Cricket played for a cause

Spectators turned out in their numbers on Sunday to lend support to a worthy charity back to school initiative put on by chairman of the Red Foundation Stedson ‘Red Plastic Bag’ Wiltshire and parliamentary representative for Christ Church South Ralph Thorne.

The activity commenced around 4.p.m where entertainers and artists participated in some road tennis matches. Following that there was an aerobic exercise session on the Dover playing field that was well appreciated by those in attendance.

The main activity commenced at 6:30 p.m with a tape ball celebrity T20 cricket match between the Wiltshire-led team and the Thorne side who won the toss and elected to bat.

They posted 184 for nine off their 20 overs with former Barbados and West Indies batsman Dwayne Smith firing away with a top knock of 68. The next best score was 39 not out by Barbados cricketer Kyle Mayers, Ashley Nurse accounted for 15 and Dominique Drakes, ten.

In response, Wiltshire’s squad gave it their best shot but fell short by ten runs as they were all out for 174. Despite the loss, the top three batsmen performed well for Wiltshire’s team with Jamar ‘Butter Beans’ Griffth top-scoring with 55 runs, Needham Fitzroy 37 and Ian Bradshaw 36.

Speaking after the keenly contested T20 match, Wiltshire said, “It was a lovely evening and I am really grateful that the people came out and gave excellent support. I hope we can do more of these events aimed at helping the most vulnerable in our society.

“We had an excellent atmosphere. It is clear that social activity is necessary once you pay attention to the protocols and guidelines. These things help people feel better about the circumstances that we are living in and plus it was for a good cause so I am happy.”

He added: “My team didn’t win but I think at the end of the day the cause actually won and the fact we came together to help our children was the most important thing. The people of Barbados showed they cared about what we were doing and the fact that we were doing something positive. Barbadians showed clearly they cared about each other and that is what we are made of, that is who Barbadians really are and I am happy.”

Meanwhile, Thorne explained that they had gone beyond expectation. He also sang the praises of Wiltshire saying he could not think of a more upstanding Barbadian to partner with for the wonderful cause. Wiltshire also shared the same sentiments about Thorne and also agreed that it didn’t have to be just across Christ Church but could be replicated in other parts of the island to assist the less fortunate.

“I think we have gone beyond what we have anticipated. Some people came here this evening and gave cash and I was quite impressed by that. We have done well during the week,” Thorne said.

Former female national cricketer Shaquana Quintyne came out to assist with umpiring and scoring while noted sporting personalities like Dr.Adrian Lorde, Barbados Cricket Association president Conde Riley and Barbados Football Association president Randy Harris were present. There were also the likes Ken Jones, West Indies great Desmond Haynes, Andrew Mason and parliamentarian Adrian Forde in attendance.

Wiltshire and Thorne also thanked Amigos bar and restaurant located in Dover for supporting the worthy initiative.

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb