The ALHCS Blue Dolphins Cricket Club returned to Anguilla on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, following a successful cricket tour of Antigua, where the team was hosted by the Liberta Black Hawks Cricket Club.
The four-day tour featured two T20 matches and a two-day, four-innings game — a new format introduced to the young players as part of their ongoing development.
The Blue Dolphins endured a difficult start, losing their opening match after being dismissed for just 44 runs. However, following the opportunity to attend the first CPL match of the tour, the players returned the next day with greater intent and purpose.
Their improvement was evident as they posted 122 all out, with Myles Barrow top-scoring with 20. Although the team suffered another defeat, there was a clear improvement in their overall performance and approach in all areas of the game.
The two-day match provided another valuable learning experience, with players from both clubs mixed across the teams. For some of the Blue Dolphins, it was their first experience of being part of a team that surpassed 200 runs, with one side reaching 266 for 8 wickets.
There were several encouraging batting performances throughout the match, according to their coach, William Bourne. Ajalon Richardson produced one of the tour’s highlights when he successfully executed a pull shot off the back foot for his first 6, followed by a leg glance for 4. Captain Denari Neckles recorded the team’s highest individual score of the game, finishing unbeaten on 25. Other players also batted with increased assurance and displayed good defensive technique.
Meanwhile, in bowling, Shaiquan Roberts achieved the rare feat of taking a wicket with his first delivery in each innings of the two-day game, while Ajalon Richardson claimed 3 wickets in an innings.
In the field, Roy Williams produced one of the standout moments of the tour when he collected the ball and, in one continuous motion, threw directly at the stumps to complete an impressive direct hit.
The tour provided the Blue Dolphins with opportunities to engage with some of the region’s leading cricketing figures.
The team enthusiastically supported the Antigua Falcons during the CPL and had the opportunity to meet players from several participating teams. They also met two of Antigua and Barbuda’s cricketing knights, Sir Andy Roberts and Sir Curtly Ambrose, as well as former West Indies Test players Dave Joseph and Kenny Benjamin.
The former players were supportive of the Blue Dolphins’ efforts to rekindle cricket in Anguilla, offering words of advice and encouragement and expressing a willingness to assist the club in its development.
Anguilla’s own Jahmar Hamilton also visited the team during part of its match. He addressed the players, shared advice and highlighted the opportunities available within cricket for those willing to commit themselves to the sport.
The players were also visited by Enoch Lewis, President of the Leeward Islands Cricket Board, who offered further words of encouragement.
The experience has given the Blue Dolphins renewed confidence as they continue their development.
Witnessing the performances of CPL players first-hand, combined with the advice and encouragement received from outstanding West Indies cricketers, has reinforced the players’ belief in what can be achieved through commitment and continued improvement.
As the club’s development programme progresses, the Blue Dolphins aim to raise their skill levels and build on the lessons learned during the Antigua tour.
By Janissa Fleming
