their tour with another warm-up match this weekend against the same side, which will include Rawl Lewis at the expense of Keith Semple, at the Queen�s Park Oval in Trinidad.
As Seen In The Anguillian March, 2000
posted by Zack Kenworthy Tuesday, March 07, 2000
UNLUCKY INJURIES FOR ANGUILLIAN FOOTBALLERSThe Anguilla National Football team traveled to Tortola this past weekend where they took on the British Virgin Islands in a two match series. In the first of the two match series Anguilla were without key players Kevin Hawley, Tyrone Benjamin, and Andre �Sour� Griffith who arrived forty minutes before the scheduled start of play (due to a misunderstanding of travel arrangements). However, the Anguillians played some stylish football and struck first with Englishman of Anguillian parentage Richard O�Connor slamming two goals into the back of the B.V.I. net in the 16th and 20th minutes. The Anguillians continued to dominate the ball as just 5 minutes later, Terrence �Casa� Rogers slipped one past the Tortolian goalie. Some brilliant passing lead to Anguilla�s fourth goal of the first half as Girdon Connor put one in just before halftime. The B.V.I. definitely had their moments but goalkeeper Colin Liddie was too much for the Virgin Island strikers to get past.
Two substitutions were made early in the second half: that of Lucien �Tony� Fleming for Cuthwin lake and Terrance Adams for Mark Connor. However, the B.V.I. were able to gain some momentum and managed to get one passed Liddie in the goal. More bad luck followed soon after as the Anguillian captain, Marvin Connor was forced to be substituted as he sustained a calf injury in the 83rd minute. What followed were some extremely dubious decisions by the Tortolian referee as the B.V.I. scored two goals in three minutes both of which were questionable. However, with their lead cut to just one and five minutes of injury time remaining, the Anguillians were able to hold on for a 4-3 victory.
The second of the two matches could be considered somewhat of a disaster. Anguilla began the match without key player Cuthwin Lake who sustained an injury and was replaced by Lucien Fleming. Unlike the first match, the B.V.I. struck with a brilliant cross from the left side that cleared all the defenders and was headed past Liddie from just six yards out. Soon after, injury struck again as Mark Connor was forced to be substituted for Terrance Adams. To add insult to injury, English based player, Richard O�Connor, sustained a nasty injury in the 30th minute his right leg and from then on the B.V.I. looked in absolute control as they slammed their second strike into the back of the net in the 37th minute.
The second half saw one change as Colin Liddie also was forced to be substituted as he sustained an injury just before the half. He was replaced by Eldridge Richardson who, just nine minutes into the second half, was left all alone and the B.V.I. went up 3-0. Again, injury struck as English based player Kenny Hughes was substituted for Devon Daniel because of a stiff calf. Disaster continued as just 2 minutes later, the B.V.I. powered through the Anguillian defense and scored their fourth goal of the match.
It was inevitable that Anguilla would struggle, for 7 of the 11 starters for the upcoming Bahamas match were sidelined with injury. The remaining players found it very difficult to keep pace, and then, with 17 minutes left, the B.V.I. hit for their fifth and final strike of the evening. It was a rough battle as the evening yielded eight injuries for the depleted Anguillian squad and hopefully, and most likely, these injuries will be on the mend for the upcoming first leg playoff against the Bahamas, this weekend at the Ronald Webster Park.
As Seen In The Anguillian March, 2000
posted by Zack Kenworthy Wednesday, March 01, 2000
JAMAICA DO THE DOUBLEAfter winning the final of the Red Stripe Bowl this past November against the Leeward Islands in Jamaica, the Jamaican cricket team capped a brilliant Busta Cup tournament by lifting the 2000 Busta Cup. The match was totally dominated by Jamaica as they proved that their county system is doing wonders for their cricket.
Upon winning the toss, Leeward Islands captain, Stuart Williams, made a poor decision to field first on a Sabina pitch that would only get worse as play went on. It was evident that the Leewards were going to struggle as Wavell Hinds (127) and captain Jimmy Adams (32) put together a 101 run partnership for the second wicket. Hinds played some magnificent strokes as he patiently put together an innings of worth. Adams, on the other hand, struggled but stuck around to give much needed support. The fall of Adams brought together Hinds and Tony Powell (54). This partnership yielded even more than the previous one as they put together 126 solid runs. Powell played well as he �dug in deep� and supported the aggressor in Hinds as Jamaica posted 333 all out.
The Leeward�s first innings started badly as Stuart Williams was the first to go for just 8. Disaster followed, as the Leewards were never able to produce a partnership of substance. The Leewards were all out for a paltry 146 as Cornwall (29) and Phillip (24) top scored. Laurie Williams (3 for 21) and Walsh (3 for 37) were the pick of the Jamaican bowlers.
Opting not to force the follow-on, Jamaican captain, Jimmy Adams chose to grind the Leewards into the turf and bat again. Christopher Gayle (31) played some stylish strokes as well as captain Adams (51) who managed to salvage some personal pride with his highest score of the tournament. Young Ricardo Powell also played some delightful strokes in his 38 as he helped the home side to 161 for 9 declared. Ambrose was again the pick of the bowlers with magnificent figures of 4 for 18 from a meagre 16 overs. Kerry Jeremy also claimed 3 scalps.
This set the Leewards with an impossible task of scoring 353 runs from just 47 overs on the fourth and final day for victory. At the close the Leewards were 114 for two with Wilden Cornwall smashing a quickfire 43 and Sylvester Joseph on 36 not out. It was a sombre end to a mixed season of brilliance and lacklustre for the Leewards and for Jamaica, it signaled their return to regional supremacy.
As Seen In The Anguillian March, 2000
posted by Zack Kenworthy Wednesday, March 01, 2000
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