Falkland Islands: It's time to get serious
Tony Munro - 5 January 2001
Cricket in the windswept Falkland Islands used to consist of an annual
pre-Christmas encounter between teams representing the Governor of the
colony and the Commander of the British Forces.
The last 12 months has seen cricket in the southern outpost take on a more
organised approach with the formation of the Falklands Cricket Cricket
Association and the adoption of a junior development programme.
"The long-term goal is to develop a thriving Cricket Association with
several affiliated teams playing regularly. The key to this is coaching and
developing enthusiasm in the juniors," FICA founding member, Roger Diggle
said. The main aim of the FICA is to encourage, prompt and develop youth
cricket in the Falkland Islands for children aged 7 to 15 years.
"Affiliation to the International Cricket Council will follow and then it is
possible that we can bring a first class coach to assist in training."
Indeed, former England coach David Lloyd, has reportedly told Falklands'
officials he is keen to visit Stanley, the colony's capital, in that
capacity.
A typical year would see cricket mainly consist of the previously mentioned
South Atlantic Ashes match just before Christmas.
This season it has been delayed to the last week of January, mainly due to
potential players away from the islands on leave.
The Governor's XI is seeking its third successive victory, a win which would
allow it to keep the coveted trophy. The Governor attends the match each
year, usually watching several hours of play.
FICA officials are hoping there has been sufficient interest raised by two
matches earlier in the year, to eventually start a seven-a-side league.
The season started with a two-day seven-a-side competition featuring teams
from the hospital, the Education Department and a team of workers from
St.Helena. For the record, the team from the hospital won.
The St.Helenians experienced victory in late November when they achieved a
comprehensive win in an 11-a-side match over a Stanley XI.
Junior development is not the only priority of the FICA, which wants to
improve the playing and practice facilities for Stanley's cricketers.
It has undertaken a fund-raising drive, so far attracting over £5,800 in
donations and sponsorships from local businesses. The Falkland Islands
Government has agreed to match those funds up to a maximum of £2,500.
The main equipment purchases will include a permanent double bay cricket
practice net, a roll down/roll up artificial playing pitch, cricket playing
equipment and a scoreboard.
Past matches have been held at grounds at the Mt.Pleasant military base,
which is around 30km from Stanley and the Community Sports Ground.
However, overuse of the Community Sports Ground has seen FICA officials
investigate the possibility of establishing a new multi-sports facility
including two football/rugby/hockey pitches, a grass running track and a
county sized cricket ground.
Such a move would be consistent with the FICA's junior development drive,
hopefully allowing cricket to become part of the school's sports programme.
The junior development is seen as vital to the community, providing activity
for the colony's youth.
The weather, not surprisingly, is the game's main foe in the Falklands,
delaying the planned start of a junior competition until this month. The
juniors will be split into two categories - 7 to 11 years, and 12 to 15
years, with those over 15 joining the adults. The intention is for practice
on Wednesdays and matches on Saturdays.
'Beyond The Test World' will provide a report on the South Atlantic Ashes in
the near future.
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