One of the features of the recently concluded Leeward Islands Masters’ Cricket tournament, was a treat for the spectators at the ET Willet Park, on Friday 18th May.
On that afternoon, host Nevis engaged the BVI team.
Apparently the BVI team at that early stage, already had several players with injuries and so sought to draft in local players, to help their cause.
Two such players were Mickey PRAG Mills, former Nevis and Leeward Islands speedster and Harvey POMBEY BOY Stapleton, the unique off spinner, who still holds a Leeward Islands record, for getting all ten wickets in a match.
It is said that at that time, he asked the number eleven batsman to take strike because he wanted eleven wickets.
Well, it was a joy to see Mickey Mills take to his long run once again and maybe the run got shorter as he bowled but despite a couple of boundaries, he cleaned bowled Tony Grant, in the process.
Stapleton on the other hand, showed that he still has the guile and ability to fight the ball deceptively and even though he did not get a wicket, bowled well and fielded superbly to his own bowling at times. He even bowled a maiden over.
Nevis came out chumps in the encounter, as bowler of the tournament, Patrick Newton, spun webs around their batsmen, to grab the remarkable bowling figures of 6 wickets for 10 runs from his four overs.
Summarized scores: BVI 111 for 7 in 20 overs: E. David 38*; S. Michael 31; J. Demming 13
Patrick Newton 4 overs; 2 maidens 10 runs 6 wickets; Curtis Morton 4 overs; 12 runs 1 wicket
Nevis 112 for 1 in 11 overs: Ardie Liburd 50*; Junior Mills 40*
Mickey Mills 1 for 18