VI battles hard in LICA/Nagico Tournament [Photoslide Included]
Richard Fredericks scored a sublime 81 in the BVI's losing run chase against Montserrat at Warner Park, St Kitts.Fredericks averaged over 40 in the Tournament
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The National Cricket team returned home on Friday October 7, 2011, more aware than ever before that 50 over cricket can be a cruel game where simple mistakes or a lack of experience can cost dearly. The team though battled hard, earned the respect of more illustrious foes, partisan crowd and officials despite 3 losses from 3 tough games.
Taking part in the tournament itself was a challenge from the outset given the lack of match practice, but in all three games, the opposition was on the rocks and surprised by the commitment and skill shown by the players. In all three games, the BVI got themselves into a winning position only to see the opposition fight back and ultimately snatched victories from the “jaws of defeat”.
Following what turned out to be a thrashing by Antigua, the BVI arrived at Warner Park in St. Kitts to take on Montserrat. Brent Defreitas won the toss and had no doubt in asking Montserrat to bat first. That decision was vindicated immediately as the captain struck early twice to leave the Montserratians wobbling on 108 for 4 from 24 overs. However, under the guidance of Ex Windies Test player, Lionel Baker and one of the best players in Leeward’s cricket, McPherson Meade, Montserrat slowly gained a foothold in the game and went on to take advantage of Defreitas’ inability to finish his allowable 12 overs due to a pinched nerve in his shoulder. Maxford Pipe did his best to reign in the Montserratians with a spell of 12 overs, 1 maiden, 35 runs and 2 wickets. Richard Fredericks brushed aside his mauling at the hands of Antigua and finished with 12-0-45-1. However, the rest of the bowlers wilted under the hot sun and Montserrat was able to post 271 from their 50 overs.
Jaison Peters top scored in their innings with 71, Roscoe St Clair scored 56, Meade hit an unbeaten 51 and Baker an even 50.
With the slice of luck you need during a game going the BVI’s way, the story would have been vastly different.
Two straight forward catches went begging and a couple of close run outs went in favour of the batting side. Added to the fact that Defreitas was only to bowl 5 overs of his allotment and how different the final total would have been. Defreitas finished with 5 overs for 15 runs and 2 wickets.
What followed was simply one of the most stirring, ultimately losing run chases in BVI history.
Following a long “half time” team talk, the batsman responded with a steady controlled chase keeping themselves in the game and causing panic, consternation and emotions to run high amongst the Montserrat side.
Captain Brent Defreitas leading from the front against Nevis "castling" the batsman with his pace, one of 5 wickets he took during the Tournament
First Richard Fredericks, who went on to record a sublime 81 and Daniel Singh (18) put on an accomplished 41 partnership to lay the foundation. Pipe added 17 and Dorian Auguiste 19, before the latter was unluckily adjudged run out by a direct throw from the mid wicket. The middle order wobbled slightly, but Defreitas with 20, Monty Butler (21) and Dennisford Brown (22) combined to keep the BVI well placed for victory.
The loss of wickets at crucial times showed a lack of experience that can only be gained with more competitive cricket. Fredericks, especially, culpable when he went aerial having done all the hard work, only to be caught deep mid off. However, with 5 overs still to go, a score of 231 all out was by no means a disgrace.
Deno Baker finshed with 5-40 from 10 overs and Tevin Osbourne picked up 3-53 from 12.
In the final game against Nevis, the BVI once again asserted early unexpected supremacy in reducing the hosts to 116 – 3 from 25 overs. Again, though the BVI were unable to finish the job off, letting Nevis recover through the vastly experienced Leeward Island players Tonito Willett (75) and Javier Liburd (46). Kjeil Tyson also reached a half century as Nevis wriggled off the hook to post 282 for 8.
Defreitas was again the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 62. Pipe with 2 for 65, Niel Niles with 1 for 57 and Fredericks 1 for 52 picked up wickets. Debutant Joel Williams overcame early nerves to hit his straps bowling 8 overs on the trot conceding just 34 runs.
The confidence taken from the game against Montserrat continued with Fredericks (41) and Pipe (66) with the BVI right up with the chase. The scores at 25 overs were level, at 30 overs Nevis were 10 runs ahead and at 35 overs the BVI were just 5 runs off the pace. However, once again a lack of experience coupled with some dubious Umpires’ decisions went against the BVI.
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laLeft Arm spinner Jason Campbell, bowling around the wicket, managed to convince the Umpire that Defreitas and Williams were out LBW. The other debutant Collis Fraser was adjudged to have lifted his foot just before being stumped and at the other end Fredricks was given out caught behind despite the Umpire later saying he wasn’t sure, but had heard a noise. There was no such excuse for Pipe though who managed to find one of the only fielders outside the ring with a lofted shot to “cow shot corner”.
All out for 171 was again no disgrace and even the hardened Nevis fans were impressed by the BVI’s performance, suggesting that it was the most organized, determined and committed team they had seen in recent times.
The fielding in all three games was on a par if not better than the opposition, yes catches were missed, yes some bowlers lost their lines and yes some batsmen failed to press home advantages, but overall for a side lacking in match practice and competitive cricket, it is fair to say the Tournament showed the level of natural talent within the Territory is as high as the other Leeward Islands and it is now up the Cricket Association on how best to make sure it doesn’t go to waste.
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where is Johnnny when dem have crekit stories…he better backoff horse races
I have been so busy with the excitement of these games i didnt get time to comment. The excitement was amazing – not like when those old fleabags walk around the track.
Well done team! Good leadership Brent. I’m so proud of you my Vincy brother.