2nd and third days update

Wednesday evening was spent at the Harbour Lights where a very enjoyable evening was had by all. There was a live band, a limbo dancer and a performance from stilt walkers / dancers. Despite the name we did not see the harbour or any boats.

With 21 seventeen year olds there was plenty of volunteering to take part in activities on the stage with singing and dancing competitions. Everyone was amazed by the performance of the limbo dancer – “How could she get that low?” many asked.

On their return to the hotel three squad members, who shall remain nameless, blotted their copybook by going skinny dipping in the hotel pool much to the annoyance of team manager / coach Peter Williams. All three were reprimanded in the morning.

Following the late night the start of the match against the Alleyne School was put back half an hour to give everyone time to get ready. Waking to beautiful blue skies everyone set off for the “Bean and Bagel” for breakfast.

Transport then conveyed the squad and supporters to the Wanderers Cricket Ground where the opposition were already in the nets warming up. Our team changed and went out into their warm-up only to be sent scurrying for cover as heavy rain arrived. Fortunately the rain cleared and the match commenced with the Alleyne School electing to bat first. Thanks to the efforts of their captain Clarke who scored 93, the home side were able to post 179-7 from 29 overs. The match had been scheduled for 35 overs a side but there was a cut off point of 1.45pm for the overs to be bowled, which we failed to do. Wicket takers were Tomos Ellis Williams 1-29, Josh Simmons 1-28, Rhodri Jones 3-29 and Ashley Churchill 2-40. Llyr Morris claimed a brilliant stumping while there were also excellent catches from Rhys Clayton, and Oliver Pardoe.
Batting second the league were always behind the clock after the departure of Andrew Williams for 18. Owain Luckwell 60, Rhys Clayton 13 and Matthew Jones 20 all reached double figures but the league’s innings closed on 145-8 and a 34 run defeat. Dewi Williams became the first “goldie” of the tour when he was bowled first ball, while David Jenkins was bowled for 0 and Llyr Morris was run out for a duck. Peter Williams was happy with the performance of the boys in the opening match, and they look forward to the double header this weekend with matches on Saturday and Sunday.

The evening was spent around St. Lawrence Gap. Plans to watch a floodlight Twenty20 match on a nearby ground faltered as the match was cancelled. Friday will be spent at a local water park with fun for all, and the evening will be spent watching two semi-finals in a local floodlit Twenty20 competition arranged by the legendary Joel Garner.

Apologies for the delay in upodating the blog but this is down to internet connection problems. We are a long way away after all!!