Cricket Barbados Tour 2005
July 2005 saw the 15 members of the Perse 1st cricket squad travel to Barbados to take part in the Sir Gary Sobers International Cricket Tournament in Barbados. Stretching over three weeks, the tournament was contested all over Barbados, by twenty-two Caribbean teams and two British teams.
Our successful season in England had left us with high hopes of winning the tournament and returning with some silverware. Unfortunately, although we did not come back empty-handed, our prize was the wooden spoon and not the trophy! However, the team’s poor record could not be blamed simply on inadequate performance or lack of effort. Firstly, shin-high outfields and uncovered pitches during the rainy season meant that a totally new approach to cricket was needed. The value of the ‘aerial route’ was summed up by a Jamaican team, Holmwood, who in a 25-over game smashed 187, including over 100 runs in sixes. Secondly, the heat made playing-conditions difficult and also claimed one of our top bowlers, Alex Fullarton, who was unable to play due to heatstroke, for a week of the tour. Lastly, it must be said that we had underestimated the strength of the sides we would be facing. Whilst the West Indies test side may be floundering, the standard of schoolboy cricket in the Caribbean is undoubtedly higher than in England.
Amazingly, there were some highlights from a cricketing perspective. Our last game, a friendly against a Scottish team, was an extremely close match, and Richard Hesketh’s flawless 98 not out left us just 4 runs short of their total. He was subsequently awarded ‘Batsman of the Tour’. The highest individual score in the tournament came from Will Hammond, with 48 against Presentation College from Trinidad. On the bowling front, Chris Ackroyd’s 10 wickets made him the most successful bowler, with an average of 19.5. Rory Davidson’s courageous efforts with both bat and ball mean that he will certainly be pushing for a regular 1st team place next season.
Whilst not playing cricket, there was plenty to do in Barbados. Squad excursions included a round of golf, the Mount Gay rum factory, and the ‘Jolly Roger’ pirate cruise ship. The island itself was breathtakingly beautiful, and the local people of all ages were great fun. Scares came in the predicted arrival of Hurricane Emily, which fortunately missed the island, but only by a few miles.
All in all, the trip, if not the cricket, was a great success. Many thanks must go to Mr. Judson for his organisation and hard work, Doug Collard for keeping us going throughout, and Mr. Baker for sharing his last moments at the school with us. The side itself will have learnt much from the experience and will hopefully apply it next season.
Will Hammond (Captain 2005)