End Of The Season (2012)

Early morning in Barbados, listening to the radio, and of course enjoying my morning coffee. What a great sentiment!

It’s the end of yet another season, which unveiled its highlights as well as disappointments.  Although I was not contented with some of the proceedings, it was certainly a learning experience”

Personally, the only highlight of the 2012 season was scoring my second Division 1 hundred, which was also my personal career best (142).

I enjoyed playing with the guys yet another year; we had some great moments with some exceptional performances. Perhaps the greatest moment for us was reaching the qtr. finals convincingly in the T20 format.

From a social standpoint, our Thursday limes convened at WCC, was also another exciting event of food, fun and fellowship with the team. Much credit goes to coach Ricky for his time and effort exerted toward the initiation of such and by extension the discussion of team plans and not to mention his impeccable skills on the ‘grill’.

Another achievement worthy of mention this season was the opportunity extended to our T20 skipper Jason Holder, to join the West Iindies ODI squad for the Bangladesh series. It was only a matter of time, given his recent performance. Once again, I wish to congratulate the tall guy and I wish him all the best in this new chapter of his career.

I will undoubtedly embrace this time of relaxation, before I resume training again as I have to be in full preparation for what is ahead.

I want to wish everyone in Barbados a Happy Independence in advance and all the best for the Holidays!

Now back to my coffee which is getting cold.

The Final Battle

Guys, the moment has finally arrived: the final game of the season, 4 teams remaining,one division championship and one winning chance. What an adrenalin rush!! We (Wanderers CC) rank 2^nd with 6 points away from Lime, who currently hold 1^st position. We couldn’t ask for a more exciting way to end the season. Our aim is to gain maximum points in this game with high anticipation of an indubitably great performance.

In our previous game, we won with ease against Barbados Youth, a reduced team, as most of their players were involved in the WICB U19 tournament. We bowled them out for 114 in their first innings. I reached a quick 25 before gifting away my wicket.

 On day one we maximized the opportunity to gain as many points in the first innings, as we were extremely conscious of the inclement weather, expected on day 2 and 3 of the following weekend.

As a result we scored 300 for 9 dec. gaining full batting and bowling points. Our talented all-rounder Diego Stuart took 8 wickets in the game also scoring 50*, resulted in an easy victory for us as we bowled out the host for 68 in their second innings.

We head up to the Pine Basin Oval to play MTW for our last game, which would be the most significant game of the season for us. My week’s preparation for this game has been very intense and gratifying. Therefore, I'm well prepared to exhibit a great performance, so you can expect positive news from my next blog and I’m certain that my teammates will also do an excellent job.

Rejuvenated from the ICC U19 world cup, Kraigg Brathwaite will be back at the top of the order. I always love playing on the same side as "Bow Bow", as we both have a great sense of humor especially in each other’s presence. No one can make any mistakes on the field while he's around. He definitely mentions it in the most comical way when we return to the dressing room.

From an individual and a collective standpoint, I want to express my gratitude to everyone for their support. I promise to do my very best. Please keep the positive support going...and until next time, I wish everyone an enjoyable weekend. One Love!

Coming From Behind

Our last game against Yorkshire was one I would describe it as true team effort by everyone. We knew that a win was our only option to have a chance to win the Div1 title, which only two games are left to be played.

Day 1 we had lost the toss an they put us in to bat. We lost some early wickets, including myself which I had only faced two deliveries. Our initial plan was to gain maximum batting points as quick as possible and look to send them in late in the evening. We had to go to a plan B, but with a brilliant hundred by Sean Armstrong we got to 250-8 which is 3 batting points, we opted not to go for the extra batting point in 300 an decided to declare to get a run at them.

Their opening pair played our bowlers well late that evening ending on 29 without loss. Day two we were faced with some stoppages due to showers at times making the job difficult for our bowlers. They ended up gaining first innings points with a lead of eight runs before we had bowled them out at the end of the days play. So for us to put the game in a position for us to win, some smart,aggressive batting would be the key for us on the final days play.

We knew we needed time to bowl them out, an after gaining a lead of 150 within 15 minutes before tea, our Captain decided we had enough to work with.

We won the game by 29 runs, with our 6'3" fast bowler Jason Holder taking 4 an our newly Wanderers off spinner Kemar Craigg playing in his first Div 1 game for us taking 3.

Kemar's first wicket was a beauty! Batsman came forward defensively, bat and pad to short leg! Every off spinners dream to get a wicket.

After that series we remain in 4th position only 10 points away from the leaders. So it's still all to play for. We head to the country side this weekend to play Barbados Youth, which we'll look to keep the winning trend going.

The guys have faith we'll do it and so do I. So until next time be safe and god bless

Going All Out

We just completed the 6^th series match against YMPC. In my opinion, it was a good game although it resulted in the opposition gaining more points than us. To this effect, the game ended in a draw. With a little more urgency from us, there is strong probability that we could have won the game.  Furthermore, when the umpires called “time” on the final day, we were short of 23 runs which were required for us to be triumphant, with two of our most

experienced batsmen Ian Bradshaw & Sean Armstrong, at the crease in fine spirit. 

Personally, I did not have a good game as I mustered 15 runs during the entire game. However, I

enjoyed a bowling encounter with Fidel who was rather fortunate to take my wicket in the first innings. Although he may beg to differ, he appeals for everything!!! 

Ranking 4th with 3 more games to be played, it will be extremely difficult to regain a top position, but with some great, consistent cricket in these last few games, anything is possible.  

For my part, I will have to get some stability in my performances to end the season. Our next game will be up against Yorkshire at Dayrells Road, so having home advantage will be a plus for us. 

Just wrote this blog with a bit of sleep in my eyes, maybe I need another cup of coffee. I wish everyone all the best until next time, God bless X 

From Hero To Zero

"Hero to zero!"....for the last week that's a popular line people been telling me. I can't blame them. After scoring my career best in the pervious match then to score maybe my lowest in a two innings game. I got a golden duck in the first innings, I followed up some-what better in the seconds innings by getting of the mark my first ball but the second ball was my downfall after getting in a mix up with my partner and me being run out. Cricket is a sport that takes you to cloud-9, then puts you back in the ruts just as fast! Our next game we head down to Beckles Road to play YMPC. I will enjoy that contest as they have players such as Fidel Edwards & Dwayne Smith. The latter will more than likely will be available for the final two days as he is currently with the WestIndies team. I myself will be missing the first day as I'm on "Best-Man" duties for my pals wedding. But will be good to go for the final two days. We (WanderersCC) will have have to pull our socks up this series and get the better of this game as we're in 4th position in the point standings. Also playing the leaders, will be a good test, an also to keep them at bay in terms of running to far away from the pack. Writing this blog with a slight difference. I'm currently by the pool side of the villa I'm making my home for the weekend. With no coffee!! Strange but true. Until next time be safe, and thanks for reading, God Bless X

Making It Happen

Allow me to start by alluding to my previous blog in which I stated that when I wrote to you guys again, I would have some excellent news. We just ended our 4th match of the league against Banks; the game resulted in a draw. They bowled us out in our first innings for 203 with our captain reaching his second consecutive 50, which enabled us to post a decent total on the board. By the end of day 1, the score for Banks was 54-4, leaving the game in good equilibrium; however, the team included their most experienced batsman and former West Indies player Sherwin Campbell, accompanied by a good, young, talented David Carter at the crease.

On day 2, we recognized that we had to get early wickets, however we didn't as anticipated. Furthermore, they played well, with Carter scoring a well deserved 104 & Campbell 67. They declared close to the close of play leaving us in a deficit of 60. They had the momentum going into the final day’s play, which resulted in the loss of both our openers late in the evening, with me and the captain Renaldo seeing out the day’s play. 

Before I proceed with day 3, I would like to accentuate that with diligence, self belief, confidence and the power of concentration, anything is possible. At the start, we lost our skipper relatively early, which was to my belief, a slight misjudgment by the Ump. Consequently, I knew I had to be the one to carry my bat through the innings. I made a career best of 142, my second Div1 ton, my previous was 139*. By doing this, I accomplished one of my goals I had set before the season commenced, which was to score a hundred at my home ground.

Prior to this match, I told myself that I will make a hundred, and I also told our supporters, team mates, and my fans, who during our training sessions, stated that they were expecting nothing but a good performance from us. I assured everyone that I was going to make a big one and provide entertainment to those present; therefore I'm dedicating this one to those mentioned.

My next ton will be for me to enjoy more. We are currently in 3rd position in the league standings with the leaders only 2 points away, and with 5 games to go, we will indeed give it our all.

We host LIME in our next game, which will be a great challenge for us as they have some decent players. Once again I extend a special thanks to all who supported me and I solicit your continual support.

I will continue to work hard, to entertain and put smiles on your faces. As always, I'm writing from the cafe so I'm going to enjoy my cuppa! So until my next blog, positive guidance to all X

Triple The Joy

To my recollection, this has to be one of the best debuts of a season, for any Wanderers Div.1 team in years.  With 3 league games played and 3 consecutive wins, we couldn't ask for a better start.

Our last victory against BCL was somewhat motivated by our strong mentality to win by all means and by doing that, we would remain at the top of the standings.

It was a low scoring game, which the opposition had won and what I would regard as a good toss to win, considering the state of the wicket, slow and soft.

They bowled us out for 113, but by the end of day 1, we had five of their batsmen back in the hut for 57, so that would describe how bowler friendly the wicket was. I ended with a total of 11 runs in the match.  My second innings dismissal was one of regularity whenever the skipper and I teamed up in the middle. By now we probably have some kind of club record for ‘run outs’ together. He forced a non-existent single to short extra cover, but since he was in the middle before I was and also appearing in fine form, I took the initiative to sacrifice my hand for his, and by that, I think ''Barbz'' resulted in playing an innings which set the standard for us to win.

He made a magnificent 81, although scoring three figures would have made me feel a lot happier with my decision. We gave them about 160 to win in about 45 overs; we bowled them out for 93. From a more personal standpoint, I couldn't feel any better batting in the middle, although my stats for the season thus far may conclude otherwise. Nevertheless, I know that something amazing is going to happen.

We head back home for our next game against Banks. With their captain, a close friend of mine, he keeps buzzing in my ears daily about what he has in store for me when we meet this coming weekend. I love the banter he is giving me so far. Let’s say I couldn't want a better incentive to boost my performance in that game. 

For all our supporters, I must say a special thanks on behalf of the team for the support you have been giving us, we owe our success to each and every one of you, and I encourage you to continue giving us the support.  As for my personal fans, when I write to you guys again I am confident that I will have something great to share. But currently my cafe mocha is getting cold so I will get back to that now.

 Positive guidance to all X

Out The Blocks Early

After completing our first game of the season over the weekend, I have a very positive attitude towards its proceedings, both for me and for the (Wanderers Club). We had home advantage in our first game against Carlton. For me, there is nothing better than starting the season on your home ground, where you are more comfortable and acquainted with your surroundings. Speaking of knowing your conditions, I noticed that the Carlton skipper lacked that knowledge about our wicket after winning the toss and sending us in on what I would describe as a slow but easy for batting wicket. We got 315 for 4, with the ever patient Kraigg Brathwaite at the top getting 64, but the best was yet to come from our six and some footer Jason holder, who got his maiden ton for Wanderers (149). We continued to gather all our batting points with me and the skipper (Renaldo Arthur) at the crease. Finally, we decided to declare our innings. In order for us to win the league this season and therefore be promoted to the Elite Division, we know that we will have to play some positive and aggressive cricket. We bowled out Carlton for 138 in their first innings, asked them to follow on, we then finished them of for 148 the second time around, what a way to show your dominance by 2 for 1'ing your opponent. My best pal, Dwayne Smith, making his Div 1 debut for Wanderers, took 4 in his first spell. But the best came from our opening seamer Diego Stuart, who ended with match figures 10-72. Amazing start to our season, at the top of the table after round 1, we will have great momentum going into our second game vs. Lodge Secondary. Another week of preparations for the weekend, and also some poor chat from the boys on twitter...how we all enjoy them both! Until my next write, guidance to all X

Final Preparations

As the season commences in less than two weeks, I have been making great preparations both physically and mentally. Although, pre-season training could be extremely challenging, I must admit that it has been gratifying. In comparison to the other participants in the Wanderers camp, I strongly believe that I take the most pleasure in this experience. What can I say, I’m a fanatic! Also worthy of mention is Dwayne Chaquan Smith, who is now an additional member to the squad, as well as a very good friend of mine. Perhaps his upcoming marriage ceremony has given him the motivation or drive to make such a great step.

However, unto some less exciting news, I’m currently battling to start the season after receiving an injury to my right hand, while taking part in a fielding session. This resulted in 3 stitches to my webbing between my thumb and pointer. It is unfortunate to have an injury but it is always good to get some symphony care from it all.Lol. Will pray for a speedy recovery, the time May 5th arrives. Thanks for all the well wishes.

God Bless X

A New Chapter Begins

Let me first start by saying a Happy New Year to everyone!
As it's my first blog for the year, It is my pleasure to inform you that for the past 2 months I’ve been working extremely hard to improve my game. I've been working closely with my club coach Ricky Clarke on some weak areas in my batting from which I can see positive results. Additionally, from a fitness & strength perspective, I’ve been doing some personal work outs which I'm enjoying and also pleased with. With the county teams (six in total) in the island for their pre-season tour, I will be teaming up with YorkshireCCC on the 15th-16th of March for a two−day warm up game amongst the team. This will be an opportunity for me to test my skills and also gain valuable knowledge. With the local club season starting in about a month’s time, my aim is to benefit from as much pre-season games/practice so I can have a great season with WanderersCC this year. So until my next blog, which I promise won’t be 3 month waiting period lol....stay safe and God bless! Time for a cup of coffee and a good game of Angry Birds!