Chris Gayle Digicel Cricket Clinic participant Ronaldo Gomes and Ramnaresh Sarwan relax during a break - John F Black Photography.

Charlie Jackson, Vice President and Cricket Development Coach of the British Virgin Islands Cricket Association, says that the Digicel Cricket Coaching Clinic has invigorated cricket on the islands.

“What the Digicel Cricket Clinics have shown us is that there is enthusiasm and excitement about the sport from the kids themselves,” said Jackson who previously managed the BVI cricket team.

And Digicel BVI CEO, Alan Bates, wholeheartedly agreed with Jackson’s sentiments.

“There are so many segments of the society who have passion for the game here in BVI and it was evident from the number of people who came out to see the players whether at the Clinic itself or just running out on the streets as they were passing,” Bates said.

Jackson said that he and the local cricket officials will have to work to ensure that there is continuity in building on the impetus provided by the Digicel Cricket Clinics.

“We now have to work on following up with a sustainable programme to lead us where we want to go which is to produce more players who play at the higher level for the Leeward Islands,” Jackson said.

The Digicel Cricket Coaching Clinic was led by coach, Keith Arthurton, with assistance from Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Denesh Ramdin. Arthurton and the players conducted the clinics on the islands of Tortola and Virgin Gorda over a three day period at the H Lavity Stoutt Community College and Recreation Ground respectively.

There are eleven club teams in the domestic BVI league which play mainly 20 over cricket. Ten of the teams are based on Tortola with the other coming from Virgin Gorda.