Fabulous Anguilla Day Cricket - A game to love!

A clear comfortable day at the Webster's park was the perfect setting for an exciting special cricketing encounter between Anguilla's young and upcoming cricketers, and the older stalwarts of the local game, some of whom represented the island over 20 years ago. It was a perfect blend of nostalgia and promise on the field with the familiar voices of Ras B and Alkins Rogers in the commentary booth.

(See the game photos)

It was a 15/15 over match between the young Michael Fleming's XI captained by Omari Banks with names such as Dillon Skellikie, Chaka Hodge, Chesney Hughes, Daniel Proctor, Delano Mussington, Rondel Lake, Shridath Rey, Jamar Hamilton and Junior Johnson against the veteran Chief Minister's XI, captained by Alex Adams featuring Lawrence Carty, Lanville Harrigan, Keith Harrigan, Mitchell Harrigan, Eversly Browne, Terrence Adams, Mathew Jordon, Eustace Proctor, Leon Lake and Carlie Rogers.

Chief Minister's 11 celebrate a good catch by Lawrence Carty  center to dismiss Daniel Proctor.

The outcome of the game was not as significant as was the good spirit and high energy with which it was played. The Veterans (Chief Minister's XI) batted first and on a good wicket, made a small total of 83 for 9 from their 15 overs. When they took to the field the veterans, however, made sure that the youngsters had to battle hard in chasing the target. When Chaka Hodge was run out with only  2 on the board the small crowd in attendance knew a game was on.  Omari Banks and Chesney then frustrated the bowling side with some good sensible batting before Chesney Hughes played a bad shot that resulted in his middle stump being uprooted with just over 20 runs remaining for victory. The fall of his wicket reinvigorated the veterans who then dismissed Skellikie for 2, Rondell Lake for no score and Daniel Proctor shortly after. At 71 for 5 with 2 overs remaining the crowd started to murmur - could the good old boys beat the youngsters? It was at this moment that Omari Banks took charge and launched a big Six over the long on boundary. He then followed it up in the final over with two fours to seal victory for Micheal Fleming's XI.

Omari Banks shakes hands with Alex Adams, and Joseph Gumbs after scoring the winning runs in the final over.

Much more than winning and losing, this game was a lovely display of Anguilla's fun loving, professional and amateur cricketers enjoying a beautiful Anguilla Day on the Webster's park, with a battery operated radio, tuned in to Ras B on HBR.

The successful event was organized by Mr. Michael Fleming. In speaking with www.anguillasports.com Mr Fleming expressed his sincere gratitude to the many corporate sponsors who had contributed to the event.  When asked about his motivation for organizing the event, he responded with a poignant look, "We may not be able to build a future for the youth but we can help build our youth for the future".

(See the game photos)