Congratulations to Wokingham Cricket Club, and young Anguillian, Jaívani (JJ) Carty.
They are the reigning champions of the Mid week T20 Champions, Mid week T20 Cup Champions and Berkshire Cricket Foundation T20 Area Finals.
Jaívani was instrumental in the victories, as opening batsman, in all 3 matches where he made a new high score of 107 and repeated the feat. Jaívani moved to England last year August to further his education.
Jaívani was introduced to cricket at Valley Primary School in the Scotia Bank Kiddy’s Cricket Programme. He served as vice-captain and opening batsman for his alma mater and progressed on to play for the Leeward Islands U15 and U17 teams, reaching the semi finals against Barbados. He was called up for Leeward U19, when he was barely 15, but was injured and couldn’t report for duty.
Moving to a place of unpredictable weather, England, and having to make adjustments in his techniques and learning to read the pitches, he played with Wokingham Cricket Club from April to August 2021, playing some 22 matches with scores of 20s, 30s, even a duck, 52, 72, 107 and another 107. He unfortunately fell short of some 30 runs that would have put him top of the leader board for runs scored for the season.
During one of the games, when it was raining, in his opinion, cats and dogs, he asked the umpire if they were going off the field – only to be told that the clubs play in worse weather than they were currently experiencing. This was one of many instances that reminded him that he wasn’t in the Caribbean.
Jaívani’s improving performance throughout the season placed him at # 5 in the top 20 batting honour’s list. He was also given the opportunity to bowl in one of the final matches. He bowled 2 overs, took 2 wickets for 13 runs. His team, unaware of Anguilla, is looking forward to visiting in the not too distant future. Again we say congrats to Wokingham Cricket Club and Jaívani Carty.
(Presented by: – Coach and Mentor Mr. Charles (Charlie) Hodge).
– Contributed
