Jamal Mickle prepares to hit the ball during Saturday’s match at the Virgin Gorda Recreation Grounds. Photo: Todd VanSickle

“This isn’t kiddy cricket,” a player yelled out to a teammate who just let the ball roll through his legs.

The players were competing in the second inter-cluster cricket match part of the West Indies Cricket Board and Digicel Grassroots programme.

The game took place on Saturday at the Virgin Gorda Recreation Grounds, which featured players from Tortola and VG.

Due to other commitments, including church and football, some of the players were unable to make the match. However, two teams were still formed by combining players from the HLSCC/Tortola and VG clusters. The VG team captain was Bissoo Silchand, while Ian Sampson led the Tortola team.

The players ranged in age from 10 to 18 years old.

“This proves the depth of talent now available to the BVI Cricket Association,” said Tortola coach Charlie Jackson.

The VG team batted first and scored 114 from 20 overs.

Jamal Mickle, playing for the VG team, led all batters with 36 and was named Most Outstanding Batsman. Rafael Savoury had 17, while Bisoo Silchand finished with 14 and Jolyon Wilson had 11.

It was Mr. Mickle’s first match with the grassroots programme.

“I could have done better,” the 18-year-old said. “I have been away from cricket for away, but I have started and I will continue.”

Last August, Mr. Mickle competed for the Wolues and has trained with other senior teams in the domestic cricket league. Ultimately, he hopes to form his own team.

Being an experienced player, Mr. Mickle doesn’t find it frustrating to play with others who are new to the game.

“I try to help them out, that is what cricket is all about,” he said. “It is a team sport.”

Currently the Tortola cluster practises at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College each Saturday. However, Mr. Mickle said he would like to see more games being played.

Bowling for Tortola, Elvette Dore had three wickets for five runs, while Kedesh Talla went 2 for 25 and Raoul Roberts finished 2 for 18.

Mr. Dore recently started playing cricket, but is familiar with the game thanks to his father, who used to play. Playing matches has  helped Mr. Dore become a better player and keep him out of trouble, he said.

“This gives us exposure,” Mr. Dore said. “We youths want to do something with our life, and we like the sport.”

Jeffery Demming, who helps coach the VG cluster, said one of the biggest challenges is not having “proper equipment.” There are only three people who help prepare the grounds for matches, he said.

“We need a proper roller and a wheelbarrow,” Mr. Demming said.

The coach would also like to see more games being played, especially on Tortola. Currently, there is not a proper venue there. Mr. Jackson said more work is being done on the Greenland Grounds outfield, but is hopeful that it will be ready this year.

“It is very important for us to be playing at home, but you know kids — they love to get together and go some place. Even if it was once or twice they could go over to Tortola, only if they had a venue,” Mr. Demming said.

The VG cluster has been practicing for the past six-months and are “very interested” in the sport, according to Mr. Demming.

“We have some good guys,” Mr. Demming said. “They are very attentive.”

On Saturday the stands had only a few fans watching the match. Although, Mr. Demming understands that parents have a busy schedule, he would like to see more participation from them, especially when it comes to game time.

“We would love to see parents coming out more,” Mr. Demming said.

At the half, the players took a lunch break and then it was Tortola’s turn to bat. The visiting team had 111 all out in 19.1 overs.

Ricky Singh scored 22, while Mr. Roberts had 20 and Chetwin Bagot finished with 16.

Bowling for VG, Mr. Wilson went 3 for 11, while Mr. Silchand finished 3 for 21 and Mr. Savoury went 2 for 24. Mr. Mickle bowled 1 for 20.

The VG team would win by three runs.

The VG Select XI team consisted of Bisoo Silchand, Anthony Antoine, Jolyon Wilson, Yash Banthia, Christian Tranquille, Recoy Johnson, Aiden George, Rafael Savoury, Jamal Mickle, Diondre Davis and Phillip Jules.

Tortola Select XI team: Ian Sampson, Ricky Singh, Chetram Silchand, Tavoy Morgan, Shamoy Thompson, Andre Kartik, Brandon Kartik, Raoul Roberts, Elvette Dore, Kedesh Talla, Chetwin Bagot.

The next match is scheduled for April.

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