Cayman National Under-15 Cricket Tournament Gets Underway

The inaugural Cayman National Under-15 Cricket Tournament got underway on Thursday, 18 April with John Gray High School facing off against St. Ignatius Catholic School at the historic Smith Road Oval. The competition is the signature cricket event for Cayman National, and part of the bank’s overall investment of over CI$50,000 in Cayman Cricket’s youth development programmes; the partnership includes cash as well as uniforms, equipment, field branding, awards, trophies and prizes.

At a brief opening ceremony before the start of the opening match, the Hon. Minister for Youth, Sports and Heritage, Mr. Isaac Rankine, Mr. Courtney Myles, Cayman Cricket President and Mr. Joel Chadha, Senior Legal Counsel at Cayman National spoke about the importance of the partnership and the impact it will have on the sport.

Cricket is one of eight currently identified focus sports of the government that receives financial support to help enhance the development and quality of its programmes delivered across the Cayman Islands.

“Cricket is a part of our Caymanian traditions; the game has been played in these islands since the 1800s and on this ground, the Smith Road Oval, since 1970. Therefore, it is important for us to do our part to preserve this beautiful aspect of our heritage and build on the cricket legacy that our forefathers created many generations before us,” said Minister Rankine.

“The financial support from the government, together with private sector support from partners such as Cayman National, allows Cayman Cricket to increase the profile of the game and increase exposure to our youth. It will significantly impact the longevity and success of the sport, while providing opportunities for our young people to better understand the game and fall in love with it the way many of us older folks have.”

Mr. Chadha, an avid cricket fan himself, encouraged the players to not only represent their respective schools but also epitomise the values of determination, teamwork, and resilience, traits he said will put them in good standing not only on the playing field but also as they go through life.

“Cricket has long been a sport that captures the hearts and minds of millions around the world, and today, we are about to witness the embodiment of that passion right here on this field. To the young cricketers here, believe me when I say you will look back one day and realise that these were some of the best days of your life,” said Mr. Chadha.

Cayman National’s commitment to Cayman Cricket is part of the bank’s Power to Make a Difference initiative, a corporate social responsibility programme that is operated in all the jurisdictions that the Republic Financial Holdings Limited group has a presence. RFHL’s commitment to cricket extends far beyond the Cayman Islands - Republic Bank Limited in Trinidad and Tobago is the current title sponsor and official bank of the Caribbean Premier League.

“Investing in our youth is investing in our future. Cayman National’s generosity and commitment to youth development and cricket in the Cayman Islands has set a standard to which other private sector companies should aspire. Cayman Cricket is deeply appreciative of this partnership, and we look forward to working with Cayman National to increase interest and participation in the sport,” said Mr. Myles.

After the formalities were concluded, John Gray High School went on to defeat St. Ignatius Catholic School by 68 runs. John Gray High School batted first and made 111 for 4 off their allotted 15 overs. Alessandro Morris was the top scorer with 26 not out. Bowling for St. Ignatius Catholic School, Bradley Verhoeven took 2 wickets for 14 runs and Mark James took 2 wickets for 19 runs. St. Ignatius Catholic School in reply made 43 for 7 off their allotted 15 overs. Bowling for John Gray High School, Tobias West took 3 wickets for 13 runs, and Eshjae Smith took 1 wicket for 2 runs.

The Cayman National U-15 Cricket Tournament runs until the end of May and includes girls and boys teams from Clifton Hunter High School, St. Ignatius Catholic School, John Gray High School, Cayman Prep High School and Cayman Academy.

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