Thompson back in the game

Derwin Thompson is back.

But the recuperating policeman does not think he will ever regain full fitness following serious body injuries that sidelined him for the entire 1999 cricket season.

The Police wicketkeeper/batsman also does not plan to make a return to Division 1 cricket.

He intends to concentrate on the obscurity of the Barbados Cricket League in which he has been representing the lawmen since June.

"I don't think I am physically and mentally prepared to handle the strain of first division cricket right now," Thompson told SUNSPORT.

"I think I have had enough of first division and I am not fit enough to play that level of cricket."

The 35-year-old Thompson, one of this country's most consistent club wicketkeeper/batsmen during the last ten years, was badly injured just before the start of last season when he was appointed to captain the defending Division 1 champions.

Liver crushed

While carrying out some work at his Lower Carlton, St. James home, a wall fell on him. His right shoulder was broken and the liver crushed.

The recuperating process involved lots of rest and frequent visits to the beach.

Thompson, a Barbados youth team representative from 1981 to 1984, rates his current level of fitness at 75 per cent.

"I don't think I can ever get back to 100 per cent, but I believe that I can reach about 95 per cent," he said.

He has been in reasonably good form, but admitted he felt strange in the middle since he had practised for only a few sessions leading up to his return.

"It was a little uncomfortable, having not held a bat for such a long period," he said.

"It did not feel the same way it would normally feel," added Constable 446, who joined the Royal Barbados Police Force in 1984, a few months after leaving Coleridge and Parry School.

His best innings since his comeback has been an unbeaten 76, but he has also made useful scores of 36 not out, 24 and 21.

Long lay-off

This is not the first time Thompson has had to come back after a long lay-off. In 1987, a car accident left him with a back injury that kept him out of the game for a few seasons.

On his return, he was able to force his way into national trials for the senior Barbados team.

Thompson has also given up wicketkeeping duties, although he did the job briefly for Park Road in the The Mutual Cricket 'N Crop-Over night tapeball competition.

Last Wednesday night, he even brought his arm over for a few overs of medium-pace which earned him three wickets.

It helped Park Road to a comfortable victory over Combined United and gave them a place in Friday night's final against defending champions Banks Lite Strugglers.