Monday 16 February 2009

Heavy defeat to Wanderers Academy

The Wanderers Academy side was the best side we have faced on tour so far. Losing the toss we were again asked to bowl first in searing heat. The match started but after only 5 balls the players were sent running for cover as a heavy rain storm arrived. Fortunately the wicket was covered quickly and once the rain stopped play resumed promptly.

When the players returned to the field they were greeted by several small frogs hopping about. Opening bowlers Tomos Ellis-Williams and Josh Simmons bowled very well and the home side were reduced to 35-2 but that was to be the only success for a while as opener Kraigg Bathwaite and no. 4 Jason Holder featured in a third wicket stand of 202. Holder who scored 101 from 69 balls (13 x 4 and 3 x 6) is certainly a name to watch out for in the West Indies teams of the future. A member of the Barbados Under 17's he had scored 56 centuries before he reached the age of 16.

Bathwaite chipped in with 117 from 99 balls, with sixteen fours, before he retired. Tomos with 1-34 and Josh 2-49 were the only bowlers to make any inroads into the home batting line-up.

In reply the league were bowled out cheaply and went down to a 180 odd run defeat. Skipper Josh Simmons top scored for the league.

Returning to the hotel it was a quick change and off for a swim. A young squad of girl netball players had arrived at the hotel on Saturday evening and there were hoots of laughter as one of our players was seen running naked through the hotel with only his hand covering his modesty. His answer was that some other boys had removed his costume. One of the girls was heard to say "He can't have got much if only one hand can cover it" (Only kidding).

The evening was spent in a local chinese restaurant, and then a local karaeoke before an early night at 10.30pm, much to the dismay of the squad members.

Today (Monday) the squad have a day to themselves around the pool and beach with a safari tour of the island planned for Tuesday. The weather here today is very cloudy but very close and humid, and there was heavy overnight rain.

That's all for now.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks again for the info. and good luck with the next match. If there are any photos (that can be shared)can you put a couple on the blog?

    ReplyDelete