In October, 2007 London County accepted an invitation from Honorary Club Captain Sir Vivian Richards to tour West Indies, visiting Antigua and Barbados. The Touring Party comprised Development Squad players selected from our Search 4 A Star Programme, and current Professionals in Darren Stevens (Kent), Nick Compton (Middlesex) and Joe Sayers (Yorkshire). Player-Coaches were Neil Burns, Vince Wells, former South Africa Coach Eric Simons and Barbados all-rounder Franklyn Stephenson. Jack Birkenshaw (Umpire/Coach), Dr Ken Jennings and Dr Ken West, completed our team of Professional Mentors
Introducing and developing an understanding of the game’s history is a key element of our Programme on Tour. A special visit to The 3 W’s Oval and reading the engraved plaques at the memorials to Sir Frank Worrell and Sir Clyde Walcott on ‘The Walk of Fame’ was a humbling experience for all.
Meeting legendary cricketers Sir Garfield Sobers, Richie Richardson, Franklyn Stephenson and Otis Gibson, as well as spending time with England Captain Michael Vaughan offered our young cricketers a rare and wonderful opportunity to enjoy conversation with such respected individuals. A memorable golf match between London County and Royal Westmoreland Golf Club was also held.
Our matchplay was limited by heavy rain but a heavy loss to Franklyn Stephenson’s Invitation XI provided a rich learning experience for our young cricketers. Barbados Captain Ryan Hinds’s match-winning century for the home team was the highlight from a cricket perspective. The post- match conversation provided the true highlight with a level of social inter-action between the teams representative of how cricket used to be.
A contribution was made to support ‘Why Me ?’ Prostate and Breast Cancer charity during our visit, with Nick Compton making a wonderful speech at The Cedar Valley Golf Club in Antigua following the successful fund-raising golf day.
Friendships were established which we hope can be built upon in future by us hosting young Barbados and Antiguan cricketers in the UK in future summers.
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