31
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32
Football / Graeme Rodriguez, I had a difficult relationship with Trinidad football
« on: September 26, 2018, 07:52:27 PM »
Mods merge if needed.
https://vbhoolai.wixsite.com/hail-caribbeansport/graeme-rodriguez-trinidad-football
VB
https://vbhoolai.wixsite.com/hail-caribbeansport/graeme-rodriguez-trinidad-football
VB
33
Cricket Anyone / Charlie Davis, the man who would not be run out
« on: September 21, 2018, 10:03:31 PM »34
Football / Ronnie Simmons, "I was disenchanted with TT football
« on: September 08, 2018, 10:09:10 PM »
https://vbhoolai.wixsite.com/hail-caribbeansport/ronald-simmons-football-fatima-trin
The 1981 CFL (College’s Football League) produced a handful of stars that many thought would go on to have a bright future for the rest of that decade.
In addition, to the already established Garh Pollonais, the Captain of St. Augustine SC, there were Dexter Skeene, David Nakhid and Barry Henderson (St. Mary’s College), Dexter Sandy and Lester Charles (Queen’s Royal College) and Ronald Simmons (Fatima).
Simmons captured the imagination of all who saw him; a sweeper who was strong in the air, could run from end to end, score goals and had a magnificent clearance, he was like a man amongst men. Only 17 years old, he was fast tracked on to the Senior team just a few months later.
Not surprisingly, the following year, he was Vice Captain of the National Youth Team under Pollonais and awarded a full scholarship to Howard University.
Post Howard, he won the US Cup with Club Espana and the Washington Diplomats giving him the chance to play in the Concacaf Club Championships.
In an era of no internet, many local fans were unaware of his accomplishments and even more confused at his continuous absence from national training sessions. However, whilst locals seemed ignorant of his efforts, US coaches and fans were reveling in his ability and success.
https://vbhoolai.wixsite.com/hail-caribbeansport/ronald-simmons-football-fatima-trin
The 1981 CFL (College’s Football League) produced a handful of stars that many thought would go on to have a bright future for the rest of that decade.
In addition, to the already established Garh Pollonais, the Captain of St. Augustine SC, there were Dexter Skeene, David Nakhid and Barry Henderson (St. Mary’s College), Dexter Sandy and Lester Charles (Queen’s Royal College) and Ronald Simmons (Fatima).
Simmons captured the imagination of all who saw him; a sweeper who was strong in the air, could run from end to end, score goals and had a magnificent clearance, he was like a man amongst men. Only 17 years old, he was fast tracked on to the Senior team just a few months later.
Not surprisingly, the following year, he was Vice Captain of the National Youth Team under Pollonais and awarded a full scholarship to Howard University.
Post Howard, he won the US Cup with Club Espana and the Washington Diplomats giving him the chance to play in the Concacaf Club Championships.
In an era of no internet, many local fans were unaware of his accomplishments and even more confused at his continuous absence from national training sessions. However, whilst locals seemed ignorant of his efforts, US coaches and fans were reveling in his ability and success.
https://vbhoolai.wixsite.com/hail-caribbeansport/ronald-simmons-football-fatima-trin
35
Football / Bias aganst College players
« on: September 07, 2018, 10:25:46 PM »
Mods merge this if you need to.
-------
I was speaking recently to people such as Ronnie Simmons, Graeme Rodriguez and Dexter Skeene. And they were adamant that during their time in the 80s and early 90s there was a bias against College players.
Simmons was more direct and said race was involved.
Although I agree with them. I am of the opinion that such is not the case today.
Bateau went to Fatima and I seem to see College grads getting their chance to train or play for the national team.
I am from abroad but was curious to know what the local based think.
VB
-------
I was speaking recently to people such as Ronnie Simmons, Graeme Rodriguez and Dexter Skeene. And they were adamant that during their time in the 80s and early 90s there was a bias against College players.
Simmons was more direct and said race was involved.
Although I agree with them. I am of the opinion that such is not the case today.
Bateau went to Fatima and I seem to see College grads getting their chance to train or play for the national team.
I am from abroad but was curious to know what the local based think.
VB
36
General Discussion / e transfer to TT
« on: July 28, 2018, 12:25:15 AM »
Pardon my ignorance but does etransfer exist in TT?
And can you send money from abroad to TT this way.
And can you send money from abroad to TT this way.
37
Quizz Time & Facts / Shit himself at the WC
« on: July 02, 2018, 03:21:38 PM »
What player once shit himself during a WC match?
NOT TALL MAN!!
vb
NOT TALL MAN!!
vb
38
Quizz Time & Facts / Rejected Guyana for ......
« on: July 02, 2018, 03:20:14 PM »
What player turne down a call from Guyana in 2011 and has played at the present WC.
Hint: he is not with the England squad.
NOT TALL MAN!!!
Hint: he is not with the England squad.
NOT TALL MAN!!!
39
Quizz Time & Facts / England national WC - brothers - Guyana.
« on: June 28, 2018, 02:36:57 PM »
What England player at the present WC has two brothers who have played for Guyana.
What are their names and what is his name?
NOT TALL MAN!!!!!!!!!!!
VB
What are their names and what is his name?
NOT TALL MAN!!!!!!!!!!!
VB
40
Football / No prize money for League/FA Champs....what recourse is there?
« on: May 14, 2018, 05:12:46 PM »I've been curious for years now why is it when on some occasions a team wins the FA or League title and doesn't receive their prize money, life just goes on as normal.
If clubs are mandated to follow certain rules does the same not go for the TTFF/PFL??
What kind of sponsorship is this - the kind doesn't sign a contract?
If clubs can be fined/suspended/expelled for not performing their due diligence, what are the repercussions for the Fed/PFL for not doing the same?
NE Stars in 2004 not only were denied prize money for winning the FA Cup but didn't even receive a percentage of the gate for a match THEY played in.
Do these clubs have a legal leg to stand on?
VB
41
Football / Alex Bunbury buys Portuguese Third Div. club
« on: May 10, 2018, 01:35:32 PM »
Bunbury, the ex Guyanese-Canadian footballer has purchased a third div. club in Portugal...Primero Dezembro.
His son Teal has played for Canada at youth level and the US at Sr. level.
He presently play for the NE Revolution.
VB
His son Teal has played for Canada at youth level and the US at Sr. level.
He presently play for the NE Revolution.
VB
42
Other Sports / ITF tournament - Tacarigua
« on: May 09, 2018, 02:38:43 PM »
Yolande Leacock is going guns.
She beat the no. 1 seed who was about 530 spots ahead of her and just beat a S. African who was about 100 above her. Leacock was approx 1224 at the start of this touranment, Should crack the top 1000 after this, I hope.
VB
She beat the no. 1 seed who was about 530 spots ahead of her and just beat a S. African who was about 100 above her. Leacock was approx 1224 at the start of this touranment, Should crack the top 1000 after this, I hope.
VB
43
Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Cobra Kai tv series
« on: May 08, 2018, 04:29:48 PM »
If anybody was ever a fan of the Karate Kid franchise back in the 80s you HAVE TO WATCH this series.
Started off with limited expectations, tried not to binge but watched all 10 episodes in four days.
Great writing with many layers. Will not expand as I don't want to spoil it for you all.
KK I and II were some of my favourite martial arts movies. So happy to see a continuation so well done.
VB
Started off with limited expectations, tried not to binge but watched all 10 episodes in four days.
Great writing with many layers. Will not expand as I don't want to spoil it for you all.
KK I and II were some of my favourite martial arts movies. So happy to see a continuation so well done.
VB
44
Cricket Anyone / World Cup qualifiers 2018
« on: January 25, 2018, 07:08:42 PM »
http://cricketwestindies.org/index.php/2018/01/25/cwi-names-windies-world-cup-qualifiers-squad/
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The Selection Panel of Cricket West Indies (CWI) today announced the WINDIES 15-man squad for the ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe.
The ICC World Cup qualifiers will be played from March 4 to 25. The WINDIES have been drawn in Group A alongside Ireland, The Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, and the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 winners.
WINDIES MEN’S TEAM FULL SQUAD
Jason Holder (captain)
Jason Mohammed (vice-captain)
Devendra Bishoo
Carlos Brathwaite
Sheldon Cotterell
Chris Gayle
Shimron Hetmyer
Shai Hope
Evin Lewis
Nikita Miller
Ashley Nurse
Rovman Powell
Kemar Roach
Marlon Samuels
Kesrick Williams
Commenting on the Squad, Chairman Courtney Browne said:
“We are pleased to announce a squad that has a combination of experience and youth. Given the importance of the West Indies qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, we thought it was important that we chose players who brought not only skills but experience to the table, combined with younger players who had performed creditably on the international scene.
We contacted some of our well-known senior cricketers to ascertain their availability for the tournament and we are pleased that Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels have indicated their full support and commitment to the cause. Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell however indicated that they were unavailable to help us qualify as their priority was playing in the Pakistan Super League.
Dwayne Bravo was not contacted as he had indicated previously that he is no longer available to play cricket for the West Indies.
We welcome back Carlos Braithwaite and value his contribution to the team on and off the field. Kemar Roach is a highly experienced player who recently returned to international cricket last year is also a good addition to our ODI squad, as we set out to win the ICC World Cup Qualifiers.
We expect this squad under the able leadership of Jason Holder, supported by a core group of senior players to achieve this goal. Of course, Head Coach Stuart Law and his staff will provide all the support and guidance necessary. We wish the team well and look forward to a successful campaign.”
Notes to the Editor: Due to ICC regulations, the squad was selected before the teams were named for the Cricket West Indies Super50 Cup. The WINDIES squad for the ICC World Cup Qualifiers needed to have been submitted by February 2, 2018. While player performance form in the Super50 will not have a bearing on selection, it gives an excellent opportunity for 50-over preparation. All players become eligible for selection in the forthcoming WINDIES A Tour to England in June and the International Home Series against Bangladesh in July.
WINDIES ICC World Cup Qualifiers Schedule
Tuesday, March 6: v WCL Division 2 winners at Old Hararians
Thursday, 8 March – v Papua New Guinea at Old Hararians
Saturday, 10 March – v Ireland at Harare Sports Club
Monday, 12 March – v Netherlands at Harare Sports Club
Thursday, March 15 to Friday, March 23: Super Six stage
Sunday, March 25: FINAL at Harare Sports Club
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The Selection Panel of Cricket West Indies (CWI) today announced the WINDIES 15-man squad for the ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe.
The ICC World Cup qualifiers will be played from March 4 to 25. The WINDIES have been drawn in Group A alongside Ireland, The Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, and the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 winners.
WINDIES MEN’S TEAM FULL SQUAD
Jason Holder (captain)
Jason Mohammed (vice-captain)
Devendra Bishoo
Carlos Brathwaite
Sheldon Cotterell
Chris Gayle
Shimron Hetmyer
Shai Hope
Evin Lewis
Nikita Miller
Ashley Nurse
Rovman Powell
Kemar Roach
Marlon Samuels
Kesrick Williams
Commenting on the Squad, Chairman Courtney Browne said:
“We are pleased to announce a squad that has a combination of experience and youth. Given the importance of the West Indies qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, we thought it was important that we chose players who brought not only skills but experience to the table, combined with younger players who had performed creditably on the international scene.
We contacted some of our well-known senior cricketers to ascertain their availability for the tournament and we are pleased that Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels have indicated their full support and commitment to the cause. Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell however indicated that they were unavailable to help us qualify as their priority was playing in the Pakistan Super League.
Dwayne Bravo was not contacted as he had indicated previously that he is no longer available to play cricket for the West Indies.
We welcome back Carlos Braithwaite and value his contribution to the team on and off the field. Kemar Roach is a highly experienced player who recently returned to international cricket last year is also a good addition to our ODI squad, as we set out to win the ICC World Cup Qualifiers.
We expect this squad under the able leadership of Jason Holder, supported by a core group of senior players to achieve this goal. Of course, Head Coach Stuart Law and his staff will provide all the support and guidance necessary. We wish the team well and look forward to a successful campaign.”
Notes to the Editor: Due to ICC regulations, the squad was selected before the teams were named for the Cricket West Indies Super50 Cup. The WINDIES squad for the ICC World Cup Qualifiers needed to have been submitted by February 2, 2018. While player performance form in the Super50 will not have a bearing on selection, it gives an excellent opportunity for 50-over preparation. All players become eligible for selection in the forthcoming WINDIES A Tour to England in June and the International Home Series against Bangladesh in July.
WINDIES ICC World Cup Qualifiers Schedule
Tuesday, March 6: v WCL Division 2 winners at Old Hararians
Thursday, 8 March – v Papua New Guinea at Old Hararians
Saturday, 10 March – v Ireland at Harare Sports Club
Monday, 12 March – v Netherlands at Harare Sports Club
Thursday, March 15 to Friday, March 23: Super Six stage
Sunday, March 25: FINAL at Harare Sports Club
45
Cricket Anyone / World Youth Cup (50 overs) 2018 - New Zealand
« on: January 25, 2018, 10:26:39 AM »Afghanistan rout host New Zealand
Afghanistan, after Pakistan, become the third team to seal their spot in the semifinals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, following a clinical 202-run win over hosts New Zealand at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
After they opted to bat, a great partnership for the first wicket between Rahmanullah (69) and Ibrahim Zadran (68) set the platform for Afghanistan with the pair adding 117 at almost a run a ball. They were pegged back by the loss of some quick wickets, but an unbeaten half-century from Baheer Shah, and a Man-of-the-Match cameo from Azmatullah worth 63, comprising of as many as seven sixes and three boundaries in the 23-ball knock, propelled them to 309.
A big chase was always going to be tough in a World Cup knockout, and the pressure demanded calm from the hosts, but they were undone not just by that, but also by the Afghanistan spinners, who made the most of the dryness and grip on the surface. They tore through New Zealand's line-up, setting them onto the back foot from the onset by reducing them to 20 for 4 in the seventh over.
Katene Clarke (38) and Dale Phillips (31) resisted the Afghanistan onslaught for a fifth-wicket stand that yielded 66 runs but there was another collapse thereafter as New Zealand could only manage 107 in 28.1 overs before being bowled out. Mujeeb Zadran and Qais Ahmad both registered four-wicket hauls. What made Zadran's returns so effective was his containment of runs; giving away just 14 in 8.1 overs.
Afghanistan will now meet Australia in the first semifinal on Monday (January 29).
Brief scores: Afghanistan 309/6 in 50 overs (Rahmanullah 69, Ibrahim Zadran 68, Baheer Shah 67*, Azmatullah 66; Sandeep Patel 2-13) beat New Zealand 107 in 28.1 overs (Katene Clarke 38, Dale Phillips 31; Mujeeb Zadran 4-14, Qais Ahmad 4-33) by 202 runs.
Namibia vs Kenya, Plate Playoff Semifinal 2
In Lincoln, Namibia registered their first win of the tournament with an eight-wicket beating of Kenya, chasing 177 in the second Plate Playoff Semifinal.
Opener Aman Gandhi led the way with a half-century after Kenya were asked to bat, sharing a 73-run stand with Aveet Desai (32) for the second wicket after the early loss of Dennis Musyoka.
Once Desai was dismissed, however, Kenya failed to put on any substantial partnerships as only one batsman reached the 20-mark figure. They were eventually bowled out for 176 in 46.5 overs with late contributions from the tail. Petrus Burger returned a five-wicket haul for Namibia, conceding just 24 in his quota of ten overs, while Ben Shikongo had three.
Skipper and wicketkeeper, Lohandre Louwrens starred in Namibia's chase with a stellar century that came in quick time as well. Louwrens fell when two runs were required for victory after having raced away to a 76-ball 114 - a knock that saw 13 fours and three sixes. Namibia only required 27 overs to chase down the target in the end.
Brief scores: Kenya 176 in 46.5 overs (Aman Gandhi 52, Aveet Desai 32; Ben Shikongo 3-29, Petrus Burger 5-24) lost to Namibia 180 for 2 in 27 overs (Lohandre Louwrens 114) by eight wickets.
Papua New Guinea vs Ireland
46
Cricket Anyone / Fidel Castro, Leona Ford and cricket in Cuba
« on: November 28, 2017, 08:37:39 PM »
http://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/fidel-castro-leona-ford-and-cricket-in-cuba-551050
Fidel Castro, Leona Ford, and cricket in Cuba
Castro walked out, the Barbadian President in tow; he marched towards the cricketers; he enquired what was going on; he grabbed the bat and insisted the Barbadian President bowled; and there stood Castro, brandishing the bat like a baseball club…
By Abhishek Mukherjee | Updated : November 26, 2016 4:42 PM IST
47
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Fidel Castro relaxing at a sugar plantation near Havana, surrounded by children © Getty Images
Fidel Castro © Getty Images
Fidel Castro is no more. For the uninitiated, Castro spearheaded the 26th of July Movement, a revolutionary group that put an end to the Fulgencio Batista era of dictatorship in Cuba in 1959. As Prime Minister of Cuba, Castro fraternised with Soviet Union to an extent that United States got alarmed, more so after he allowed Soviet Union to deploy ballistic missiles in Cuba as response to USA’s deployment in Italy and Turkey. The Cuban Missile Crisis resulted in both powerhouses withdrawing their missiles in 1962. Cuba also gained immunity of sorts from USA (as long as Cuba did not attack USA directly) as per the subsequent treaty.
But the story does not begin there. In 1961, USA had planned an invasion on the South Cuba inlet of Bay of Pigs. Despite the backing of the anti-Castro Cuban Democratic Revolutionary Front, the American invasion failed, and Castro had been hailed a national hero.
Just before the Cuban Missile Crisis, John F Kennedy’s USA had put a commercial, economic, and financial embargo on Cuba. Rumours (mostly verified) are that Kennedy had ordered 1,200 Cuban cigars just before enacting the embargo, but let us not get into that.
This post, however, is not about Cuban politics. This is about Castro, the most influential man in Cuban history despite not having a face as t-shirt-friendly as his compatriot Che Guevara.
ALSO READ
Argentina and Bahamas play a bizarre cricket match
When Argentina beat England in cricket
The Cuban sugar mills attracted immigrants from the Caribbean, mostly Barbados. The advent of cricket was inevitable after that. Cricket was played in Cuba, most famously at Guantanamo Cricket Club, founded by Leonard Ford. The first significant Cuban cricketer, Ford had showed up from Barbados — where he was a prolific cricketer — to work at Guantanamo Naval Base in 1928.
Cricket became organised in subsequent decades. Cuba played their first known international match in 1952, against Jamaica — a side that featured one Howard Cooke.
Unfortunately, cricket faded out in Cuba since Castro took over. Castro did not exactly oppose cricket, but there was no support either, and cricket in Cuba came on the verge of dying with a whimper — barring an annual contest on Emancipation Day in Baraguá nobody cared for. Baseball became the more popular sport among the second-generation Cuban West Indians.
The revival began with Leonard Ford’s daughter Leonora ‘Leona’, a retired Professor of English. She worked on a book on Cuban cricket, only to be astonished at the lack of documentation on the sport anywhere in the country. So she took things to the next level.
In 1998 Leonora Ford presented a paper on the legacy of Cuban cricket. She worked tirelessly towards the revival of the sport in the country. She wrote to Cooke, by then Governor of Jamaica. Cooke sent cricket kits to Cuba. Cooke also nominated a Jamaican mentor who went by the name of Courtney Walsh.
ALSO READ
Mexico beat Costa Rican “granddads” in cricket
Earlier Meetings Between Uruguay and England
Earl Best, sports writer of Trinidad Express, visited Guantanamo shortly afterwards. Equipment came from Trinidad as well. Leonora, more determined than ever, organised for a six-week cricket coaching programme among sports coaches.
Cuban Sports Ministry recognised cricket in 2001, albeit without funding. This was where United Kingdom Sport stepped in with help. Thanks to UK sport, finances came. Equipment came from both MCC and a businessman named Syd Lowe.
Guantanamo hosted a cricket match in 2001, where they beat Havana. The next year Cuba became an ICC affiliate.
What about Castro, then? The great man had always wanted to put a halt to the Cuban youth coming under influence of American culture. In 2006 cricket got official approval. It became one of Cuba’s 38 national sports, and was even taught in schools.
There is a story, perhaps apocryphal. On one of his trips to Barbados, Castro was driving (or being driven) by a ground with a cricket match in progress. What followed was typical Castro: the car was stopped; Castro walked out, the Barbadian President in tow; he marched towards the cricketers; he enquired what was going on; he grabbed the bat and insisted the Barbadian President bowled; and there stood Castro, brandishing the bat like a baseball club…
Whatever was the case, Castro gave cricket his approval, and Leonora Ford won his battle. Charlie Connelly rightly wrote in Elk Stopped Play: “No person anywhere can have had such an overwhelming and dramatic effect on the development of cricket in their country.”
It was not easy. Tom Rodwell wrote in Third Man in Havana: “Fidel and Raul Castro [brother of Fidel] came from a white middle-class background as did most of the early leaders — Che Guevara was an Argentinian doctor — but Leona’s fierce intellect, striking looks and combative personality forced the authorities to take notice of her, when she invoked Fidel Castro’s early policy statement that ‘Sport is the Right of the People’.”
In 2007-08 Cuba was one of the teams in the Stanford Twenty 20 in Coolidge, Antigua. They were pitted against St Maarten. Unfortunately, they never got a chance. The match report ran thus: “The USA government refused Stanford a permit necessary for the Cuba team to compete so the match had to be cancelled and St Maarten entered the next round.” Stanford was, after all, an American citizen.
In lieu of the tournament Cuba travelled Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), playing 8 matches and winning 2 (against National Lotteries XI and SVG Prime Minister’s XI). The last match, a 15-over contest, deserves particular mention, for Cuba scored 140 for 7 and restricted the opposition to 46 for 7.
In 2009-10 they were pitted against Mexico, Falkland Islands, and Costa Rica in Division Four of ICC Americas Championship but had to withdraw again. By then Fidel had been succeeded by brother Raul at the helm.
Fidelius Charm
On Test debut he had routed Sri Lanka with 5 for 36 and 1 for 54 at Sabina Park. Months later he became the first to take 6 wickets on debut, that too at the cost of a mere 22, when the hapless Zimbabweans, clueless against his searing pace, were left reeling at 22 for 5.
His best days are probably past him, but it would be unfair to leave Fidel Edwards out of this piece. It is not every day that you come across a Test cricketer nicknamed Castro, you see.
(Abhishek Mukherjee is the Chief Editor at CricketCountry. He blogs at ovshake.blogspot.com and can be followed on Twitter @ovshake42)
Fidel Castro, Leona Ford, and cricket in Cuba
Castro walked out, the Barbadian President in tow; he marched towards the cricketers; he enquired what was going on; he grabbed the bat and insisted the Barbadian President bowled; and there stood Castro, brandishing the bat like a baseball club…
By Abhishek Mukherjee | Updated : November 26, 2016 4:42 PM IST
47
Shares
Facebook share
Twitter share
Share on Google+
Fidel Castro relaxing at a sugar plantation near Havana, surrounded by children © Getty Images
Fidel Castro © Getty Images
Fidel Castro is no more. For the uninitiated, Castro spearheaded the 26th of July Movement, a revolutionary group that put an end to the Fulgencio Batista era of dictatorship in Cuba in 1959. As Prime Minister of Cuba, Castro fraternised with Soviet Union to an extent that United States got alarmed, more so after he allowed Soviet Union to deploy ballistic missiles in Cuba as response to USA’s deployment in Italy and Turkey. The Cuban Missile Crisis resulted in both powerhouses withdrawing their missiles in 1962. Cuba also gained immunity of sorts from USA (as long as Cuba did not attack USA directly) as per the subsequent treaty.
But the story does not begin there. In 1961, USA had planned an invasion on the South Cuba inlet of Bay of Pigs. Despite the backing of the anti-Castro Cuban Democratic Revolutionary Front, the American invasion failed, and Castro had been hailed a national hero.
Just before the Cuban Missile Crisis, John F Kennedy’s USA had put a commercial, economic, and financial embargo on Cuba. Rumours (mostly verified) are that Kennedy had ordered 1,200 Cuban cigars just before enacting the embargo, but let us not get into that.
This post, however, is not about Cuban politics. This is about Castro, the most influential man in Cuban history despite not having a face as t-shirt-friendly as his compatriot Che Guevara.
ALSO READ
Argentina and Bahamas play a bizarre cricket match
When Argentina beat England in cricket
The Cuban sugar mills attracted immigrants from the Caribbean, mostly Barbados. The advent of cricket was inevitable after that. Cricket was played in Cuba, most famously at Guantanamo Cricket Club, founded by Leonard Ford. The first significant Cuban cricketer, Ford had showed up from Barbados — where he was a prolific cricketer — to work at Guantanamo Naval Base in 1928.
Cricket became organised in subsequent decades. Cuba played their first known international match in 1952, against Jamaica — a side that featured one Howard Cooke.
Unfortunately, cricket faded out in Cuba since Castro took over. Castro did not exactly oppose cricket, but there was no support either, and cricket in Cuba came on the verge of dying with a whimper — barring an annual contest on Emancipation Day in Baraguá nobody cared for. Baseball became the more popular sport among the second-generation Cuban West Indians.
The revival began with Leonard Ford’s daughter Leonora ‘Leona’, a retired Professor of English. She worked on a book on Cuban cricket, only to be astonished at the lack of documentation on the sport anywhere in the country. So she took things to the next level.
In 1998 Leonora Ford presented a paper on the legacy of Cuban cricket. She worked tirelessly towards the revival of the sport in the country. She wrote to Cooke, by then Governor of Jamaica. Cooke sent cricket kits to Cuba. Cooke also nominated a Jamaican mentor who went by the name of Courtney Walsh.
ALSO READ
Mexico beat Costa Rican “granddads” in cricket
Earlier Meetings Between Uruguay and England
Earl Best, sports writer of Trinidad Express, visited Guantanamo shortly afterwards. Equipment came from Trinidad as well. Leonora, more determined than ever, organised for a six-week cricket coaching programme among sports coaches.
Cuban Sports Ministry recognised cricket in 2001, albeit without funding. This was where United Kingdom Sport stepped in with help. Thanks to UK sport, finances came. Equipment came from both MCC and a businessman named Syd Lowe.
Guantanamo hosted a cricket match in 2001, where they beat Havana. The next year Cuba became an ICC affiliate.
What about Castro, then? The great man had always wanted to put a halt to the Cuban youth coming under influence of American culture. In 2006 cricket got official approval. It became one of Cuba’s 38 national sports, and was even taught in schools.
There is a story, perhaps apocryphal. On one of his trips to Barbados, Castro was driving (or being driven) by a ground with a cricket match in progress. What followed was typical Castro: the car was stopped; Castro walked out, the Barbadian President in tow; he marched towards the cricketers; he enquired what was going on; he grabbed the bat and insisted the Barbadian President bowled; and there stood Castro, brandishing the bat like a baseball club…
Whatever was the case, Castro gave cricket his approval, and Leonora Ford won his battle. Charlie Connelly rightly wrote in Elk Stopped Play: “No person anywhere can have had such an overwhelming and dramatic effect on the development of cricket in their country.”
It was not easy. Tom Rodwell wrote in Third Man in Havana: “Fidel and Raul Castro [brother of Fidel] came from a white middle-class background as did most of the early leaders — Che Guevara was an Argentinian doctor — but Leona’s fierce intellect, striking looks and combative personality forced the authorities to take notice of her, when she invoked Fidel Castro’s early policy statement that ‘Sport is the Right of the People’.”
In 2007-08 Cuba was one of the teams in the Stanford Twenty 20 in Coolidge, Antigua. They were pitted against St Maarten. Unfortunately, they never got a chance. The match report ran thus: “The USA government refused Stanford a permit necessary for the Cuba team to compete so the match had to be cancelled and St Maarten entered the next round.” Stanford was, after all, an American citizen.
In lieu of the tournament Cuba travelled Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), playing 8 matches and winning 2 (against National Lotteries XI and SVG Prime Minister’s XI). The last match, a 15-over contest, deserves particular mention, for Cuba scored 140 for 7 and restricted the opposition to 46 for 7.
In 2009-10 they were pitted against Mexico, Falkland Islands, and Costa Rica in Division Four of ICC Americas Championship but had to withdraw again. By then Fidel had been succeeded by brother Raul at the helm.
Fidelius Charm
On Test debut he had routed Sri Lanka with 5 for 36 and 1 for 54 at Sabina Park. Months later he became the first to take 6 wickets on debut, that too at the cost of a mere 22, when the hapless Zimbabweans, clueless against his searing pace, were left reeling at 22 for 5.
His best days are probably past him, but it would be unfair to leave Fidel Edwards out of this piece. It is not every day that you come across a Test cricketer nicknamed Castro, you see.
(Abhishek Mukherjee is the Chief Editor at CricketCountry. He blogs at ovshake.blogspot.com and can be followed on Twitter @ovshake42)
47
Cricket Anyone / 1st Test, NZ vs WI, Wellington, Dec 1-5, 2017
« on: November 28, 2017, 08:21:37 PM »
all scores here.
48
Cricket Anyone / WI tour of NZ, 2017
« on: November 28, 2017, 08:18:53 PM »
WI stumble on final day vs NZ A
After enjoying two days in the ascendancy, the West Indians ended the drawn tour match in Lincoln on a lower note: they were dismissed for 186 in their second innings and then failed to dismiss Tom Latham and Jeet Raval, who are set to open for New Zealand in the first Test, in two hours before the end of the game.
The third day had begun with the West Indians on 53 for 2, leading by 267 runs after a hefty batting effort in the first innings and then their bowlers dismissing New Zealand A cheaply. However, that run of form dipped with wickets falling early: Roston Chase was dismissed by Lockie Ferguson, who was called into New Zealand's Test squad as cover for Tim Southee, and 71 for 3 became 72 for 4 when Jermaine Blackwood was out for a duck to Hamish Bennett.
Opener Kraigg Brathwaite went on to make 88 and put on 70 with Shane Dowrich for the sixth wicket before retiring out. The innings ended swiftly after that, with James Neesham and Bennett mopping up the tail.
New Zealand A batted 29 overs in their second innings with Raval remaining unbeaten on 32 and Latham on 28. The West Indians used eight bowlers once again, but unlike in the first innings - when everyone took a wicket - no one had success this time.
The first Test against New Zealand at Basin Reserve in Wellington begins on December 1.
After enjoying two days in the ascendancy, the West Indians ended the drawn tour match in Lincoln on a lower note: they were dismissed for 186 in their second innings and then failed to dismiss Tom Latham and Jeet Raval, who are set to open for New Zealand in the first Test, in two hours before the end of the game.
The third day had begun with the West Indians on 53 for 2, leading by 267 runs after a hefty batting effort in the first innings and then their bowlers dismissing New Zealand A cheaply. However, that run of form dipped with wickets falling early: Roston Chase was dismissed by Lockie Ferguson, who was called into New Zealand's Test squad as cover for Tim Southee, and 71 for 3 became 72 for 4 when Jermaine Blackwood was out for a duck to Hamish Bennett.
Opener Kraigg Brathwaite went on to make 88 and put on 70 with Shane Dowrich for the sixth wicket before retiring out. The innings ended swiftly after that, with James Neesham and Bennett mopping up the tail.
New Zealand A batted 29 overs in their second innings with Raval remaining unbeaten on 32 and Latham on 28. The West Indians used eight bowlers once again, but unlike in the first innings - when everyone took a wicket - no one had success this time.
The first Test against New Zealand at Basin Reserve in Wellington begins on December 1.
49
Cricket Anyone / WI tour of Zimbabwe, 2017
« on: November 02, 2017, 08:04:57 PM »
1st Test:
We win.
We win.
50
Cricket Anyone / CPL SEASON 2017/2017
« on: October 17, 2017, 08:40:17 AM »Ramdhin to skipper Red Force
http://guardian.co.tt/sports/2017-10-17/ramdin-skipper-red-force
Vinode Mamchan
Published:
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Denesh Ramdin, Red Force wicketkeeper/batsman
Former West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin is set to take over as captain of the T&T Red Force team in the upcoming regional PCL season.
Ramdin, who fell out of favour with the West Indies selectors, remains the best wicketkeeper in the Caribbean and his experience as a leader is seen as a tremendous asset going into the tournament. The PCL begins in earnest on October 26, with the T&T Red Force coming up against the Barbados Pride at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Ramdin takes over the reigns from all rounder Marlon Richards, who led the team towards the back end of last season. The Red Force won their final two matches against Barbados and Leeward Islands to move from bottom place to an eventual fourth.
A number of top senior players will miss the PCL because of T20 commitments in various countries across the world, so the thinking of the board is that Ramdin will be able to mould the young team, given the fact that he has led T&T from the Under-15 level.
The 32-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman has played 140 First Class matches, scoring 5952 runs at an average of 29.03. He has scored 12 centuries and 27 half centuries. The national selectors picked the team over the weekend and the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) is expected to release the name of the players later this week.
On Thursday, the players will play a warm-up match under lights at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. The four-day encounter will end on Sunday and the team will fly out on Monday to Barbados.
The Red Force outfit will have a day/night encounter at home during the season and this is expected to be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, so the board has decided to use there for the warm-up game.
This season, the T&T Red Force team will be entering into competition with a management in place, as Kelvin Williams is now the head coach and he will have a new skipper in Ramdin.
51
Cricket Anyone / the Ravi Rampaul thread
« on: October 15, 2017, 03:34:59 AM »LONDON, CMC – English County Derbyshire have snapped up out-of-favour West Indies pacer Ravi Rampaul on a three-year deal.
The Trinidadian, who last represented the Caribbean side in any format two years ago, has been signed as a non-overseas player and will be available for all formats, the club announced.
It means Rampaul has ruled himself out of next year’s Caribbean Premier League, where he has turned out for Barbados Tridents in recent seasons.
“I’m grateful to Derbyshire for giving me this opportunity to extend my career in England and play across all forms,” said the 32-year-old Rampaul.
“The club has ambitious plans for the years ahead and I’m excited by what we can achieve. Hopefully I can play my part, not only on the field helping to win games of cricket, but also help the younger guys in the dressing room.”
Rampaul turned out for Surrey last season, grabbing 18 wickets at an average of 24 to help the London club reach the final of the Royal London One-Day Cup where they eventually lost to Nottinghamshire.
However, he featured in just two County Championship games, taking three wickets and claimed four wickets in as many T20 matches.
A member of the successful Windies squad which won the T20 World Cup five years ago, Rampaul has also played 18 Tests and 92 One-Day Internationals but has fallen out of favour in recently times.
Derbyshire’s Cricket Advisor, Kim Barnett said he expected the club to benefit greatly from Rampaul’s experience.
“We identified new ball bowling as an area we wanted to strengthen for 2018, and we’re delighted to secure someone of the calibre of Ravi,” he said.
“He is highly skilled and vastly experienced, with over 100 internationals under his belt, and he will give us the additional firepower we needed alongside the likes of Hardus Viljoen and Will Davis.”
He added: “Ravi will be available for all forms and has committed to Derbyshire full time, ruling out any clashes with the CPL during the English domestic season.
“It’s a massive coup for the club and shows our intent that we want to build on the progress we made in 2017 and kick on in 2018 and beyond.”
52
Football / Feed for TT football
« on: October 15, 2017, 01:59:57 AM »
Mods, you can merge this as you see fit.
Is there ever a live feed for the PFL?
I remember a few years back the PFL website had full matches you could watch (without commentary). I don't see that anymore. Are there any full vids of recent matches.
It would be nice to watch a match within a week of it happening. It would give us a better appreciation of players in the league.
VB
Is there ever a live feed for the PFL?
I remember a few years back the PFL website had full matches you could watch (without commentary). I don't see that anymore. Are there any full vids of recent matches.
It would be nice to watch a match within a week of it happening. It would give us a better appreciation of players in the league.
VB
53
Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Star Trek Discovery
« on: September 26, 2017, 03:16:29 PM »
Great Premier.
Loved the special effects. On my big screen, felt like I was actually watching a movie.
BWDH they do with the Klingons.
The change the whole race just so.
I was hoping it was just a different ethnic group. Oh well. as a Trekkie, I does take what I could get.
VB
Loved the special effects. On my big screen, felt like I was actually watching a movie.
BWDH they do with the Klingons.
The change the whole race just so.
I was hoping it was just a different ethnic group. Oh well. as a Trekkie, I does take what I could get.
VB
54
Quizz Time & Facts / CIC - teenagers - FC debut in cricket.
« on: September 17, 2017, 04:17:23 PM »
Three teenagers from CIC made their FC debut in Cricket in the same decade.
Who are they, when was the debut made and against whom?
NOT TALLL MAN!
VB
Who are they, when was the debut made and against whom?
NOT TALLL MAN!
VB
55
Quizz Time & Facts / Heavyweight Champs - sons - World titles
« on: September 17, 2017, 04:14:43 PM »
Name three World Heavyweight Champs whose sons either fought for or won a world title in boxing.
Name the sons as well and the title they fought for. If you good, name the year.
NOT TALL MAN.
VB
Name the sons as well and the title they fought for. If you good, name the year.
NOT TALL MAN.
VB
56
Other Sports / the hearbreak of Rocky Lockridge
« on: September 09, 2017, 02:08:56 PM »
If you old like me, you would remember this fella as a bad asz featherweight and lightweight of the 80s.
Beat some of the best around and tko'd Roger Mayweather (Floyd's Uncle) in one round for the Jr. Lightweight title.
Had no idea he was homeless and strung out on drugs.
This video is old. It made me sad to see a former great reduced to this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uKnrBSlILs
VB
Beat some of the best around and tko'd Roger Mayweather (Floyd's Uncle) in one round for the Jr. Lightweight title.
Had no idea he was homeless and strung out on drugs.
This video is old. It made me sad to see a former great reduced to this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uKnrBSlILs
VB
57
Cricket Anyone / England vs WI, 3rd Test, Lords, Sept. 7-11, 2017
« on: September 07, 2017, 12:02:28 PM »
scores, updates here.
58
Cricket Anyone / England vs WI, 2nd Test, Headingly, Aug. 25-29, 2017
« on: August 23, 2017, 01:40:37 PM »
All cut ass here.
59
Cricket Anyone / England vs WI, 1st Test, Birmingham, Aug. 17-21, 2017
« on: August 17, 2017, 04:36:25 PM »
scores, updates here.
60
Cricket Anyone / Canadian Cricket thread
« on: July 30, 2017, 12:12:23 PM »Canada and Oman promoted to Division 2
http://gocricketgocanada.com/news/article/rain-prevents-result-world-cricket-league-division-3-final
Rain prevented the final of the World Cricket League Division 3 reaching a result today in Kampala, Uganda. Both Canada and Oman were already assured of promotion to Division 2, and Oman will place first in the tournament, Canada second, based on the standings after the round robin matches. Canada had made 176/3 from 38 overs, and Oman 50/2 in reply before rain finally washed out the match.
Canada batted first; the youthful opening partnership of Kumar and Adhihetty has been one of the successes of the tournament for Canada, and they were again effective, putting on 102 for the first wicket before Kumar was bowled for exactly 50 from 78 balls with eight fours. Adhihetty made 86 from 110 balls with 10 boundaries before rain cut Canada’s innings short.
When play resumed again, Canada's innings was deemed complete, and Oman had a target of 177 in 24 overs. The third over from Dhindsa featured a wide, two fours, two sixes and two wickets but only 4.3 overs were possible before rain came again with Oman on 50/2 and the match was abandoned with no result.
Canadians filled four of the top five run-scorers in the tournament. Bhavindu Adhihetty took top spot with 222 runs at an average of 37, and Pathirana followed him with 208 at 41.60 - Rizwan Cheema and Nitish Kumar took 4th and 5th spot. Dhindsa was second highest wicket taker with 11.
Dave Liverman