It's time to get serious

Cricket in the windswept Falkland Islands used to consist of an annual pre-Christmas encounter between teams representing the Governor of the colony and the Commander of the British Forces.

The last 12 months has seen cricket in the southern outpost take on a more organised approach with the formation of the Falklands Cricket Cricket Association and the adoption of a junior development programme.

"The long-term goal is to develop a thriving Cricket Association with several affiliated teams playing regularly. The key to this is coaching and developing enthusiasm in the juniors," FICA founding member, Roger Diggle said. The main aim of the FICA is to encourage, prompt and develop youth cricket in the Falkland Islands for children aged 7 to 15 years.

"Affiliation to the International Cricket Council will follow and then it is possible that we can bring a first class coach to assist in training."

Indeed, former England coach David Lloyd, has reportedly told Falklands' officials he is keen to visit Stanley, the colony's capital, in that capacity.

A typical year would see cricket mainly consist of the previously mentioned South Atlantic Ashes match just before Christmas.

This season it has been delayed to the last week of January, mainly due to potential players away from the islands on leave.

The Governor's XI is seeking its third successive victory, a win which would allow it to keep the coveted trophy. The Governor attends the match each year, usually watching several hours of play.

FICA officials are hoping there has been sufficient interest raised by two matches earlier in the year, to eventually start a seven-a-side league.

The season started with a two-day seven-a-side competition featuring teams from the hospital, the Education Department and a team of workers from St.Helena. For the record, the team from the hospital won.

The St.Helenians experienced victory in late November when they achieved a comprehensive win in an 11-a-side match over a Stanley XI.

Junior development is not the only priority of the FICA, which wants to improve the playing and practice facilities for Stanley's cricketers.

It has undertaken a fund-raising drive, so far attracting over £5,800 in donations and sponsorships from local businesses. The Falkland Islands Government has agreed to match those funds up to a maximum of £2,500.

The main equipment purchases will include a permanent double bay cricket practice net, a roll down/roll up artificial playing pitch, cricket playing equipment and a scoreboard.

Past matches have been held at grounds at the Mt.Pleasant military base, which is around 30km from Stanley and the Community Sports Ground.

However, overuse of the Community Sports Ground has seen FICA officials investigate the possibility of establishing a new multi-sports facility including two football/rugby/hockey pitches, a grass running track and a county sized cricket ground.

Such a move would be consistent with the FICA's junior development drive, hopefully allowing cricket to become part of the school's sports programme.

The junior development is seen as vital to the community, providing activity for the colony's youth.

The weather, not surprisingly, is the game's main foe in the Falklands, delaying the planned start of a junior competition until this month. The juniors will be split into two categories - 7 to 11 years, and 12 to 15 years, with those over 15 joining the adults. The intention is for practice on Wednesdays and matches on Saturdays.

'Beyond The Test World' will provide a report on the South Atlantic Ashes in the near future.