The one where...the prize / court session happened

So our tour is slowly winding up and we all dressed up in a mixture of Reggae costumes and took our "small" carry out to Doreen / Cuff Links room.




Judge Ali hosted the ceremony with his assistants of Sherrif Dick and Deputee Snow.

Awards and prizes were duly handed out as follows:-
Player of tour - Kathryn
Best catch - Richard
Best bowler - Kathryn
Best individual performance - Ali / Kathryn
Best batsmen - Ali
Worst dressed - Richard
Best dressed - Jack
Most drunk member - Doreen
Funniest moment - Whinnie at airport
Dick of tour - Marsh
Best supporter - Karen
Member of tour - Kathryn

A court session followed and most joined in with the spirit of the game.....

Afterwards we all went to Tequila Joe's for our last night drinks - all partied hard!!



Doreen, Lisa, Bones, Jack and Deg



Elaine and Gary "Tigger"


Limbo dancers and flame eating (a few of party was dragged up to help!)



Joey and Ali





Party members begin to show signs of drink!!




Gav didn't quite make the end of night......!!

Bags to pack with sore heads and then one more day of burning before flight home tonight....not looking forward to cold weather again!!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The one where....we went to Jump Up

On Friday night a few of the party went to the Gros Islet "Jump Up" street party....fantastic atmosphere!!

Streets were full of random bbq's, stalls and bars with music pumping out the tunes. The night got busier the later it got with all the locals turning out.

The dream of experiencing West Indian's in full flow was enjoyed by all those who went....although Whinnie was frightened!!




Thomas in full flow!!



Rich, Roland and Jack in good spirits!






Doreen dressed to blend in!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The one where...we went on the Unicorn Brig

After a few social pints and cocktails after our last match, there were a few sore heads for our boat trip!

The Unicorn Brig is a tall sail ship that was used in the "Pirates of the Carribean" films along with some of their crew. Friday's is pirates day so a few bandanas, facepaints etc was on show.



We sailed south to Soufriere enjoying the lovely weather, soft lazing area and views. We docked and transfered into buses to visit the local dormant volcano and sulphur springs. The strong smell of sulphur was nearly over bearing!



Above, the rotten smelling drive in volcanoe. Below Rich, Jack & Whinnie force a smile whilst trying to avoid breathing through their noses.


We then visited the Botanic Garden waterfalls and some ventured into freezing waters to stand under falls.

It was then back to the boat for lunch as we headed north again. As we slowed down near our swimming/snorkling area we spotted 2 Pilot Whales - great sight! We dropped anchor and went for a swim and swing rope off sails.



Above, Jack & Gav nervously await their jump.


Above is Jack swinging into the sea. Below is Gavs legs as he dives in.


Back on board and a visit to Marigot Bay which is a stunning inlet port where many films have been shot. On leaving we fired a cannon as a salute of our visit.

On board on way home there was music and dancing, drinking and water fights....great relaxing day and one we needed after the excertions of the cricket!

Both Ali and Kathryn are suffering bad ankle injuries and both barely able to walk - maybe lucky games are all finished!!

Tonight we are heading to Gros Islet for their "Jump Up" carnival which will be a late night!! Everyone says it's a must do event so here's hoping it lives up to it reputation....!!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:The one where... We Sail on the Unicorn Brig

The one where... We celebrate the cricket being over!

Location:Tequila Joes

The one where.... we play Choiseul

So it came down to this solitary game to salvage a win. Hopes where high on the bus as we picked up our 2 ringers Cleetis Mathurin and Felix Wilson. Cleetis in particular played in the Standford 20/20 tournament so had a high pedigree and as he's keen to come over to St.Boswells he was keen to impress.

Choiseul won the toss and chose to bat first. At this point it became clear that the two U21 stars were pretty good as they set about Bossies opening attack. Some lusty blows along with many well taken singles saw them amass 110 for 0 by the time drinks were taken after 16 overs. Jason Simon then added further runs after the break to bring up his hundred and retired on 101 not out. His fellow opener Junior Alfred then went for 71 skying a catch to Marshall off of the impressive Deans' bowling (1 for 14).






A rally by Bossie then saw wickets fall regularly as several run outs and White (3 for 56), Young (1 for 50) and Mathurin (0-49) tightened things up a bit. Choiseul finishing on 272 for 8. A very demanding total.

With Mathurin and Young opening for Bossie quick runs where required. Disaster struck when Mathurin went for a big one and was caught on the boundary. McIlroy joined Rich but Young went soon after gloving a bouncer to slip. Felix joined Ali next and once more was out cheaply caught at slip. White next in departed without troubling the scorers leaving Bossie on 24 for 4 and facing certain defeat. Scott Marshall was next in but lasted just a few balls, as did Elms both bowled. Joey Wilson then joined Ali and at last some big hitting came to the fore and some boundarys were plundered. After some nice shots Wilson went caught at short midwicket (for 13). Deans was next to the crease and had a beautiful pull for 4. McIlroy continued to put away the bad balls before being bowled, but not before notching up the Bossie high score of 23. Chambers joined Deans and flicked down leg for 4 before being bowled. Last in was Nicol who finished not out on zero when Deans provided a caught and bowled. Bossie ending all out for 66 in a disappointing end of tour performance.

The one where... They go Deap sea fishing

An excited boat party were up early with the promise of Deap sea fishing, dolphin watching and snorkelling at Margiott Bay.


Kathryn, Ali & Gav pose for a team pic before the real fishing has begun.


Joey gives Whinnie a playful hug round the head. Carefully missing his Sunburnt arms.


Rich and Ali & somebodys thumb make an appearance.


Gav celebrates landing the first and sadly the last catch of the day, a 7lb Baracudda.


The 'team' pose with their one and only much treasured fish from the days exertions.

The One where... We update on what happened after the Mon Repos game

To catch up on some blogging.... After the Mon Repos game (which is easily the most colourful match any of us have experienced) there were many speaches and presentations to the masses who remained. The locals were at pains to point out how thankful they were that we had come over to their small village. Ali Mcilroy explained how the tour had come about and thanked Thomas and all at Mon Repos for an extraodinary day.


Above... St.Boswells present one of 3 kit bags to one of the local Mon Repos schools. A total of 3 kit bags were brought over to hand out. Many thanks go to the people who donated money and took part in the fund raising.


Above and below. After all the ceremony was over both teams retreated just over the boundary edge to Thomas's house. Many refreshments were taken and it was agreed a fantastic day had been had by all.


Thomas was understandably emotional at seeing his dream come off. He really did have his 'day in the sun'.

Location:St Lucia

The one where....team selection for last game

Team news for match v Choiseul at La Fargue on Thurs....

Team selection for the last match of tour has been tough with a few injuries.

Thomas Goodman is already out of game and is now joined by Brian Hunter who has a very swollen finger from last game. Steven Laidlaw is also doubtful due to sunburn and Rory Elms has dodgy ankle.

On a positive note we have drafted in a local player we met at Mon Repos called Clitus Salvi who has played for the Winward Islands (basically West Indies Regional team) & Stanford 20/20 compitition. He has also played with Dwane Bravo & Darren Sammy both current West Indies players. So we are looking forward to him scoring enough runs to give us our first win.....no pressure for him then!

If Whinnie doesn't play then we will call upon a up and coming Mon Repos U19 star to help us out.

Ali Mcilroy
Richard Young
Clitus Salvi
Kathryn "cuff link" White
Scott Marshall
Rory Elms
Craig Wilson
Jack Chambers
Gav Deans
Gary Nicol
Steven Laidlaw
12th man - Deg Laidlaw

Match report will follow game.

Lets hope the 8 lads going on Sports fishing / whale watching trip don't get too burnt!!!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The one were....Jacks had his birthday

Happy birthday Jack!!

Day off today so we all spent the day celebrating Jacks 16th with games in pool, sea water sports and a lively fish dinner.

Richard and Rory are really suffering with the sun today and lobsters even looked pale in comparison!!

Jack must of been a tad excited as he romped the Dick of the day as he hit 3 people with the ball around pool!!








Lisa is walking away with the tan comp as she is close to becoming a local in colour!! Bones cricket may be over due to swollen finger from yest match.... More to follow!!




Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The one where... Richard won an award!

The next "Dick of the day" has been claimed by Richard Young but first the contenders....

Gary Nicol while filming recent march, dropped a battery down a crack in field and ended digging a large hole to recover it!

Richard Young claimed the shirt after wearing a head sweat band while batting and bowling! Even the batsmen asked why he was wearing such articles!!




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The one where....we played Mon Repos

What a great day.....2 years of planning for the tour was rewarded at Mon Repos when we were treated to an amazing atmosphere, support and hospitality from the whole town!

We arrived to the small ground to a collection of stalls & enough Amps pumping the Proclaimers / Regae music to keep whole town awake for days!

We all were welcomed into Thomas / Karens house right next to pitch before the game got under way.

Mon Repos opened the batting and St Boswells bowlers started to rip into their batters. Rory Elms opened bowling to loud commentary / music which continued all day so an atmosphere we will never forget!! Rich Young got the first wicket with a lobbed catch to Bones Hunter at point. Rory Elms quickly got the second with Rich Young claiming a one handed boundary catch - superb effort!

Kathryn White was next to claim a wicket as their 4 holed out to Richard Young at deep long off meaning they were 44 for 3. Bones Hunter then bowled their 5 cheaply and the tourists were on top!!

The home team knuckled down and took the game to St B with their no 2 going past 50 in 29 balls before Rory Elms attempted bouncer fortuneately trapped him lbw. This introduced us to there raising U19 star who smashed 79 off only 26 balls!! The home team finished on 183 for 5 off 20. Rory Elms bowled well for 2 for 25, Young 1 for 45, Marshall 0 for 29, White 1 for 31 & Hunter 1 for 42.

In reply the tourists stuttered along losing regular wickets. Rich Young opened with two boundaries but was run out for 9. Bones Hunter soon follows for 4 caught along with Ali Mcilroy for 10. Kathryn White was still battling away but lost wickets at other ends with Scott Marshall stumped after hitting two big sixes! Rory Elms was next caught on boundary going for a six for a duck and Joey Wilson edging for a single. Gav Deans didn't last long bowled for a duck but Gary Nicol hung about until being bowled for a duck.....at the other end Kathryn White was in full flow!! Using the sledging from the commentary she made it her day with some dazzling fours and 7 sixes!! She ended up 69 not out and team were equally pleased for her as it was a great performance!








- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The one with... Pictures from today's game

...Against Mon Repos

The one where...we watched pro cricket!

Day off Saturday but it was an early rise to watch Scotland game - wished we had stayed in bed!! Ireland winning made up for it slightly.....early beers for some though!

While some lounged at pool others went to Beausejour international ground to watch a West Indian regional match v Leward Islands and Combined Countys. We watched day 2 of 3 and standard was first class!




Game finished under the lights - lovely stadium and top class pitch!!



Kathryn, Whinnie & Jack at game - we are teaching Whinnie how to count!!


Jack, Rich & Ali found seats eventually!



Gav enjoying the view!

Early night for all with Mon Repos game ahead tomorrow...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The one where....Mons Repos team news

Mon Repos game next up which is game 3 of 4 on Sunday.

Top injury news is that Thomas Goodman has an injured leg so he is out of tour games so we are down to bare bones.

Kathryn has a couple of choice bruises one on leg and one out of view from us (occured when last team tried to bounce her out) but will be fit to play.

Jack has a good leg bruise too while Bones appears to be over his cramping.

Ali has a swollen ankle due to stopping another wayward Marshall bowl but will hobbled through it. Only other worry was Richards state of mind after coming face to face with West Indian bouncers!!

Starting team for Mon Repos 20/20 match on Sunday;-
Ali Mcilroy cpt
Richard Young
Brian Hunter
Kathryn White
Scott Marshall
Rory Elms
Craig Wilson
Gavin Deans
Gary Nicol
Jack Chambers
Steven Laidlaw
12th man - Deg Laidlaw



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The one where... We play Baboneau

On the way to the ground it was confirmed that Thomas Goodman was unable to play due to over exerting himself against Dennery so Winnie came back into the team with Deg 12th man.



On arrival, a game of 25 overs was agreed on. Once the wild roaming cattle were cleared, Baboneau won the toss and decided to bat first. Unlike Dennery, the lack of a breeze meant the heat was stiffling and as the Baboneau openers set about Bossies bowling attack the 100 mark was quickly passed. Both scored 51 before retiring. Scott Marshall duly got the first wicket with a caught and bowled that looped high in the air. Kathryn White joined the party soon after trapping their No.5 LBW with a slower one. But the big hitting continued with many straight Sixes and varying species of animals encountered upon retrieving the balls before Bones added a third when he had their No.6 caught on the boundary edge by Rich. A total of 244 for 3 was posted before Bossie left the field for a much needed sit down.

Any notion that the Baboneau team might take it easy on the tourists were quickly dispelled when the opening bowlers demonstrated accuracy, pace and swing in equal measure. Rich and Ali were finding it tough going to get the ball off the square. Rich got some 'chin music' and departed soon after by holing out to Mid Off. Kathryn joined Ali at the crease and at lunch Bossie had stabilised to 20 for 1 but the run rate was already over 14 an over.

Resuming after lunch Kathryn got a ripper past her ears as the highly competitive Baboneau X1 went for the kill. White went for 6, bowled playing across the line. Bones joined Ali and the Bossie captain started to grow in confidence as a couple of fours were rattled to the boundary. Both players then took the game to the bowlers and Ali in particular started picking up boundarys with more and more ease. As the score nudged towards 100 Bones was out caught on the boundary for 15. Scott Marshall duly came and went, miscuing an attemp to hit it into Mars and providing an easy catch. It was Elms who partnered McIlroy to his first ever 50, brought up in style with a cover drive for 4. Ali eventually fell on 65 which was truly a captains innings. It was left to Elms and Wilson to bat out the final couple of overs and both would have grown in confidence as some beautiful stroke play brought more boundarys. Wilson with a potential 'shot of the tour' cover drive finished on 17 not out and Elms nearly took the umpires head off with a straight drive before finishing on 5 not out. A total of 139 for 5 was the final 25 over total.



As the presentations and team photos were taken at the end of the game St.Boswells can reflect on an improved performance. However the day belonged to McIlroy. Never during our first training session here would he have imagined this little dust bowl would hold such a special place in his heart.

Next up is a game against Mon Repos on Sunday (Thomas's home ground) + a presentation of the kit to the 3 primary schools.

Dick of the Day to be confirmed in next post. Rich for his 1970's John McEnroe headband (Apparently it was "hot") and Gary 'Tank Commander' for literally digging a hole to try recover his lost camera battery and only sending it deeper are the prime contenders.

Location:Monchy Playing field

The one where... ....the team news was announced

Bones Hunter is still struggling with his cramp injuries but is expected to play.

Gav Deans hurt his knee diving to save a four on Wed but salt water has help things.

Kathryn has come down with a cold, Marsh has sore private due to a stray ball and Joey fatigued due to his active natural daily lifestyle!!

Gary Nicol comes into the team with Whinnie dropping to 12th man....

Team for Fri match v Baboneau at Monchy Cricket field
Ali Mcilroy cpt
Rich Young
Kathryn White
Bones Hunter
Scott Marshall
Rory Elms
Thomas Goodman
Craig Wilson
Jack Chambers
Gary Nicol
Gav Deans
12th men Steven & Deg Laidlaw

It's a 20/20 match and all hoping to run them closer this time......


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The one where... The team Relaxes

After a very late and boozy night (all done for team bonding purposes of course) the order of the day was relaxation. Very hot sun today saw most of the party spend the majority of the time in the pool. It would be fair to say the Aftersun lotion is getting a canning.





Above pic is the view from one of our hotel pools. It's quite a walk to the beach as you can see.





With a game tomorrow against Babbaneau it will be a quieter night tonight. However, in saying that, there's a Bucking Bronco on at Tequila Joes next to the hotel so we'll confirm it tomorrow!

The one where...... 2nd Dick of Day is awarded

Dick of the day award.....

The shirt has found a new owner today although it was a hard fought for!

In the running for it were Doreen (again!) for buying a lighter without fluid and then complaining that ATM wasn't working but realised after that she forgot to enter pin number!

Others were Shaggy for making Whinnies nose bleed, all that comes out of Scott "fog horn" Marshall's mouth (ie "how far are we from the West Indies" - "we are here Marsh" - "aye I ken but how far are we from the Carribean".....still here marsh!! - don't think geography was his best point!) and Whinnie jumping into pool with wallet in his pocket!!

After slagging Whinnie off for his stupidity, 30 mins later Gav "The Power" Deans also jumped in with his wallet!! Now once is silly but to follow it up is Dickish!!

In pleading his innocence he then attempted to go snookling with his nose out of the mask thus also unable to see!!







Gav in Chinese showing why he deserves award!!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone