Cayman Islands cricket is on the move

National coach, Theo Cuffy, is a passionate believer in the future of cricket in the Cayman Islands

27-Mar-2000

National coach, Theo Cuffy, is a passionate believer in the future of cricket in the Cayman Islands. Below Theo tells you why Cayman Islands cricket is on the move.

The big news for Cayman Islands cricket this year, apart from our application for ICC Associate membership, is that a new pavilion is scheduled to begin construction in the next four months at the Jimmy Powell Oval.

Jimmy, who was this year awarded on the Queen's list (MBE) for his contribution in the community and sports is the godfather of Cayman Islands cricket. Jimmy and others have worked tremendously for the development of cricket.

This venue is important to Caymans cricket as we anticipate being considered to host at least one match of the World Cup 2007. In addition, the modern facilites will become a venue for off-season training for English county teams and others.

The Cayman domestic league began on March 4th. The league was reorganised for the 2000 season. The three divisions of 1999 are now combined into two giving Division One five teams and Division Two nine teams.

Division One features five clubs - By Rite Sports Club, Prisons Sports Club, Greenies, Environmental Stars and Police Sports Club.

By Rite is captained by middle-order batsman, Michael Wight, who can expect good support from right-hand opening batsman, Chris Wight, and Rodderick McLean, another right-hand middle-order batsmen

Oscar Owen, the captain of Prisons knows middle-order batsmen Steve Gordon and Patrick Barrett can get him out of jail when needed.

Greenies is led by opening batsman, Stephen Roy, and can utilise the talent of Frankie Hinds.

Environmental Stars's captain is Gideon Simms, a right-hand middle order batsman, while its star players are Anthony Sailsman, an all rounder, and Sydney Moore, a right arm medium-fast bowler.

For Police Sports club, all-rounders Pearson Best and Ryan Bovell, are key players, as is opening batsman, Andy Broome. All three will look to leadership from Courtney Myles.

Division 2
Deloitte & Touche
Cayman Brac
Cable & Wireless
West Bay
Schools
Greenies 2
Hadsphaltic
Health Services
C.D.S.

Five per cent of cricketers in the Senior League are Caymanians. In complete contrast, in the youth programme 98% are Caymanians. The youngsters are showing great interest in the game.

Here is a break-down: Seniors - 260; Youth - 400. Competitions: Primary, Secondary, Inter-District, Seniors, Women (Windball) National teams: Seniors, Under 19s, Under 15s, Women, Masters and coming this year, Under 11s and Under 13s.

Not bad out of a population of 40,000. Cayman is a tourist destination with beautiful sunshine, lovely beaches, pleasant people and plenty of cricket.

Cayman, as you know by now, is a small country of three islands with a population of 40,000. The divide is equal between residents and expats. Cricket began a long time ago (1940).

Like most developing countries, Cayman lack the facilities to match the fast growth of cricket. The Government has included Cricket as one of the six focus sports and is providing a yearly grant, a cricket coach and building facilities. The interest is extremely high as everyone pitches in assisting in all areas. The Association (CICA) has a strategic five year plan (99-03) and is working towards fulfilling the goals.

Beautiful weather all year round allows cricket to be played by every age group from U/11 to masters.

Cayman is anxiously awaiting the Americas region competitions at all levels and hopefully inclusion in WICB Red Stripe Cup. Exposure will increase motivation and interest.

The league is in progress as I write with five to six matches per weekend as all grounds are utilised. On the yearly programme is the "Weekend with the Stars" sponsored by Cable & Wireless.

Greats like Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Ian Bishop, Richie Richardson, Jimmy Adams, Michael Holding, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dinanath Ramnirine and Sir Vivian Richards have interacted with the people in particular the youngsters from 1995. Other top cricketers have visited from time to time.

2000 Cayman Nations Cup

Bowlers dominated this year's tournament as batsmen had to struggle putting together respectable scores. Barbados was crowned champions on Sunday 27 Feb.

Although finishing with the same number of points as Jamaica, Barbados came out on top by virtue of Jamaica defeat at their hands. It was most unfortunate that the Cayman vs. Barbados match was rained out. Cayman, the other major contender for the top position lost the chance to make the tournament even more exciting.

The tournament generated great interest amongst the residents as only cricket can. Innovative ideas to increase interest will be on the table at the next Competitions meeting. Special thanks to the sponsors-No.1 Shoe Shop for Barbados; Pepsi for Cayman and Aviation Communication for Jamaica. All efforts will be made to encourage more sponsors to assist the other teams.

Points Table

Teams Played Won Lost N/R Points Barbados 4 3 0 1 9 Jamaica 4 3 1 0 9 Cayman 4 2 1 1 6 Rest Of The World 4 0 3 1 1 Rest Of Caribbean 4 0 3 1 1

Some of other points of interest:

The schools inter house coaching and competitions at George Hicks High School attracted over 400 children. The competitions were played in year groups 7, 8 and 9.
Training continues in preparation for Inter District competitions at age groups Under 15 and 19. Presently, the U/19 national team is participating in the senior league to gain experience for up coming engagements at the Americas league beginning in 2001.
Cayman Masters will be hosting a Canadian Masters team in April.
Windball cricket - cricket for all is scheduled to begin in this month.
Two Cayman teamsmen and ladies will be participating in the British American Insurance Windball championships in Orlando, Florida in June.
Under 15 tour is on to Bermuda in late July. More on that later.

Hey, cricket is on the move in Cayman. Let the word spread. We are ready to mix it up and pour it out in friendly or competitive matches.

Give us a call. Email - cuffy@candw.ky

Cayman Islands