Night cricket shines bright

The type of interest generated in last year's inaugural Cricket 'N Crop-Over night tapeball competition is again evident in this year's tournament. Sponsored by the Mutual, the competition has been attracting large crowds at the Barbados Lumber Company ground at Bow Road, St. Michael.

'We've been pleasantly surprised by the support this early in the competition,' said chairman of the organising committee, Richard Bynoe.

'We regard this as the cricket crowd. We expect the Crop-Over crowd to join us later on in the competition.'

As was the case last season, several of the island's leading players are featured among the 16 teams which have been split into four zones.

'We regard tapeball cricket as a community/village concept,' Bynoe said.

'I see a huge future in the sport and that can be detailed by the fact that the top players in Barbados are involved.'

The likes of Philo Wallace, Courtney Browne, Vasbert Drakes, Franklyn Stephenson, Sam Skeete and Ryan Hinds are registered with Esso Paynes Bay, Holder's Hill.

Former West Indies player Carlisle Best is captaining the Fun & Games Media side which also includes Ezra Moseley.

The competition started on June 5 and has been enhanced by additional lighting and creation of a website (caribits.com/-nightcricket).

In addition to music from DJs, ball-by-ball commentary over loud speakers has also been popular with spectators.

In response to several requests, organisers are also hoping to introduce a shorter six-a-side tournament on Friday nights.

In the past, two matches were played on Fridays, but players had expressed dissatisfaction because some matches have been finishing after 2 a.m.

As a result, only one match has been planned for each night.

'The fans, however, are now saying that the cricket is finishing too early on Fridays,' said tournament co-ordinator Wayne Holder.

After tonight's main tournament match, there will be three five-overa-side games with special rules designed to create excitement.

The competition's most impressive individual performance has been a cheap six-wicket haul by Barbados fast bowler Patterson Thompson.

Thompson, representing Oran, took six for 12 against Carib Stars on Wednesday night, but his effort was in a losing cause.

At stake is a top prize of $2 000, while the runners-up collect $1 000 and the losing semifinalists $250.

Apart from the main sponsorship from The Mutual, there is also support from Banks, Securicor and Bougainvillea Beach Resort.