Vivian Richards visits the Cayman Islands (19 Nov 1999)

18th November 1999

Vivian Richards visits the Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands national coach, Theo Cuffy, brings you all the details of the 1999 Cayman Islands cricket season.

Spectacular ending to our season as the Cable and Wireless sponsored 'Weekend with the Stars' (October 1 to 3), featuring Jimmy Adams, Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Michael Holding and yes, Sir Vivian Richards proved to be an outstanding success. More of that later in this report.

The season results- Primary schools League winners- George Town Primary Runners up- Red Bay Primary Knockout winners- St. Ignatius Primary Champion of Champions- George Town Primary Top players George Town- Kemar Scott St. Ignatius - Ibad Haider Red Bay - Orville Perrier West Bay - Benjamin Cupid Cayman Prep- Andrew Cuff Bodden Town- Abraham Frederick Savannah- Jonathan Ebanks

Senior Competitions Division 1 League winners- Cayman Customs Cabinets By Rite S.C. Runners up- Avcom Islanders S.C. Knockout winners- Cayman Customs Cabinets By Rite S.C. Runners up- Avcom Islanders S.C.

Intermediate Division League winners- Blue Marlin S.C. Runners up- Cayman Brac Knockout winners- Blue Marlin S.C. Runners up- Police S.C.

Division 11 League winners- West Bay S.C. Runners up- Schools Knockout winners- West Bay S.C. Runners up- Schools

Interesting feature was the first season in the Seniors League for a group of school boys rightly named "Schools". The average age was 15. These youngsters began serious cricket three years ago and have surprised many with their ability and willingness to learn. There is a bright future ahead for all of them. The records would show that there were double winners in all divisions as the season was dominated by the leading teams.

The association hosted a visiting Miami team (Miami International) in September. Cayman senior team maintained its unbeaten record at home by defeating the visitors quite easily.

Cricket crazy weekend featured the greats of yesterday and today together with Cayman best in coaching, dining and entertaining cricket. All weekend the stars mingled, took pictures, signed autographs and conquered Cayman with their charming personalities.

Over 300 school children attended the coaching clinics. A fund raising dinner was held to assist our youth programmes. The Cayman people came out in their numbers and supported the venture.

On Sunday, the rains prevented an early start, but the crowds remained hoping to get a glimpse of Sir Viv at the crease. Luckily for us the rains held up long enough for Sir Viv to first receive an over from the Governor and then proceeded to demonstrate that the years have not removed any of the greatness.

Sir Viv faced 46 balls hitting four sixes and scoring 53 runs giving his team Cay Tigua a chance with a total of 80 for 5 wickets in 15 overs.Cay Jam had other ideas as they reached 75 for 1 wicket at the 13 over. Then the rains came giving Cay Jam victory.

Cable and Wireless, the leader in cricket support in the Caribbean has promised to get the group back next year for as the saying goes "if it's nice, do it twice."