Cayman Islands: Big night out at Caymans' annual awards

It was truly celebration time on November 25th as the Cayman Islands Cricket Association and friends got together at Illusions Night Club. The settings were just right for the association annual awards function and no one can deny the CICA President Courtney Myles his moment of happiness while he related the success of 2000. As usual, there was lots to eat and drink and most of all dancing until midnight.

Chris Wight was the leading player for the 2000 season. He captured most of the individual prizes. Is there any reason to doubt that Chris is the shining star of Cayman's cricket? There was a tremendous roar and applause when he was announced as the first winner of the Cayman Islands International Cricketer of the Year and naturally Cricketer of the Year 2000.

Due to pressing engagements, the new Minister of Sports Mrs. Edna Moyle was only able to attend for a brief period, but Mrs. Doreen Whitaker of the ministry adequately filled in. The Minister took the opportunity to wish the association the best for the future. Also present were Presidents and Coaches of many other disciplines of sport, members of the business community, male and female cricketers and well wishers.

Following is a list of achievements-
1. Under 15 tour to Bermuda following others to Jamaica, Grenada and Trinidad.
2. Andy Myles and Chris Wight were successful in coaching obtaining a West Indies Cricket Board senior certificate.
3. Cable & Wireless Cricket Crazy Weekend brought stars Sir Vivian Richards, Franklin Rose, Sherwin Campbell and Reon King and international reporters Michael Holding and Tony Cosier.
4. International Cricket Council inspectors came to Cayman as part of the process following our application for associate membership.
5. The new cricket facility in West Bay was named after a renowned son of the soil Jimmy Powell.
6. Sir Garfield Sobers visited and participated in the ground breaking for the pavilion at the Jimmy Powell Oval.
7. Cayman Islands senior team participated in the first International Cricket Council Americas tournament in Canada. Other countries involved were Argentina, Bermuda, Canada and United States of America.
8. Cayman Islands senior team was accepted in the West Indies Cricket Board Red Stripe Bowl tournament.

Countries were in two groups: (A) - Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada and United States of America and in
(B) - Guyana, Leeward Islands, Windward Islands, Bermuda and Cayman Islands. Cayman islands matches were held in Antigua and Anguilla.

The President informed the gathering of 2001 plans which included the under 19 national team in the ICC Americas tournament in USA, national conference on the 10 year strategic plan, development of turf pitches in Smith Road Oval and continued activities to get all national teams prepared for future tournaments. He extended a hand for every one to come on board the SS Cayman Islands as we journey towards success. It was a great year but the road is long.

2000 winners

Division 2 1. Batting Best Aggregate - Chris Wight-568 runs Best Average - Chris Wight- 63.1 Highest Individual Score - Chris Wight-138 runs against Police sports 2. Bowling Most Economical - Chris Wight- 2.72-36 overs for 98 runs Most Wickets - Lawrence Cunningham- 16 wickets in 9 innings Best Average - Chris Wight- 9.8- 10 wickets for 98 runs 3. Fielding Most Catches - Steadman Gray- 8 catches Dismissals for a wicker keeper - Antonio Chase- 11 catches; 2 stumpings Best Catch - Jalon Linton Best All Round Player - Chris Wight League Joint Champions - By Rite Sports and Prison Sports Knock Out Champions - By Rite Sports Runners Up - Prison Sports

National Awards International Cricketer of the Year - Chris Wight Cricketer of the Year - Chris Wight