Inverhaugh Cricket Club will feature in CBC's television programme"On The Road Again" on Thursday 2nd February 2006 at 7.00 PM -- Posted Tuesday, January 31 2006
A veritable United Nations of cricket players descends on the home pitch of a devoted southern Ontario fan of the game, proving that if you build it, they WILL come.
The Inverhaugh Cricket Club is based in the Village of Inverhaugh, located on the banks of the Grand River between Elora and Kitchener in the Province of Ontario, Canada.
The club was formed by Bart Singh and associates in 1995 with the motto Propter ludi amorem which translates as 'For the love of the game'
Visit the web site at www.inverhaugh.com
40 man World Cup training squad named -- Posted Monday, January 30 2006
The CCA have named the 40 man training squad in preparation for next year's World Cup. The full list is available on the Alberta Cricket Association web site. It contains some familiar names but also some surprises. Zubin Surkari is omitted, and Canadain born overseas players Geoff Barnett (playing first-class cricket in New Zealand) and Stu Heaney (playing for Australian Capital Territory in Australia).
[Full list | Barnett profile | Heaney profile]
More coaching news and views - but where is the money coming from? -- Posted Saturday, January 28 2006
The news from the ICC that Derek Perrera, a Canadian coach, is in Chinnai for training in the latest software and video analysis techniques may spark some action on Canadacricket.com’s ‘Forum’. In the absence of a progress or final announcement on who will be the new national coach, it may lead to speculation as to whether Perrera might be the new coach, or alternatively if he will be the video coach and act as an assistant to whoever becomes the actual coach, possibly even John Davison who has upped his coaching certifications and expressed an interest in helping Canada.
Perrera is one of the two principals behind the Ontario Cricket Academy in Mississauga, a facility that has been used by Toronto-based members of the Canadian national squad.
What we do know of the current assignment is Perrera is being trained in the latest techniques – using tools that are in use by the test playing nations. All the associate countries who have qualified for World Cup 2007 are being or will be trained in these techniques. Of course, Canada will need to setup video equipment at their future games in order to be able to fully benefit.
I recall seeing former Canada coach Jeff Thomas setting up video equipment for a match with West Indies A at Ajax back in 2002. It didn’t seem to form part of last summer’s support facilities for the interim coach at home matches. A video coach will seemingly now be part of the regular Canadian representative match scene.
Given the distribution of cricketers across this vast country, the tools might also have a use in tracking leading Canadian players performances in domestic cricket. Both international and domestic use of the tools would presumably bring extra costs, even allowing for the fact that the initial software and hardware is being delivered as part of the ICC High Performance Program.
In the ICC release Richard Done (ICC High Performance Manager) noted that the tools on which Perrera and other coaches from leading Associates are being trained, will help teams and coaches ‘properly plan, review and analyze their performances.’
One of the outstanding issues for several readers might be ‘what games has Canada planned in the lead-up to the World Cup?’. There is yet to be an official release from the Canadian Cricket Association – at the November AGM it was stated that the details would be given following approval by the ICC.
Readers who follow the ‘Forum’ will be aware that unofficially, a range of games or events that would include Canada have been tracked down from a range of web-sites. So, unofficially on the way to the West Indies in March 2007, we might have:
. an Americas Regional Tournament in July in the Toronto area (includes Bermuda, USA, Cayman Islands and a qualifier from an event in Argentina);
. a three-team One-Day International event in August (with Bermuda and Kenya) also noted for the Toronto area;
. Intercontinental Cup (4-day games) in South Africa in November (with Netherlands, ….
. World Cricket League Division 1 in Kenya in January 2007 (features the six Associates who are in the World Cup – Kenya, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Bermuda and Netherlands).
. a couple of warm-up games (South Africa and Ireland) before the World Cup proper when Canada will be in St Lucia facing Kenya, England and New Zealand. (March 2007).
The video analysis training is being jointly funded by the ICC High Performance Program and the individual countries. As previously noted in reporting on the CCA AGM, the ICC pay a proportion of the cost of the National Coach. Payment for a video coach on an ongoing basis is presumably left to the CCA, possibly some costs may be offset from the $500,000 US awarded as a result of qualifying for the World Cup. Although that money is probably being stretched towards overall costs of hosting or visiting other countries as part of warm-up preparations.
Some recent rumblings from the West Indies indicate coaching does not come cheap and does not guarantee success. T he value for money being derived from spending about $1 million a year on a coach and his assistants has been questioned by the President of the Guyana Cricket Board. The concern is also underlined by paying that kind of money when the West Indies Cricket Board has a deficit of $15 million on its books. Clearly financial success in the 2007 World Cup is very important to the West Indies. In the interim, a four man committee is to check out the value for money aspect in the next month or two.
Well, time will tell about the overall coaching arrangements and how successfully the technology can be deployed to assist the national team in the future. As potential costs increase for playing at the higher and highest levels, the powers that be must be looking for additional revenue to help sustain, or improve, this country’s cricketing position.
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**** Thanks should go to the likes of Bensti, ray69, gocricketcrazy and andrewnixon who obviously follow the updates of various international websites and contribute strongly to the Canadian Cricket Supporters Forum. There is some irony in this note - as I completed this piece and cross-checked a couple of references, I found, thanks to gocricketcrazy, that a Senior Canadian Training Squad of 40 has been named – not, as yet, via the CCA website but via the Alberta CA site. The Alberta site proved useful last year in naming the squad for the Intercontinental Cup games.
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As a footnote: There have been some interesting coaching moves among the Associates and at Under-19 level that may interest Canadian cricket fans. Scotland wasted little time in replacing their coach Andy Moles (resigned) with Peter Drinnen, a former Queensland player. Moles spell as Scotland coach lasted less than a year. He was previously coach of Kenya, who earlier this month appointed former West Indies all-rounder Roger Harper as their national coach.
Harper had been leading the West Indies Under-19’s preparations for the current U-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka. Harper’s coaching role at that level has gone to Jimmy Adams, who appeared in Canada’s colours against MCC last September. Larry Gomes, who helped coach Canada in the latter part of last summer, is currently coaching the USA’s Under-19s at that World Cup event. (Eddie Norfolk)
Derek Perera travels to Chennai for video analysis training (ICC) -- Posted Thursday, January 26 2006
ICC Cricket World Cup qualifiers undergo video analysis training
Representatives from four of the ICC Associate Member countries taking part in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 are in Chennai today for the first day of a match analysis training workshop.
The course will equip the coaching staff from Bermuda, Canada, Ireland and Scotland with the ability to analyse video action from all of their matches in the build-up to the ICC Cricket World Cup.
In addition the countries will be provided with comprehensive vision and data of the Full Member opponents they will face in group matches in the West Indies next year.
ICC High Performance Manager Richard Done said the week-long workshop would leave the countries with similar analytical resources to the 10 Full Member countries.
“The introduction of this match analysis software through the ICC High Performance Program represents a great leap forward for the Associate Member qualifiers for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007,” said Mr Done.
“For the first time they will be able to properly plan, review and analyse their performances in every match that they play. They will also be better placed to plan their tactics for their ICC CWC matches as they will have specific information about the teams and players they are likely to face.”
Three of the workshop attendees will travel directly from Chennai to their first analytical assignments. Ireland Head Coach Adrian Birrell and Steve Seligmann from Scotland will join up with their junior squads at the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup in Colombo while Lorenzo Tucker will meet up with the Bermuda team on their tour of United Arab Emirates. The other attendee is Derek Perrera from Canada.
The workshop will be conducted by Meru Sports who will also provide software and hardware to the teams to enable them to conduct their own analysis.
As well as Scoremare match analysis software, Meru Sports will also provide the countries with siliconCoach (a video analysis tool for assisting with assessing and refining player technique) and timeWarp (a program that allows replayed video to be delayed so that players can have immediate feedback during practice or matches).
This initiative has been co-funded by the countries and the ICC High Performance Program. The Netherlands and Kenya were unable to send representatives to the workshop but will receive similar training ahead of their participation in the ICC CWC 2007.
Politics makes for strange bedfellows - even in cricket -- Posted Monday, January 23 2006
Amateur Sport -- An Election Issue
The Senator from the Halifax Commons
By Sam MacLean
Special to www.canadacricket.com
HALIFAX (19 January 2006) - "It ain't cricket," says Tony Seed, Halifax candidate of the Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada, referring to the unrepresentative party system which he says treats Canadians like voting cattle to be prodded this way and that.
Mr Seed says that electors need to affirm their basic democratic rights to have a real say in the decisions that affect them, and has advanced detailed proposals in that direction during the current federal elections campaign. But, like candidates from the small parties across Canada, his views have been completely excluded from the local media campaign. A handful of powerful media monopolies decide what information Canadians will receive, and who they see as the 'alternative'. "Such is the violation of the basic right of the elector to an informed vote, he observed in a recent interview, "carried out with the most casual and brutal indifference."
Hence Mr Seed's analogy to cricket, a sport historically associated with fair play and the high ideals of sportsmanship, where opponents will tip their hat and applaud outstanding performances by their opponents.
And that's another thing Tony Seed, a tall, 6' 4" all-rounder who speaks slowly and deliberately, reflecting on your question before answering, does know a thing or two about.
Associated in the Nova Scotia amateur sports scene with the motto "Friendship First, Competition Second", he has been the president of the small but active Nova Scotia Cricket Association (NSCA) over the past 13 years. In 1987 he founded the Maritime Cricket Festival as an annual festival for cricketers from the Maritimes. Teams from Quebec have also occasionally participated. Its motto: "Friendship First, Competition Second." The tournament is still running.
From Appleby to Calcutta
He became acquainted with the sport at Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario, playing on school teams for four years. He vaguely remembers achieving a century but confesses his memory could be playing tricks on him. He went on to play for Jarvis CI's championship football team coached by Tom Watt, later coach of the Maple Leafs, and was recruited to play at UWO, Queens and the London Lords in the then-ORFU, a farm league of the CFL. He didn't play organized sports again until, at the age of 40, he saw a game being played on Halifax's beautiful Commons. He bought a pair of $20 white duck pants and sneakers, and turned out the following Saturday. A couple of months later he was asked to join the provincial team in a match against New Brunswick.
"We played in Saint John on a grounds in front of the city jail. It was probably the biggest turnout we ever had. The prisoners were all at the windows, watching the game, and we were shouting to them how it was played.
"I was a good fielder, would dive for a ball, have never dropped a catch, touch wood, am a team player, have hit the odd six, but I really can't bat worth a dam. I'm just too impatient. And I don't have that skill set you instinctively acquire if you've been brought up in the game since you were a young kid.
"But being nominated to play for our province, however small our sport, was a great honour for me. That and winning a best fielding trophy a man-of-the-match award against Quebec later when I took up keeping. I wanted to be in on every play.
"At the time we had four clubs. I played with Dalhousie and forged an enduring bond with the student youth. They also came up with a nickname, The Senator. I used to stress the importance of the laws of the sport, standards, collective discussion on the problems facing us, and the best sporting ideals on the field. If we uphold quality, we will solve the problem of quantity.
"We would go out and have practices in the early morning summer sun, and then take breakfast in one of the students rooms in the university residence, Peter Elias, who was from Guyana. Peter now teaches geology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbour. The Iran-Contra hearings in the US Senate on illegal doings of the Reagan administration and its mercenary armies in Central America, in violation even of US law, were being broadcast daily on CNN. The next weekend I was being called 'The Senator'." The name stuck.
His Calcutta innings was his greatest performance. "We were playing Quebec one year, when I went in ninth down. Their manager saw this big fellow he had never seen play before in Canadian cricket. He quickly asked Peter as to his background. Peter, completely straight-faced, relates a saga about how he was born with a bat in his hand, and had grown up playing cricket in India. 'Haven't you heard about his Calcutta innings?,' Peter asked him incredulously.
The Quebec manager rushed onto the field, frantically waving his fielders to the boundary.
"I played the first ball so weakly they all looked at each other, looked at the manager as if he had gone bonkers, and quickly moved so close-in I felt claustrophic. It was hilarious! I managed to drive the second ball right through them."
Cricket can grow amongst the people, he says, but it must be on the basis of an amateur sport, as a mass sport with ideals and principles, and not as a so-called immigrant's sport. In the late 1980s he spearheaded a kanga junior cricket program which introduced 480 youth to the sport in one summer. "We had a camp over the Labour Day weekend attended by 20-25 youth who came forward out of our clinics. But no-one from the board, apart from one chap, would volunteer to coach. They wanted cricket, but for themselves. Some of those youth went on to become some of Halifax's most outstanding athletes in other sports. Nevertheless, we had a successful template. We then wrote a development plan, it was approved by the AGM, but the then board sat on it. I also advanced the theme, for a professional approach in amateur sport, and we developed our own first class marketing materials, a newsletter and articles we distributed from the grounds." (1)
"The amateur perspective must be defended as the apple of our eye," he told me.
To this end Mr Seed and the NSCA organized the 1989 Symposium, "The Crisis in Sport; The Amateur Perspective" at Saint Mary's University, Halifax. It featured a number of Canada's Olympians and leading sports personalities from Nova Scotia, he recalls. From that date they carried forward an informal network of mutual collaboration and co-operation within the community. "The unifying principle is our aim. We seek to create, open and expand space for amateur sport and the popularization amongst youth of the highest sporting ideals of mankind."
In an editorial he wrote at the time of the Sydney Olympics, Tony Seed elaborated on the issue as follows:
"What is the real match, the real contest here? There are two concepts of sport, just as there are two sports played in Canada -- amateur and professional, sport played by people or sport performed as a tool of Mammon and the pursuit of gold. It is a matter of two outlooks; an amateur concept of sports and the concept of sports as 'entertainment.'
"The concept of sports as the people's right, as a source of health and well-being for all, or sports as a market commodity, a source of personal wealth, and a proclamation of international superiority.
"Either 'friendship, first, competition second, or 'winning-is-everything" -- the pragmatic mentality that 'the end justifies the means.'" (2)
Twenty years later Mr Seed is still active in cricket though not at the level he would like. But that ideal remains undimmed as a perspective guiding his life and work in the sphere of sport and recreation.
"One reason I'm still here in the NSCA -- with Ranjeev Chopra and Bhan Deonarine who have been the solid nucleus of keeping cricket alive in Nova Scotia over the past 15 years -- is that I'm the only native-born Canadian in our association. Together we have stood against the consistent pressure to marginalize us as just an 'fringe', 'ethnic' or 'immigrant sport' -- just as the media politically marginalize the small parties. I also find the same pressure within the Canadian Cricket Association (CCA) when they buy into the liberal fraud of 'multiculturalism'. Then this can rise to national chauvinism amongst the cricketers or a narrow national spirit to divide and split our athletes and recreational players. It's a form of racial profiling and not healthy. When you look at it objectively, however, we are really a blue collar sport.
"So, when you consider sport, recreation and physical education from the point of view of a modern body politic -- its funding, its popularization through the media, its organization, its place in the society -- there is a fundamental issue of the rights of all, the right-to-be, that we must all defend as a principle."
Amateur sport and recreation is a basic human right
That is also one of his election themes, the securing of the right of citizens to participate in amateur sport and recreation as a basic human right, rather than a policy objective of this or that government, a privilege accorded to the elite. Apart from Tony Seed, says Tom Flaherty, director of the Nova Scotia Secondary Schools Athletic Federation, no-one in the 39th general election is talking about sport as a concern of Nova Scotians and of educators.
Mr Seed says: "It is a social and a national issue of first-rate importance. The lack of facilities is unconscionable, and even the hockey stadium infrastructure built during the 1960s is crumbling. 'User pay' fees which were introduced at the municipal and school level during the 1990s as part of the anti social offensive -- around which our NSCA was very active in forging a united front with the other sports to fight at the Halifax city council -- must be abolished as an unequal tax. Open the school gyms and turn them over to the community! Federal sports funding and its criteria must be based on participation first, performance second. We must be very active in rejecting the neo-liberal model of privatizing sport. How can sport be evaluated on the narrow-minded chart of how many gold medals it will win for Canada, or becoming tied to the corporate marketing agendas of the monopolies and helping to them 'competitive'? It is the kiss of death."
Governments assert they have no funds for recreational facilities and elite athlete training centres. There is no lack of funding, Mr Seed counters, pointing to an extradordinary $15 billion annual military budget fast heading towards the $20 billion range.
"The youth are the best thing Canada has going for it," he affirms. "The rise of obesity amongst our youth is the greatest indictment of Canada's failure in the sphere of sport and recreation for our nation's youth." Instead of seriously diiscussing this, he says, all the 'major parties' are hysterically targeting youth with a dangerous 'law and order' agenda, rather than assisting them. On another level, athletes (and cricketers) have been commodified and turned into a political and economic tool for powerful enterprises such as the International Marketing Group.
"Like everything else, Mr Seed continues, "it comes back to the question of Who Decides? -- vested interests or the people, the powerful private sports and entertainment monopolies or the sportsmen and women? Canadians find it repugnant that they are being pressured into becoming a nation of couch potatoes, apathetic citizens and spectators, and consumers of bread and circuses.
"Why should a society rent with inequality be acquitted of its responsibility for the all-round upbringing of its youth? Can such a society be deemed modern and democratic? Should not people's needs including the fundamental right to participate in sport and recreation not be met by their society through a government that serves the public good and is subject to the will of the people?"
Mr Seed's playing field isn't limited to cricket. He's a certified Level II coach in baseball and basketball along with cricket. With former St Louis Cardinals pitcher Curtis Coward he wrote and published The Kids' Baseball Book in 1994, a best seller and still popular among kids, families, and coaches
"This book was shown to the CCA as a possible template for a book on cricket to popularize our sport amongst Canadian youth, they said they liked it in words, but they never followed up in deeds," he recalls. The current CCA president "oohed and awed" over the book again in 2004 when he visited during the Maritime Cricket Festival. "Same result! They didn't step up to the plate." "It is not an issue of our book; it is all too characteristic of a pervasive exclusiveness."
Sport, the 'brawn drain' and nation-buiilding
According to Mr Seed: "It was the first-ever visit of the president to the Maritimes. Are we not part of Canada? This illustrates how the regional inequality within the Canadian Confederation is replicated within a so-called national sports governing body."
The Maritimes as everyone knows is a depressed region with growing out-migration and poverty. "And, as with most other sports, we are very much like a third world country in the Maritimes when it comes to facilities, coaching, funding and development. Our best young athletes have to go down the road or 'Down South' to the US. Few come back, although it is our society and our communities who nurtured them. The 'major parties' all talk about reversing the 'brain drain' of our youth and university graduates, but the 'brawn drain', the sort of talent theft and slavery that takes place of our young athletes to Toronto-Montreal and especially by the United States, is not only never mentioned, it is consciously fostered by the 'major parties', the major media, and their neo-liberal, free market agenda. One of the fatal consequences is that there is not a single national league in any sport in Canada at present.
Sport, he says controversially, has become a powerful and open tool for annexation and integration of Canada's human and material resources by the United States. Illustrating the links between seemingly disparate social and political forces and the agenda behind them, Tony Seed ranges passionately over such examples and issues as a Canadian university in BC defecting from Canadian Interuniversity Sport to join the NCAA in the US; how the Toronto and Vancouver NBA franchises passed over drafting Steve Nash (last year's MVP and Canada's athlete of the year) as well as every other promising Canadian collegian; how universities have been slashing women's sport; how citizenship papers are expedited for prospective Olympian athletes while hundreds of refugees are held in detention centres; how Olympians are forced to humiliate themselves by literally begging for much-needed funding while youth teams from working class neighbourhoods must "can" in front of supermarkets just to finance equipment, uniforms and gym rentals; how decisions were made behind people's backs for Halifax's bid for the Commonwealth Games; and the relationship between sport, health, poverty and nation-building.
"What is the massive media hype about Sydney Crosby all about? Here we have a 17-year-old youth from Cole Harbour, NS drafted by the NHL in a lottery auction staged in New York, then exported to Pittsburgh of all places, and marketed by Reebok, owned by adidas of Germany. His every move, his every word is memorialized by the sports press while coverage of amateur sport is few and far between. What are they celebrating? Go South to make it. Forget Canada, its small potatoes, nada, zilch."
Each example he finds a metaphor for the spiritual and moral annihilation of a nation, against which he urges all athletes and youth to participate in a new nation-building project his Marxist-Leninist Party has taken up as their own. Party politics has subjugated sport to an agenda set by the elite. Instead they could collaborate with others in this sector, and advance a national sports plan for Canadians to decide on. Sovereignty needs to be vested in the people. "We are face with a choice: we can keep on complaining, or we can build an alternative."
Mr Seed is also a seven-year member of the organizing committee of the famed Justin Coward Memorial Basketball Junior Tournament which is held annually in in seven gyms in Dartmouth and Cole Harbour. The festival has grown from 24 to 72 teams from throughout the Maritimes and even Maine, and its motto is "Carry the Ball, Carry the Books" and "Friendship First, Competition Second." The ethic is promoted through banners, the program, the co-ed balance, and even how the awards are chosen. Poignantly, teams from Africville, the indigenous Afro-Nova Scotian community located on prime property on Halifax's waterfront which was bulldozed in the name of urban renewal during the 1960s, have emerged as repeated champions. (3)
Tony Seed has contributed to the advance of amateur sport publishing in Nova Scotia as well. Editor-publisher of shunpiking, Nova Scotia's award-winning discovery magazine (www.shunpiking.com), he was asked two years ago to go on the short list for the position of publisher of The Hockey News, something he says took just thirty seconds to turn down. He has published and designed innovative periodicals for cricket, baseball, soccer, scuba diving, field hockey, cycling and recreation programs in public housing. "We badly need to develop our own independent media to combat the narcosis and disinformation by the media molochs of sport as 'entertainment' -- as a scaffold to build our sports at the grassroots, cricket included," he says.
He's only been stumped once during the current election. When asked by the Dalhousie Gazette recently as to what was the dumbest thing he ever did in college, he had to think for a long time. "Played university football instead of basketball or cricket," he finally replied. And, at the age of 60, Tony Seed still plays in a masters' basketball league. "There are six players older and much fitter than myself. Our spirit is: we're never too old to learn new things."
Notes
(1) "How to watch and understand a cricket match", Tony Seed, NSCA, 1987
(2) " What is the real narcotic in amateur sport," Tony Seed, Editorial, shunpiking magazine, September, 2000.
http://www.shunpiking.com/ol0113/NarcoticinSport.htm
(3) "Friendship First - The Justin Coward Memorial," Tony Seed, shunpiking magazine. March 2002. http://www.shunpiking.com/bhs/Friendship%20First.htm
"What is important in competitive sport, A coach's letter in defence of sportsmanship and against a narrow-minded winning-is-everything approach," Barb Campbell, March, 2002. http://www.shunpiking.com/bhs/JC-letter.htm
Tony Seed may be reached at tonyseed@eastlink.ca or
902.444.4922
News of cricket at another two Canadian universities -- Posted Sunday, January 22 2006
Cricket Club @ York (CricYork) became a student organization in September 2004. The club consists of three executive members holding positions as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and a Technical Co-Ordinator. The aim of this club, as the name itself suggests, is to promote the game of cricket, not only at York University but in all the universities, with a dream that one day it becomes a varsity game in Canada.
In no time CricYork has registered 120 active members who have been kept in touch of cricket via our indoor softball cricket sessions, tournaments, and of'course indoor cricket nets. The majority of our members are students whose heritage is from the subcontinent.
Starting with a passion for the game, CricYork, in their very first season won the playoffs in Etobicoke District and Cricket League in their respective division. In clinching the division, Cricket Club @ York is looking forward to moving further up the ladder during 2006 season.
The University of New Brunswick Cricket Association opens its door to all students of the university. Come and enjoy a friendly game and meet new friends. Summer season runs from June to August, and indoor schedule will be September to March. For more detailed information, please contact: Mohammad Kamran Chaudhry, Club President at 471-3436.
Toronto needs increased sports facilities -- Posted Sunday, January 22 2006
The City of Toronto Mayor, Mr. David Miller, is quoted in the Globe and Mail as having said that "today's consultation marks the latest step in discussions that have gone on for several months with school boards, sports groups, community representatives and governments." and that "Sports helps create both safe and strong neighbourhoods and strong and healthy people who live in them,".
The report stated that the mayor "emphasized that solutions to end the shortage of facilities, both for traditional sports such as hockey and others that appeal to newcomers, such as soccer and cricket, are in everyone's long-term interest.".
Full article can be accessed at:- http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20060121/SPORT21/TPNational/?query=sports+facilities
Toronto sports facilities ailing -- Posted Saturday, January 21 2006
Associations plan to work together
Toronto Star Jan. 20, 2006.
DONOVAN VINCENT
SPORTS REPORTER
The Central Toronto Diving Club says the city needs at least one new pool complete with boards ranging from three metres to a 10-metre platform.
The Ontario Volleyball Association is considering building its own $15 million indoor facility because it might be cheaper than renting school gyms.
Players with the Leaside girls hockey rep program can't play any all-star games or have any practices at their home rink because it's so booked up.
Familiar? Sure. Complaints about the city's sports infrastructure are common.
But those complaints might be justified as a new study concludes our city's gyms, fields and arenas are "in a critical state of disrepair and inhospitable to athletes."
Mayor David Miller and nearly 200 representatives of local sports groups will meet tomorrow at the Toronto Sports Summit to discuss the results of a survey to examine the role sport plays in the city. The Toronto Sports Council, organizers of the summit, hope for a "voice for sport" in the city will grow from the meeting.
"Whether it's a soccer field, an ice rink, or a pool, we need all these things, but let's do it in a way that makes sense so we don't fight each other and make the pot (of funds) smaller,'' says sports council chair Karen Pitre.
The main talking point will be a study prepared for the sports council entitled A Sport Framework for the City of Toronto. The study's authors examined how much existing facilities are used, the need for upgrades, repairs and new facilities and how to improve local participation in sports from grassroots to elite athletes.
The study surveyed about 50 Toronto sports groups representing 80,000 athletes, and a thorough "inventory'' of about 300 sports and recreational facilities in the city was compiled.
The study's authors grouped these facilities into four categories: Neighbourhood, regional, district and national. They concluded Toronto is well served with neighbourhood venues, such as elementary schools and community centres, and national facilities like the Air Canada Centre and others that house professional and elite athletes.
But Jeff Evenson, who as executive vice-president of the Canadian Urban Institute co-authored the report with Pitre, says the problem is a "paucity'' of the regional and district facilities, which put a strain on venues such as high school fields and multi-pad arenas that handle the overflow. The shortage of these larger venues also leads to intense strain on the neighbourhood ones, the authors found.
Jim Bradley, CEO of the Sport Alliance of Ontario, a group providing direct service to 50 sports organizations in the province, can think of several facilities the city needs.
More pools would be a good start. Toronto has one accessible 50-metre pool, the decades-old Etobicoke Olympium. It's been refurbished but is still "way below'' the current standard of swimming pools, says Bradley, who'll be attending the summit. There's also a 50-metre pool at the U of T, but students and faculty have priority.
More fields catering to Toronto's changing demographics and demands for sports like cricket and soccer would also help, adds Bradley, a former director of Toronto's parks and recreation department, and a current Commonwealth Games Association of Canada board member
But aside from availability, there's also the issue of booking fields, pools and gyms, which can be a "nightmare'' for sports groups, Bradley says. The sports council wants the city's permit system streamlined to incorporate the separate and public boards' existing systems.
Permit costs are also a concern for groups.
Dustin Reid, technical director for the Ontario Volleyball Association, says his group spends more than $200,000 annually renting gyms for their elite teams and to stage tournaments. Reid, who'll be attending the summit, says he hopes it helps find solutions not only for the pricey rates of high school gyms but also ways to attract quality volunteers into coaching and administration.
Both Pitre and Evenson and other summit organizers are former members of the team behind Toronto's unsuccessful 2008 Olympic bid. After the IOC awarded those games to Beijing in 2001 some of the Toronto folks wanted to keep sports on the city's agenda. That led to the formation of the sports council in 2004. The $50,000 study prepared for the volunteer group was funded through Toronto's Parks and Recreation Department.
But with no Olympic impetus where will money for new facilities be found? The study suggests it will cost $200 million just to repair existing venues.
Pitre says there are local vacant industrial sites that can be utilized, and school land.
"They're talking 100 surplus school sites. There is surplus capacity,'' Pitre says.
And other "innovative'' funding approaches need to be explored, the council says.
The study points to the example of the $17 million Western Fair Sports Centre, completed in Oct. 2001 in London Ont.
It was built through a joint venture between an agricultural group and the city of London. The association contributed land, including parking, and staff. The city supplied a grant and a long-term loan.
Toronto sports facilities ailing. Local stadiums crumbling: Study -- Posted Saturday, January 21 2006
Associations plan to work together
Toronto Star Jan. 20, 2006
DONOVAN VINCENT
SPORTS REPORTER
The Central Toronto Diving Club says the city needs at least one new pool complete with boards ranging from three metres to a 10-metre platform.
The Ontario Volleyball Association is considering building its own $15 million indoor facility because it might be cheaper than renting school gyms.
Players with the Leaside girls hockey rep program can't play any all-star games or have any practices at their home rink because it's so booked up.
Familiar? Sure. Complaints about the city's sports infrastructure are common.
But those complaints might be justified as a new study concludes our city's gyms, fields and arenas are "in a critical state of disrepair and inhospitable to athletes."
Mayor David Miller and nearly 200 representatives of local sports groups will meet tomorrow at the Toronto Sports Summit to discuss the results of a survey to examine the role sport plays in the city. The Toronto Sports Council, organizers of the summit, hope for a "voice for sport" in the city will grow from the meeting.
"Whether it's a soccer field, an ice rink, or a pool, we need all these things, but let's do it in a way that makes sense so we don't fight each other and make the pot (of funds) smaller,'' says sports council chair Karen Pitre.
The main talking point will be a study prepared for the sports council entitled A Sport Framework for the City of Toronto. The study's authors examined how much existing facilities are used, the need for upgrades, repairs and new facilities and how to improve local participation in sports from grassroots to elite athletes.
The study surveyed about 50 Toronto sports groups representing 80,000 athletes, and a thorough "inventory'' of about 300 sports and recreational facilities in the city was compiled.
The study's authors grouped these facilities into four categories: Neighbourhood, regional, district and national. They concluded Toronto is well served with neighbourhood venues, such as elementary schools and community centres, and national facilities like the Air Canada Centre and others that house professional and elite athletes.
But Jeff Evenson, who as executive vice-president of the Canadian Urban Institute co-authored the report with Pitre, says the problem is a "paucity'' of the regional and district facilities, which put a strain on venues such as high school fields and multi-pad arenas that handle the overflow. The shortage of these larger venues also leads to intense strain on the neighbourhood ones, the authors found.
Jim Bradley, CEO of the Sport Alliance of Ontario, a group providing direct service to 50 sports organizations in the province, can think of several facilities the city needs.
More pools would be a good start. Toronto has one accessible 50-metre pool, the decades-old Etobicoke Olympium. It's been refurbished but is still "way below'' the current standard of swimming pools, says Bradley, who'll be attending the summit. There's also a 50-metre pool at the U of T, but students and faculty have priority.
More fields catering to Toronto's changing demographics and demands for sports like cricket and soccer would also help, adds Bradley, a former director of Toronto's parks and recreation department, and a current Commonwealth Games Association of Canada board member
But aside from availability, there's also the issue of booking fields, pools and gyms, which can be a "nightmare'' for sports groups, Bradley says. The sports council wants the city's permit system streamlined to incorporate the separate and public boards' existing systems.
Permit costs are also a concern for groups.
Dustin Reid, technical director for the Ontario Volleyball Association, says his group spends more than $200,000 annually renting gyms for their elite teams and to stage tournaments. Reid, who'll be attending the summit, says he hopes it helps find solutions not only for the pricey rates of high school gyms but also ways to attract quality volunteers into coaching and administration.
Both Pitre and Evenson and other summit organizers are former members of the team behind Toronto's unsuccessful 2008 Olympic bid. After the IOC awarded those games to Beijing in 2001 some of the Toronto folks wanted to keep sports on the city's agenda. That led to the formation of the sports council in 2004. The $50,000 study prepared for the volunteer group was funded through Toronto's Parks and Recreation Department.
But with no Olympic impetus where will money for new facilities be found? The study suggests it will cost $200 million just to repair existing venues.
Pitre says there are local vacant industrial sites that can be utilized, and school land.
"They're talking 100 surplus school sites. There is surplus capacity,'' Pitre says.
And other "innovative'' funding approaches need to be explored, the council says.
The study points to the example of the $17 million Western Fair Sports Centre, completed in Oct. 2001 in London Ont.
It was built through a joint venture between an agricultural group and the city of London. The association contributed land, including parking, and staff. The city supplied a grant and a long-term loan.
Material sourced from:-
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1137711019163&call_pageid=968867503640&col=970081593064
Trillium Funds for Ontario cricket club -- Posted Saturday, January 21 2006
Woodstock Cricket Club
$45,000 over one year to renovate the clubhouse and make it fully accessible and purchase equipment, helping to increase membership and promote physical activity through the sport of cricket.
Hopes for Canadian Cricket from the subcontinent? -- Posted Friday, January 20 2006
Discussions surrounding the current Pakistan-India series include a potential revival of matches between these sides being played in neutral countries. This surfaced in a January 14 item on Cricinfo under the banner of “India and Pakistan launch bid for 2011 World Cup”.
The Pakistan and Indian cricket boards want to maintain the rivalry, hoping to put the main scheduling on a par with the England-Australia ‘Ashes’ series that take place every two years. There is concern that playing too frequently might dampen spectator interest in the sub-continent. However, sponsors are keen to put money into such series and the article mentioned the possibility of ODI series Middle East, European or USA neutral venue games, allied to the desire to promote the game in those parts.
Overall responsibility for running cricket in the USA is noted as a concern and could, at least in the short-term result in that country not being selected to host India-Pakistan matches. Surely this raises the potential for a restoration of the “Sahara Cup” series in Canada, where there is a proven interest in cricket and the sub-continents largest nations. In advancing the game, presumably both visiting countries could take part in ODI’s versus Canada, if they could be persuaded to come here.
Political relations between the two countries seem to be relatively stable at present – something that cannot always be assured, as evidenced by the breakdown in the previous Sahara Cup Series in Toronto – but surely a revived series could provide some much needed funding for the coffers of the Canadian Cricket Association? As noted, the CCA could try to work in matches for the Canadian national team against the visitors, which would provide excellent experience for the future of our international side.
In the long-run, the US market might prove more inviting, than Canada, to India and Pakistan. However, isn’t there the prospect of the two nations playing a North American series that took in a number of locations, such as Florida, New York, Toronto, Vancouver and California?
On the bigger stage, the 2011 plan from the sub-continent could see matches staged in four test-playing nations (i.e. would include games in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh). The Australian board has already responded with a comment that it has an interest in the 2011 World Cup, possibly including some games in New Zealand.
In this field of dreams, perhaps if the ODIs in Canada and USA proved successful hosting India-Pakistan matches, the two countries might come together to stage a future World Cup. Now there’s a real dream! Perhaps the final or one semi-final would be housed in the King City dream cricket stadium.
I’d settle for a more modest hope that the CCA pick up on the potential interest in neutral venue India-Pakistan matches and try to get a few games played in Canada. I’m in the traditionalist camp and have yet to attend a Twenty/20 game in North America. Given the success of the first United Way limited overs game at SkyDome (now Rogers Centre), perhaps an attempt could be made to fill up the Rogers Centre with a one-day, three team event. Successful hosting of some or all of these ideas could set the CCA’s funding (especially the current deficit) on the road to recovery. Government support and Corporate sponsorship might then follow. (Eddie Norfolk)
Cricket in the park- Calgary style -- Posted Thursday, January 19 2006
There is almost 100 years of cricket history and tradition in Calgary's Riley Park. The land was acquired by the city in 1910 as a donation from Ezra Hounsfield Riley.
For hundreds in the Calgary community, cricket is their passion and Riley Park their home, and it contributes immensely to the multicultural fabric of the city, bringing together people from various backgrounds and cultures together to enjoy a common activity.
Recently the renewalterms of the license for the use of the two cricket fields were changed by the Operations Department of Parks and Recreation. While former licenses have been granted for fifteen years, the new license offered by Parks and Recreation was for only three years. This concerned many members of the cricket community.
It would appear that the new lease was not for the normal term, because Parks and Recreation is looking into the viability of cricket continuing at Riley Park. One official is qouted as having stated that "What we're [Parks and Recreation] finding is that more people are providing support for the CDCL. We've talked to residents and aldermen and others and we've made it clear that the Calgary District Cricket League will not be moved until a suitable location can be found for them.". However, surrounding communities such as Sunnyside-Hillhurst have come out in strong support for the continuation of cricket at Riley Park, since the league rejected the new license.
The CDCL plans to continue negotiations and continue to gather community support by holding such events as open houses and the return of the Monday Night League. The CDCL executive is negotiating the lease term in order that cricket continues to be played in the park. The league has also initiated new projects in order to promote the game and awareness of the cricket in the city.
The city has not offered a long-term lease and the CDCL are not willing to sign a short-term one. The city are in a difficult position in attempting to make the CDCL leave the park because there is a long history of cricket in the park, there is a clean record, a growing membership, and most importantly the support of the community and hence that of the local alderman. Essentially, from the various meetings and discussions over the last 2 years, the general consensus is that CDCL are expressing a willingness to "reduce adult play" at Riley Park, conditional upon the city providing a new, proper cricket facility.
The CDCL have asked for a cricket-specific area, good enough for two full-size cricket fields with proper short grass outfield, artificial turf wicket, practice nets, sightscreens, parking, facilities for changerooms and washrooms. One such facility nearly came through in the NE area (Westwinds Park) of the city, except it was only good for one field so the city pulled that off the table. As an act of good faith the CDCL have shown officials a phased schedule which would reduce weekend games at Riley Park (from the small ground), and still be able maintain junior and evening cricket in the park. The good news is that the CDCL have secured a new facility in the NW quadrant of the city, 'Inland Park', in the neighbourhood of Citadel, which are projected to be ready for play in July 2006. The field will be cricket-only, and is 145m x 142m in size, so it should be a very decent facility once fully developed. This development has no connection with the city deal.
There is a certain aura about Riley Park. The amount of history attached to cricket at Riley Park makes the league adamant about staying. The CDCL has played at Riley Park since its formation.
In 1932 the Calgary cricketers hosted a party of Australian cricketers who toured across Canada. The tour was probably the first 'sponsored' cricket tour. The venture was made possible by persuading Don Bradman to lead the tourists. Bradman was newly married and agreed to the trip on condition that his bride accompanied the cricketers. This was serendipitous, as Mrs. Bradman was the unifying element of the touring party. Bradman was an insular person, who never socialised with other cricketers.
The cricket pavillion at Riley Park has the appearance of a large Prairie log cabin. Inside there are a multitude of artifacts, going back several generations, and include some related to the Bradman visit. These are in fact replicas of the originals. The originals are considered to be of such significant historical interest that they have been archived by the Glenbow Museum. There are some 80-odd photos in the Glenbow collection, and copies can even be ordered online. There are some great ones of Riley Park, and also some interesting ones of women's cricket, a "Calgary Ladies Cricket Club" and a mens vs ladies game.
Women's cricket will return to the Calgary scene in the 2006 season. A program coordinator has been recruited, and a preliminary team list has been developed. A plan of action has been outlined, complete with timeline, activities, budget, resource requirements, etcetera. To complete the picture, there is need to recruit a qualified and police-checked coach; apply for a grant to fund the program; secure a timeslot at the park for the program and the Calgaryan women will become an integral part of the cricket scene in Riley Park. (Jon Harris with files from CDCL).
The Glenbow Museum archives of cricket photos taken at Riley Park dated 191? to 1965 can be viewed at http://ww2.glenbow.org/search/archivesPhotosResults.aspx
17th century cricket -- Posted Wednesday, January 18 2006
THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY GAME OF CRICKET: A RECONSTRUCTION OF THE GAME by David Terry. Published in the Journal of Sports History
The novelty of this paper is that, for the first time, cricket has been analysed in the context of its early seventeenth century geographical locations. Furthermore, connections have been established between cricket and the sixteenth and seventeenth century trade routes in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. The language of cricket in the seventeenth century has been reconstructed, throwing light upon how the game was played at that time and advancing our knowledge of the game. The idea of the Flemish being involved with cricket gained credence recently when, first, John Eddows pointed out that John Derrick, had a Flemish surname and gave evidence in a court case at Guildford that he had played cricket there about 1550; and, second, Heiner Gillmeister put forward a theory that the Flemish name for hockey was probably contracted to krik-ket.(1)
The seventeenth century game of cricket was firmly rooted in the counties of Kent, Surrey and Sussex, but similar bat and ball games were played in other parts of the country. These included Cat and Dog in lowland Scotland, Bandy Wicket in East Anglia, Stool Ball and Bat and Trap throughout England, (2) Tut in Cornwall and Devon (3) and Stow-Ball and Stob-Ball in the counties of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, north Somerset and parts of Dorset.(4) All of these games appear to have been originally single wicket or double-base games with the scoring of points.
Stow and stob are dialect names for a stump, being the lower part of a tree or its remaining stump, (5) so we can guess that this was the original wicket. A stow was also a frame used in mining to support `crawling tunnels', perhaps used in the north Somerset lead mines. For the seventeenth century we know as much about stow-ball as we do of cricket. John Aubrey, ( The Sports Historian, No. 20, 1 (May, 2000), pp. 33-43), recounts his knowledge of stow-ball in north Wiltshire in the period 1648-1686. The withy or willow staves were carefully shaped by their owners, or the local stave maker, and each son when he reached the age of eight was given two staves by his father. The ball was four inches in diameter with a sole leather case stuffed hard with boiled quills. The farm labourers used to hurry home from the fields to gather for a game in the evening, showing us that a cricket-like game was more compulsive than it is today.(6) A game of stow-ball was played on Bullingdon Green, Oxford in 1667 on an area of three acres.(7) This is much the same size as today's cricket ground.
Many stow-ball games were played on chalk, particularly in Wiltshire, Dorset and north Somerset, and chalk was the preferred sub-soil. It drains well, and, being used predominately for grazing sheep, the grass is kept short. Flat chalkland is an excellent surface as it is usually drier than other surfaces, which is important when balls are absorbent and thus become wet and heavy. The ball on chalk can be hit some distance and can produce a lively game as the ball bounces across the grass.
The bat itself did not have to be heavy like those 4 pound weapons of the late eighteenth century. They were light in weight and shaped somewhat like a hockey stick.(8) An Englishman visiting Ireland in 1673 refers to the common people as playing bandy (hurling) with balls and crooked sticks much after our play at stow-ball. (9) In fact we can get an idea of these bats by looking at some examples. Around 1700 they are like hockey-sticks, shaped with flat surfaces, and the batsman is usually called a striker. He stood with knees bent and used a downward sweep to hit the ball. The objective was to loft the ball over the heads of the fielders, known as catchers and seekers. Balls were hit to either side of the bowler, (10) further emphasising that a hockey-type stick was used. This picture gives us a glimpse of the `play of the game' with strategically placed catchers and seekers who appear as long stops. The toss of a coin determined which team would choose the pitch, and or, the team to bat first. (11) It was honorable in got-up games for the captains or best players to pick teams of equal strength from those available.(12)
In the late seventeenth century, the ball was trundled, not bowled as we know today, in overs of four balls. Does the number four represent the number of stumps used in a game? The lucky number three would have been a more logical choice as it was used in a number of other sports. It is doubtful if the ball was ever rolled along the ground as the contemporary word `trundle' describes, but tossed low aiming at one of the two stumps as the ground was seldom level. It was likely that bowlers both trundled the ball, as would children be taught, and skimmed it above the ground when they became more skilled. Some early bats appear to be shaped to block the grass-cutting bowler.(13) The ball itself came in various sizes and colours around 17001(4) and was waterproofed with grease to avoid picking up moisture.(15) There was the ritual of choosing the ball at important matches (16) and we can probably look at the limits of the ball being between three and four inches in diameter. (17)
The heavy modern-type ball with wound core and thick leather cover did not come into use much before 1760 when Richard Duke of Penshurst, Kent was making first class balls between 1748 and 1762. (18) He is credited with inventing the modern ball. There is mention of a crimson ball in 1753 and this may be a reference to one of Duke's balls.19 Certainly in 1727 the covers were flying off balls during play.20 These balls were probably of blackthorne wood and covered in leather. We hear of Thomas Ken playing a bat and ball game at Winchester College around the middle of the seventeenth century `with the bats ringing' from the impact of the ball, and again balls ringing in a game at the end of the century. (21) Flat-faced bats are more likely to produce a ringing sound than circular cross-section bats and with the combination of a leather covered wooden ball would give rise to ringing or vibrating of bats and the stinging of the hands.
The term `bat' is comparatively rare before 1720. The older terms are `staff', `stave', or `stick', which tended to be used regionally: for example, `stave' was used in the Gloucester area, and `bat' in the south-east, while `staff' and especally `stick' were more widely used. `Bat' is derived from the French battledore, shaped like a table tennis bat, which were used by washer women to beat their washing with. (22) The use of the `bat' in cricket is peculiar to Kent and Sussex and their coastal smugglers were known as batmen, because of the cudgels they carried. We first hear of the `flat-faced' bat in 1622. (23)
Prior to the late 1770s the wicket comprised of two stumps with a bail, with the height of the stumps being high and the width between them being narrow.24 Earlier eighteenth century pictures show a wicket that was wider than it was higher, perhaps two feet wide by one foot high which was the case in America in 1720. The ends of the stumps were forked to support the light bail, and there were criteria for the firmness of pitching the stumps into the ground and for the delicate placing of the bail so that it would easily topple when the stump was hit.
Bowlers were reported to deliver very fast and accurate with the light ball they used, but the batsman had the problem of defending two stumps, about two feet apart. Hence the shape and size of bat could be important. A 1742 wood-cut shows a home-made bat designed more in the shape of an ice-hockey stick, for better defence of the wicket. (25) There has been a lot of conjecture about the origin of the wicket, but suffice to say that the seventeenth century outline shape is more akin to the profile of a church stool, which is low and long. (26)
The term `umpire' is first noted in 1680. (27) They were grey-haired veterans who were rich in cricket lore. (28) The function of the umpire's bat was for the batsman to touch with his own to record a run. (29) As far as we know there were three methods of getting a batsman out: by bowling him out, catching him out, and hitting the wicket with the ball before he had touched the umpire's bat. (30) The double wicket game was controlled by two umpires, one from each team, who would position their bats, before allowing the bowler to bowl. Each team was usually responsible for providing one umpire and presumably both umpires had to agree on the decisions taken. (31) The holding of a bat represents the staff of office which certainly goes back to the fifteenth century in some sports. (32) In cudgeling, the umpire was called a `stickler', and his stick was used to separate the cudgelers, as also in wrestling. (33) The word `stickler' does have the connotation of law and order and may have been the name used in cricket in the early seventeenth century.
Around 1700 there were two trustworthy scorers, seated on the grass or upon stools. The scorers knotched the score on a stick, with a deeper knick at 20, which of course represented a score. (34) This method of counting was much used by shepherds when counting sheep, hence the connection between cricket being played on sheep-shorn hills and the method of scoring for cricket. From the fifteenth century into the seventeenth, the term `point' or `prick' appears to be popular as a means of keeping a tally, this terminology being derived from scoring with a point or prick of the pen upon paper or wood. (35)
In the early seventeenth century the known areas of play can be broadly described as the area of Sevenoaks and Maidstone in Kent, the Guildford area in Surrey, and Chichester in Sussex. (36) These areas are located around the perimeter of the Weald. They also represent seventeenth century trade routes. The game can be traced along the road from London to Rye in Kent with a spur to Maidstone, the Guildford to Chichester road, and along the river Wey from Farnham to Weybridge. There are several hills named `cricket hill' along the route of the river Wey. The one at Weybridge is recorded in the late sixteenth century in local manorial court records, while others are in the parishes of Bramley, Send, and Seale, all places where early cricket was played. (37) While the word `cricket' can be interpreted as `crooked hill', it is unusual to find a cluster of four hills so named in such a small area.
The Flemings were active in the cloth trade in all the areas where cricket was played during the seventeenth century. It is interesting to find that one John Derrick, a Flemish name, in 1598, claimed to have played the game of `creckett' in Guildford about 1550. (38) This clue connects the Flemings with cricket. Some Flemings had been in Kent from as early as 1328, but we know they were well established in the south east by the end of the fifteenth century, where they largely controlled the cloth trade. The religious disturbances in western Europe saw some 5,000 Flemish and French Protestant refugees land at Sandwich and make their way to Canterbury in 1566, and as many again in other years entered Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. These immigrants were eventually absorbed into the hinterland, and many probably joined their countrymen in the clothing trade, brewing or glassmaking. (39)
With the Flemish came their language and perhaps their sport. No evidence has been found of playing a game of cricket in Flanders, but they did play a hockey game which appears to have been known as `met de krik ketsen', meaning `with the stick chase', which gives rise to Gillmeister's theiry that the `krik ketsen' were foreshortened to `cricket'. (40) Interestingly, the church stool was known by the Flemish name of `cricket' in 1656 in Sussex and 1623 outside the south-east. (41) The profile of the stool is very similar to that of the wicket used in the seventeenth century. Some of the earlier eighteenth century pictures suggest a wicket of about one foot high by two feet wide. Furthermore, the legs of the stool were called stumps, which adds further credence to the idea that the earliest wicket was a stool. (42) Did the Flemish adapt stoolball and call it cricket? In the games of stow-ball, stob-ball and stool-ball, the name of the game is derived from the target at which the ball is bowled. So why not the same derivation for the game of cricket? The alternative is that `cricket' derived from the hitting implement, that is the Anglo-Saxon name `crick' with the French-Norman diminutive `et' Another anomaly is the use of the plural `creckets' or `crickets' for the game. In the early seventeenth century, both single and double wicket games were popular, and the plural form of cricket identified the double wicket game. At later periods it was the single wicket game that needed identification. The introduction of the double wicket games supposes that number playing was larger than normal.
There is another view that the word `wicket', which was first recorded in cricket in 1680, (43) comes from playing the game against a small wicket gate, but wicket gates are associated with property: this relegates such a game to one played by children outside their houses, not by adults as a folk game played on the village green or in a field. There is a stob-ball field mentioned in Oxfordshire as early as 1525, (44) which demonstrates that bat and ball games were played in a designated field. The word `wicket' has a counterpart in Flanders called `wechet'. (45) Interestingly, the south-east English dialect would have called a wicket a `wecket' and cricket `crecket'.
By 1629 the game had attracted the attention of the lesser gentry. At Rucking in Kent, the curate was found playing Cricketts after evening prayer: in his defence, he said he was not playing with mean and base persons but with persons of repute and of fashion. (46) There are social reasons why cricket would have expanded in the second half of the sixteenth century. It was a time when parishioners began to pay poor rates instead of holding church ales to raise money. Church ales were largely activities within each parish. With the demise of church ales, the rise of inter-village sport came about, and we hear of competitions, one village against another, from the 1590 period, at football, dancing. cudgeling and wrestling. (47) About 1610, in the Kent parish of Chevening, there was a Cricketting between the Weald and Upland, which suggests that the best players of two localities met in a grand match. (48)
The Puritans had been pleased to see the decline the church ales and the rowdiness they provoked. By the 1620s the new puritanical laws began to hinder the traditional Sunday sport which depressed the game's development. There is evidence of suppression at Maidstone before 1635. Between 1643 and 1660 the law forbade sport on Sundays, (49) but this did not always stop cricket being played, as we hear of a game in Eltham in 1654 50 and one of stow-ball in Westminster in 1658. (51) Cricket was now expanding outside its traditional area.
To conclude, the cloth-working fringe area of the Weald area was poorly populated in the fifteenth century, with villages being small. Flemish migration appears to have increased, particularly in the middle years of the sixteenth century. The Flemish probably molded the traditional game of stoolball into something we recognise as cricket. Population growth in the area in the sixteenth century would have soon demanded a double-wicket game with the deployment of a greater number of players. However, there is much we need to know about Flemish bat and ball games in the sixteenth century before we can reach a conclusion on their involvement in cricket.
Children, perhaps mostly Flemish, were the prominent players of the game during the sixteenth century. From the 1580s, circumstances were ripe for the game to be played by adults, and there are hints to the frequency of cricket being mentioned. Only by about 1610 is it clear the game was in full-swing in three distinct areas, Maidstone-Sevenoaks, Guildford, and Chichester. By 1629 people of quality played the game, and by 1646 gamblers had been attracted to it. (52) The pressure of the Puritans probably inhibited the game, because after 1660 its popularity increased alongside that of other sports. This, some historians have argued, was connected to the migration of nobility and gentry into cricket areas around the Weald, and bringing the game to London and other parts of England. The name `cricket' is hardly found outside the three south-eastern counties until the final quarter of the seventeenth century.
The game I have attempted to describe is `the play of the game of cricket', during the second half of the seventeenth century. It was then evolutionary, but many elements of the game were in place before 1700. Its terminology had changed, it had ceased to be a folk game, and emerged as a national sport in the eighteenth century.
Cricket in Hamilton, Ontario -- Posted Tuesday, January 17 2006
The International Match between Canada and the U.S.A. was played in Hamilton on August 29 and 30, 1881, with the U.S.A. team emerging as the winners.
About this time the Sons of England team was formed, changing its name in 1909 to St. George’s Cricket Club, and under this title continued until in the Second World War when it ceased operations.
The West Indies Touring team was in Hamilton the end of August, 1886, and Hamilton became the First Canadian team to defeat a touring side.
The game prospered and prominent Hamilton citizens figuring in the game in the late 1890’s and early 1900’s were: A. Gillespie, D’Arcy Martin, Kirwin Martin, Alexis Martin, Fritz Martin, Jack Counsell, C. J. Dixon, R. S. Morris, C. N. Stewart, E. Riseboro, J. Gadsby. Records of the game from this period until the early 1920's are extremely sparse, but in the 1920’s Major Wynards team from England played at the H.A.A.A. grounds.
The Hamilton and District Cricket League was formed in 1921 and the Ontario Hospital Cricket Club commenced about this time along with Holy Trinity Club, which played on the mountain opposite the former site of Holy Trinity Church. Teams from Porritts and Spencers and British West Indies were playing at this time. In the mid 1920’s Ontario Hospital and Holy Trinity were playing on the Mountain, St. Georges, Wentworth County, Porritts and Spencers, British West Indies at Gage Park and Hamilton Cricket Club at the H.A.A.A. ground, this latter club moving to Gage Park later.
Fairfield Cricket Club was formed about 1930, playing its games at Mahoney Park, to which ground Holy Trinity transferred. A team from England under the auspices of Sir Julian Cahn played a Hamilton District League team at Civic Stadium.
In 1933, The R. C. Matthews Trophy Competition was organized for competition between various counties in Ontario. Wentworth County composed of players from the Hamilton teams enjoyed much success in this competition until it was discontinued in the early 1960’s.
In 1937 the Albany Cup game between Hamilton and Toronto was revived and still continues.
During the war years, cricket ceased in Hamilton with many of the players joining the forces, but was resumed again in 1946. However, the number of teams was reduced to two, these being a combination of Fairfield-Trinity and Hamilton-St. Georges, but after a year or two the teams reverted to Fairfield Cricket Club and Hamilton Cricket Club. This year, 1946, saw the first game for the Centennial Shield between Hamilton District League and Toronto Cricket Club, the shield being given by the City of Hamilton in honour of its Centennial year. This game was played on the old Hillfield School ground on Main Street West.
In 1948 was changed to Churchill Park where the ground is at present located. A Bermuda touring team visited Hamilton in 1949. In 1959 a M.C.C. team from England played in Hamilton, and the crew of H.M.Y. Britannia played a team from the two Hamilton teams. Since that time teams from Australia, New Zealand, England, and Washington have visited Hamilton.
A full schedule of games in the Hamilton District Cricket League has been played from 1946 to the present time and games can be seen at Churchill Park any weekend from late May to late September and spectators are welcome.
The foregoing is a sketchy history of what must be one of the oldest games in Hamilton. Details and information are difficult to find and much of the earlier history of the game was gleaned from “Sixty Years of Canadian Cricket” by Hall, and old minute books of the Hamilton and St. Georges Clubs, and the writer’s own experience over the last 35 years. Any inaccuracies are regretted, but it is hoped that this will give the reader some idea of the course of cricket in Hamilton and the international connections that it has brought to this city.
Cricket is purely amateur and the two clubs are always anxious to have new players join them at the venue of the game .
USA u-19s head to World Cup (Deb Das, CricInfo) -- Posted Monday, January 16 2006
After months of delays and uncertainties, preparations for the USA team for the Under-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka are moving forward, and on a relatively fast track.
The most visible sign that things might be changing came with the announcement that Ashok Patel of the Cricket Academy of New Jersey was to manage the side. Patel had won the ICC worldwide Global Development Award for innovative programming, for a self-financing model for international junior tours which his academy has regularly conducted for the past few years. His appointment strengthens the management of the U-19 tour to a considerable extent, and with Larry Gomes as coach and Basil Butcher junior as physio, the administrative team looks far stronger than any previous USACA touring squads have enjoyed. [More...]
Cricket is hot in schools/universities -- Posted Sunday, January 15 2006
Waves of immigrants from cricket-loving nations have arrived in Canada, the first being "the Imperial authority". What has provoked the recent demand for the game is an attitude shift in newcomers, in the opinion Carl James, a professor of education at York University, who specializes in youth and sport. "Playing cricket is a way of reclaiming their identity and culture. For those who came 10 or 20 years ago, there was more pressure to fit in, so parents encouraged their children to play mainstream sports.".
York University fielded a team for the first time in the Etobicoke District Cricket League in the 2005 season, and promptly topped the fourth division. Bowling would appear to have been their strength, with four of the team in the top 15 bowlers in the league.
The annual intramural Cricket Challenge at York University wrapped up with the ‘Multicultural Team' beating the defending champions by 10 wickets in the finals.
The winning captain Sachit Kanwar congratulated his team on their great effort, especially Harsh, Isam and Ali who bowled brilliantly.
"We weren't expecting to win," says Sachit. "The fact that we have, shows that a team of Pakistanis and Indians playing together and winning, [means] great unity amongst us as players and as people."
PSF Greens earned the right to play in the final after they beat Team Pakistan by 6 runs in the semi-finals. PSF Greens, who were runners up in their group, managed to restrain team Pakistan, who had topped their group after posting a total of 19 in the allotted five overs. Chasing the total, team Pakistan collapsed after the early wicket of their star batsmen Haroon Khan. The rest of the batsmen tried to finish the match quickly as they were tempted by the low target to hit big shots. The ensuing overconfidence led to some bad cross batted strokes, leaving the wickets wide open and the rest of the wickets fell quickly, with PSF's fast bowlers Zeeshan and Saqib batting 3 and 2 respectively.
In the other semifinal, Team Multicultural beat Erindale XI on the very last ball of the match. In what was widely accepted as the best matches of the tournament, Team Multicultural needed only one run of the last two balls to secure a place in the final of the tournament. A brilliant bowl from Sharukh reduced it to one run from one bowl.
In a futile attempt to win the match, considering the fact that Team Multicultural was far ahead in terms of net run rate, the bowler bowled a wide ball way over the head of the bowler.
In an unfortunate event, the Erindale XI started to argue the umpire's call and as one of their players stormed out of the Tait gym in anger he broke the glass in the door. York Is U co-ordinators promptly called an ambulance to provide him with medical attention. This has certainly put a dark cloud over the tournaments future, especially the idea of conducting it in the Tait Mackenzie gym ever again.
The tournament, in its third year now, has become one of the biggest York Is U events of the year. The number of teams have gone up from just six in the first tournament to 10 in this years tournament, increasing by two teams every year. This year, at most times, there were about 100 to 125 spectators and players present to watch the game.
The tournament has become a favourite of all cricket fans at York, especially those from South Asia, who eagerly wait for the tournament every year and play for a chance to be crowned the cricket champions. Hopefully next year the event will still be held in some form to give cricket fans the opportunity to play and enjoy the game. (Mujtaba Mirza)
Material sourced from http://www.excal.on.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=913&Itemid=2
Film and Toronto Cricket Academy deserve praise! -- Posted Thursday, January 12 2006
I visited the National Film Board for a pre-Christmas showing of the film “Cricket and the Meaning of Life”. This had a number of cricket themes based around the Toronto Cricket Academy’s (TCA) 2004 tour of Trinidad. At the outset I would congratulate all those involved in the making of this most enjoyable film and recommend readers to try ad see the film. Jon Harris has previously noted CBC TV will be airing the film at a date and time to be advised (see Jan 1 2006 posting). I am aware he hopes to obtain a clip from the film for use on Canadacricket.com. I know I was moved by the whole evening, which included a warm-up film on the TCA’s 2005 tour of parts of Lancashire, England.
I believe the main film would make the average cricket fan think back to their roots and early times playing and watching the game – the times when we began to love the game. The game at times transcends sport. The film covers some cultural perspectives both current and past.
The film maker, Sanjay Talreja, is one of two narrators who weave various segments together. He begins with life back in India, the natural progress to becoming wrapped up in the game of cricket and changes in Indian life. The latter caused him to consider and ultimately leave him homeland and he ended up in the melting pot of Toronto, Canada. In looking to establish a lifestyle over here, he found an outlet in his beloved game of cricket. He found fellow-countrymen as well as those from the Caribbean busily participating in the game.
The Caribbean influence is traced from historic grassroots through to the present day with a second narrator, played by an actor of West Indian descent with an interest in the game. He makes use of the cricket writings and philosophies of C.L.R. James, famous for the book “Beyond a boundary”. Some memories of past great West Indies cricketers are evoked and the first win over England in test cricket is recalled. “What do they know of cricket who only cricket know?” asked James. Indeed there is a social fabric – rather several sets of social fabric – around the game that began in England and was transported to the corners of the old British Empire. James writings explored those and the film touches on some of these topics. "Cricket is first and foremost a dramatic spectacle. It belongs with the theatre, ballet, opera and the dance".
Not only do the Indian and Caribbean perspectives come together in Canadian cricket, but they also meet in Trinidad, where the TCA tour takes place. Overall, we see backstreet games in India, action from playing fields in Canada, TCA tour games in Trinidad and even beach cricket in Trinidad. One of the later moments in the film sees a Trinidad man bowling at a much younger TCA player, Nitish Vikal. A small side-wager is given on Nitish being able to face an over from the Trinidadian without being out.
Nitish is the youngest of the touring party and is featured in several moments during the film. In the tour games, he is playing against some players probably 4-6 years older than him. At one point, there is an interview with Nitish’s father who is impressed by his son’s skill but more significantly his love of the game and dedication. The father pauses and brushes away a couple of tears. Sadly, Nitish’s father was killed in an accident in 2005.
Throughout the movie, the TCA touring party always look to be a team – they always look neat, whether on or off the field. Love and respect for the game, including the spirit in which it should be played, is an obvious objective in addition to wanting to play the game well. These values are clearly instilled via their coach, Brian Hale, and the overall philosophy of the TCA.
As I said at the start, I would certainly recommend seeing this movie when it gains coverage on CBC or, after release, it should be available via the personal screens at the National Film Board premises in Toronto. (Eddie Norfolk).
Cricket in Calgary and the need for additional facilities -- Posted Thursday, January 12 2006
Riley Park in Calgary has been the home of cricket for nearly a century. Before that the land was part of the ranch owned by the Ezra Hounsfield Riley and his family. Ezra served as M.L.A. for Gleichen from 1906 to 1910 and in 1910 donated the property for Riley Park to the city. The park, close to the downtown area, has multiple uses which includes kids splashing around in the wading pool, soccer matches and a variety of other activities, in addition to the two cricket fields.
The cricket pavillion has the appearance of a log cabin. Inside it is cluttered with cricket memorabelia, including a poster promoting the visit 1932 of the Australians organised by Arthur Mailey, and led by Don Bradman and his bride.
The Parks and Recreation Department recently changed the terms of the Calgary and District Cricket League's License of Operation when it came up for renewal. While former licenses have been granted for fifteen years, the new license offered by Parks and Recreation was for only three years. The new lease was not for the normal term because Parks and Recreation were looking into the viability of cricket continuing at Riley Park. Surrounding communities such as Sunnyside-Hillhurst have come out in strong support for the continuation of cricket at Riley Park, since the league rejected the new license proposal.
The explanation for the offer of the short lease was threefold. First, Riley Park is perceived by the Parks Department as being overused by sports people, to the extent that there are conflicts between user groups. Second, the park is considered to be a regional park, and was never designed for structured sports like cricket. Third, with new developments surrounding the park, more people would like access to it for non-structured sport use.
For hundreds in the Calgary community, cricket is their passion and Riley Park is their home. Cricket in the park contributes immensely to the multicultural fabric of the city, bringing together people from various backgrounds and cultures to enjoy a common activity. Cricket within the city has apparently received resounding support from the greater community.
A representative of the Parks Department has been quoted as stating that "we are finding that more people are providing support for the Calgary and District Cricket League. We've talked to residents, and aldermen, and others, and we have made it clear that the Calgary and District Cricket League will not be moved until a suitable location can be found for them."
The amount of history attached to cricket at Riley Park makes the league adamant about staying. The fact that there is almost 100 years of cricket history and tradition at this park, is evidenced by the log cabin pavillion decorated inside with decades of memorabillia. There is a certain aura about Riley Park that no other cricket facility in Canada can match. The memorabillia are in fact duplicates of the originals. The originals are now housed in one of Calgary's libraries (museums?). This suggests that the greater community of Calgary perceives a cultural value in the cricket artifacts.
The CDCL plans to continue negotiations and continue to gather community support by holding such events as open houses and the return of the Monday Night League. The CDCL executive is working on negotiating the lease term such that they do not lose the use of the park. The league has also initiated new projects in order to promote the game and awareness of the game in the Calgary area. Managers at Parks and Recreation will soon be meeting internally to decide if an offer will be made to the CDCL for 15 years.
This does not mean that cricket will cease to be played in Riley Park.
One of the Calgary cricketers has written that, "I'm not the official channel for news on this topic. I think the situation is pretty much the same as stated in the newspaper article from 3 years ago. The Parks Department haven't given us a long-term lease and we aren't willing to sign a short-term one. They cannot make us leave the park because we have history, a clean record, growing membership, and most importantly the support of our community and hence our alderman in the area. Essentially, from the various meetings and discussions over the last 2 years, the general consensus is that "we" are willing to "reduce adult play" at Riley Park, provided the city provides us with a new, proper cricket facility - essentially we've asked for a cricket-specific area good enough for two full-size cricket fields with proper short grass outfield, artificial turf wicket, practice nets, sightscreens, parking, civil, sewage, facility for changerooms and washrooms, etc. One such facility nearly came through in the NE area (Westwinds Park) of the city, except it was only good for one field so the city pulled that off the table. We have in return already shown them a schedule of how we would reduce weekend games at Riley Park (from the small ground) in phases, but maintain junior and evening cricket there. This has no connection with the city deal. Some very interesting things going on.".
The Calgary cricketers have secured a new facility in the NW quadrant of the city. Inland Park is in the neighbourhood of Citadel, that may be ready for play by June-end 2006. The field will be for cricket-only, and is 145m x 142m in size, so it should be a very decent facility once fully developed. (Jon Harris).
A brief history of the Kelowna Cricket Club in British Columbia -- Posted Tuesday, January 10 2006
In December, 1907, a group of residents met at W.B. Walker's house to discuss the possibility of starting a sports club. It was decided that committees should be set up for cricket, football, and tennis. The following were elected for cricket: W.D. Walker, Captain; W. E. E. Mitchell, vice Captain; F. Thorniloe.
The next year Kelowna cricket team travelled to Revelstoke, playing against Vernon and Armstrong. In short time, KCC gained a strong position in the Valley. While the cricket was developing in Okanagan Valley, the world war was declared in 1914. As a result, the cricket clubs disbanded for their members to go overseas for war. Finally, the war was over and Canadians retured back to their homes. After the war, the first recorded game was played against Vernon at Kelowna on Empire Day, May 24th, 1924. Kelowna batted first, and made 166, but Vernon was all out for 26. That was a big win for Kelowna, and after that KCC moved on and cricket started to build up again in the Valley. In 1927, Colonel Victor Spencer presented a cup for competition in the Kelowna valley. The first members of the League formed to play for it, were Kelowna, Armstrong, Lavington, Oyama, Penticton, Salmon Arm, and Vernon. Kelowna won the cup and became first valley champions, and Kelowna is still the valley champions.
To a great past belongs a great future. For Kelowna and District, we can expect years of cricket success. Based on the unswerving loyalties and hard work of their predecessors, future cricketers can be expected to preserve the game and its traditions with no lessening of the enjoyment and comradeship it promotes.
(In order to reach Kelowna it is necessary to drive through the magnificant vinyards that surround Lake Okanagon. Cricket and wine is as close to paradise that any cricketer can hope for. Perhaps I will make a diversion, again, when I visit Calgary this coming summer. J.H.).
A schoolboys report on his experience of playing cricket. -- Posted Monday, January 9 2006
This year (2005) the St. Andews College cricket team was coached by Mr. David Kyle. A middle school teacher who entered SAC two years ago.
Previously the SAC Cricket team was coached by Mr. Ted Staunton the school's Headmaster. Mr Staunton has been the coach for the last 4 years. Through steady dedication the team gradually improved into the premier high school cricket program. Last year the team was very successful and they brought home the trophy for the first time in 49 years. This is only the second time that SAC has won this trophy in the past 102 years. Trinity College School has had this cup for a couple years in a row.
After our first victory two years ago, Mr & Mrs. Staunton held a dinner for the team at their home. The honourary guest, Sir. Garfield Sobers was invited. If you don't know him, he was a long time member of the West Indies Cricket team and is considered one of the greatest all-rounder cricketers in the world. Sir Gary tried to encourage us to tour to Barbados during our March Break.
There are only 4 teams in Ontario that participate in CISAA Cricket. Trinity College School, Upper Canada College, Ridley College and St. Andrew's College. Each year we play each team twice , one home game and one away game.
Our home games are held at The Maple Leaf Cricket Club, located in King City.
In the Fall and Winter terms, each Sunday a group of about 6 of us go down to Toronto to get professional coaching indoors at Qasra Sports located in Mississauga. (edited by Jon Harris).
Cricket is Great Part of Sports History in Hamilton -- Posted Sunday, January 8 2006
Cricket in Hamilton started many years before Confederation, having been brought here by British Army officers in the early 1800’s, and by the 1820’s it had taken hold of the public in Upper Canada (Ontario). The earliest game, of which there is any record, is that played at Hamilton in 1834 between teams from Guelph and Toronto. The first game in which Hamilton figures was played on August 14, 1837, when Brantford beat the local team. On May 10, 1847, at Young’s Hotel the Hamilton Cricket Club was formed and its officers were: President, Peter Hamilton; Vice-President, Miles O’Reilly; Secretary, G. H. Southam and Treasurer, Stephen M. Jarvis. The committee J. E. Sabine, G. W. Baker, Jr., F. Haycock, G. Sadlier, H. Bull, A. Roxborough and R. R. Smith.
In August 1847 there was a match played between Hamilton and Toronto, won by Toronto, and during the next ten years saw games played against teams from Paris, Guelph, Galt, Simcoe, Brantford, Burlington and Dundas. Of these teams Brantford, Guelph, and Galt still operate.
In 1857 on August 13, a game was played between Hamilton and St. Catharines and games are still being played by teams from these cities. In this year Hamilton Cricket Club had 30 playing members and a ground of six acres in the west end of the city near the present H.A.A.A. ground.
1859 was a great year for cricket in Hamilton since Parr’s All England XI visited Hamilton playing here on October 17, 18, and 19 against a XXII of Canada. During the next few years games were played against Ottawa and St. Louis, U.S.A. and Montreal.
On August 14 and 15, 1876, against Montreal, C. J. Ottoway, of the Hamilton Club, scored 102 and the local club easily defeated Montreal. In 1877, against Montreal, R. Leaisk of Hamilton made a score of 202 which was the highest score on the continent to that date.
In 1879 we have the first record of R. B. Ferrie playing for Hamilton. Robert Brown Ferrie was born on March 20, 1859 and died in 1952. Born in Hamilton he was sent to school in Somerset, England, where he acquired his love for cricket. He played cricket for 45 years and participated in five International matches between Canada and the U.S.A. He also toured England with the Canadian team in 1887. During this tour, against the Gentlemen of Gloucestershire he bowled the famous W. G. Grace in the first inning and E. M. Grace in the second. During this period Hamilton Cricket toured the United States and entertained teams from the United States, and in 1879 hosted Dafts English Eleven on September 18, 19 and 20, Hamilton playing seventeen men against the English XI. It was mentioned at this time that games were played on the Duke St. Ground, this being it is assumed the present H.A.A.A. Grounds and indicating a move from the earlier grounds. This ground was used by the Hamilton cricketers until about 1922 when the ground was transferred to the south-cast corner of Gage Park. The H.A.A.A. ground was familiarly known as the Cricket ground for many years.
The International Match between Canada and the U.S.A. was played in Hamilton on August 29 and 30, 1881, with the U.S.A. team emerging as the winners.
About this time the Sons of England team was formed, changing its name in 1909 to St. George’s Cricket Club, and under this title continued until in the Second World War when it ceased operations. The West Indies Touring team was in Hamilton the end of August, 1886, and Hamilton became the First Canadian team to defeat a touring side.
The game prospered and prominent Hamilton citizens figuring in the game in the late 1890’s and early 1900’s were: A. Gillespie, D’Arcy Martin, Kirwin Martin, Alexis Martin, Fritz Martin, Jack Counsell, C. J. Dixon, R. S. Morris, C. N. Stewart, E. Riseboro, J. Gadsby. Records of the game from this period until the early 1920's are extremely sparse, but in the 1920’s Major Wynards team from England played at the H.A.A.A. grounds.
The Hamilton and District Cricket League was formed in 1921 and the Ontario Hospital Cricket Club commenced about this time along with Holy Trinity Club, which played on the mountain opposite the former site of Holy Trinity Church. Teams from Porritts and Spencers and British West Indies were playing at this time. In the mid 1920’s Ontario Hospital and Holy Trinity were playing on the Mountain, St. Georges, Wentworth County, Porritts and Spencers, British West Indies at Gage Park and Hamilton Cricket Club at the H.A.A.A. ground, this latter club moving to Gage Park later.
Fairfield Cricket Club was formed about 1930, playing its games at Mahoney Park, to which ground Holy Trinity transferred. A team from England under the auspices of Sir Julian Cahn played a Hamilton District League team at Civic Stadium.
In 1933, The R. C. Matthews Trophy Competition was organized for competition between various counties in Ontario. Wentworth County composed of players from the Hamilton teams enjoyed much success in this competition until it was discontinued in the early 1960’s.
In 1937 the Albany Cup game between Hamilton and Toronto was revived and still continues.
During the war years, cricket ceased in Hamilton with many of the players joining the forces, but was resumed again in 1946. However, the number of teams was reduced to two, these being a combination of Fairfield-Trinity and Hamilton-St. Georges, but after a year or two the teams reverted to Fairfield Cricket Club and Hamilton Cricket Club. This year, 1946, saw the first game for the Centennial Shield between Hamilton District League and Toronto Cricket Club, the shield being given by the City of Hamilton in honour of its Centennial year. This game was played on the old Hillfield School ground on Main Street West.In 1948 was changed to Churchill Park where the ground is at present located. A Bermuda touring team visited Hamilton in 1949. In 1959 a M.C.C. team from England played in Hamilton, and the crew of H.M.Y. Britannia played a team from the two Hamilton teams. Since that time teams from Australia, New Zealand, England, and Washington have visited Hamilton.
A full schedule of games in the Hamilton District Cricket League has been played from 1946 to the present time and games can be seen at Churchill Park any weekend from late May to late September and spectators are welcome.
The foregoing is a sketchy history of what must be one of the oldest games in Hamilton. Details and information are difficult to find and much of the earlier history of the game was gleaned from “Sixty Years of Canadian Cricket” by Hall, and old minute books of the Hamilton and St. Georges Clubs, and the writer’s own experience over the last 35 years. Any inaccuracies are regretted, but it is hoped that this will give the reader some idea of the course of cricket in Hamilton and the international connections that it has brought to this city.
Cricket is a purely amateur sport and the two clubs are always anxious to have new players join themthe venue of the game . (E.U.SPRIGGS)
St Lucia faces World Cup race - Canada is to play 2 warm up matches & 3 WC fixtures in St. Lucia -- Posted Saturday, January 7 2006
Debate is raging in St Lucia about whether the country will be ready for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
The outgoing president of the St Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association and the head of the country's World Cup organizing committee have markedly contrasting views on the issue.
St Lucia will host group games featuring England, New Zealand, Kenya and Canada as well as one of the semi-finals of the tournament.
Anthony Bowen, the outgoing Hotel and Tourism Association president, has in the past made no secret of his opinion that the country won't be prepared for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
He restated his opinion in his final address as the head of the Association at its annual general meeting on Tuesday.
"Our infrastructure is stretched as it is now, and I cannot see the road works and airport expansion nearly ready to handle the type of crowds we anticipate will be here," he said.
"There's a lot that has to be done, in educating the public who are under the impression we’re having a Test Series.".
Realistic, but Ernest Hillaire, Chief Executive Officer of the local World Cup Organizing Committee said St Lucia is progressing well in its preparations.
Mr. Hilliare said that by saying that the 2007 Cricket World Cup 2007 will be the best ever, did not mean it will best in terms of stadium or infrastructure, but that the Caribbean would show the cricket world the best way of enjoying cricket.
"Sometimes people meet me and ask me, 'will every hotel in the North have water'. I'm sorry, you may not be very happy for giving that response, but the reality is that we will not be able to do that.
"We need to sit down and reflect on what we mean by saying we’re giving the world the greatest World Cup ever."
Tournament organisers have said the most difficult part of St Lucia's preparation is event management. But the organising committee is being assisted by a company that has previously worked on the Olympic Games.
The organisers were keen to stress that St Lucia's planning for the 2007 World Cup is well ahead of schedule.
Material sourced from http://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2005/12/printable/051206_stlucia-wcdebate.shtml
Data base for cricketers in Canada - show me the money -- Posted Saturday, January 7 2006
The revalation that Canada has been granted a somewhat qualified One Day International status provides an opportunity to assess some of the implications for the administators of 'our game'.
The issue of a data base was raised on the 'official' Canadian cricket web site, when there was a 'wanted' ad for a webmaster with data base skills.
Beyond the question of who would have the skill, is the cost. However, I am jumping ahead of myself.
The ICC requirement for a national database for Canadian cricketers is expressed in an ICC document "Qualification Rules for International Cricket Matches, Series and Competitions".
Item F specifies that there shall be a "Register of Cricketers and Proof of Qualification". Basically under the provisions of F.1 there is a requirement for a database to include the players name, address and nationality ... for players participating in any first-class matches,(or equivalent national competition), and for any local club or team, including any Province or league representative team.
In a Canadian context (at present) that probably means a register of all players in the leading provincial/sub-provincial league competitions.
Under Item F.3 the 'Member Country' shall on request provide the ICC with any relevant information on the fulfilment of any individual player with qualification rules. (With the cost to be borne by the Member Country.).
When it comes to specific competitions, in the case of 4-year (Deemed Nationals - not having played for another country in the last 4 years and meet residential and cricket playing conditions) and 7-year Residents (proven residence and interest in cricket for the adopted country), the National Association must submit specific details of the players absences from the country, including reasons for absence (presumably for the previous 4 or 7 years). (The Canadian Cricket Association would have to cite entry and exit stamps in specific passports, and therefore it would probably make sense to include this as a separate table in the overall database.).
There is a specified limit of 2 deemed nationals per game per team (if playing Associate or Affiliate teams) but it would appear that if playing in a match with a Full Member, or taking part in a competition with Full Member(s)the Canadian Cricket Association could use more than 2 deemed nationals.
It seems that a player who is born in a country would qualify as a national (even in the case of a 'just passing by' birth, e.g. John Davidson).
All of the above bodes the question of cost, and where is the money to underwrite the set up of the data base and the continual update requirements? Given the serious debt currently carried by the CCA, (the question must be posed!), is the begging bowl to be held in front of the ICC offices .... again? (Copies of correspondence from the Edwardian era are available.).
Beyond the data base costs, it would be prudent to ask 'where is the money going to come from for the much sort after coach whose duties will/should extend far beyond Canada's national team'? Then there is the cost of travel for the projected ten international matches planned for the 2006 season. Ah, yes: Santa must have left something under the CCA tree.
As the saying goes "Plus ça change, plus ça la même chose". (Jon Harris).
ODI Status Achieved! Congratulations! -- Posted Friday, January 6 2006
The time has come to re-congratulate Canada on their success in reaching the Cricket World Cup, via the 2005 ICC Trophy in Ireland, and further congratulate them on attaining ODI because of their high ranking within the ICC Associate Membership.
Third-place overall in 2005 was impressive as they played in a group that included the top four nations from the 2001 ICC Trophy. The ODI status became effective from January 1, 2006.
This new status might have been more apparent at an earlier stage during 2005 given greater clarity in an ICC news release at the time of the ICC Trophy or in the September issue of ICC Cricket Quarterly. Indeed, muddying the waters still further, at the recent Canadian Cricket Association (CCA) Annual General Meeting, one of the Executive said there was now no such thing as ODI status. Ah well, what a difference just over one month can make.
Confirmation of the ODI status came via the Cricinfo article on January 3 where Managing Editor Martin Williamson interviewed ICC Global Development Manager Matthew Kennedy on the topic. This interview, in my opinion, is almost a replacement for an ICC Media Release to explain the situation. The article provides the interpretation on how the six leading Associate Members of ICC will now have ODI status for games they play against each other, or for games with Full Members.
Kenya (including in the ODI rankings until the end of July 2005) and Scotland (ICC Trophy Winners) are deemed the top two Associates. They will be required to play one home and one away “series/event” with a Full Member every twelve months. The other four leading Associates (Canada, Ireland, Bermuda and the Netherlands) would only be required to play one “series/event” with a Full Member every twelve months.
The article also describes the three stages of how each Associate Member may find their way onto the LG ODI rankings table. There is a touch of emerging science about how this will proceed. The simple explanation is that it is a three stage process: at stage 1 a country is not shown in the rankings and ratings table but they achieve this at stage 3. Essentially, to reach stage 3 the Associate must have played sufficient games (at least 10 in the ranking period) and had sufficient success to gain ratings points and earn a ranking.
The success path starts with two wins over a Full Member side or one win over a Full Member and a more than 60% win ratio against the other leading Associates. This takes a team to Stage 2. The Associate has a rating (number of factored points) in the overall table but, in my interpretation, would not be included with a ranking in the table due to not having played enough matches. (I think the rating points will be shown in a separate table for Associates at this stage, but I could be wrong.) Inclusion in the ranking table comes when a team has played sufficient matches. Actually, it could be possible to reach Stage 2 and 3 simultaneously.
Over time, we will see how this works. There could be some refinements as Matthew Kennedy has commented that the ten game qualification for inclusion in the main LG table might be reduced to eight.
The ICC hope that ODI games between Associates and with Full Members can be integrated into existing tour programs. This probably works nicely for the likes of Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands based on ease of transportation from England by touring teams. Bermuda’s proximity to the West Indies and climate are a plus for them.
Geographically, Kenya and Canada are the most remote leading Associates from Full Member countries. Additionally, the climate in Canada is not conducive to early spring cricket. Perhaps, for Canada, an early season tournament in Bermuda might prove part of the answer with a tri-angular event against whoever has toured the West Indies.
So what games are in the pipeline for Canada in the lead-up to the World Cup? In my travels around the various websites there is a potential three team tournament in Canada for August 2006 (Canada, Bermuda and Kenya). Also the six leading Affiliates are due to play in Kenya in January 2007. Perhaps this event will double as the World Cricket League Division 1 for 2007, but who knows at this stage.
Zimbabwe are due in the West Indies in the April/May 2006 timeframe but with their Cricket Association in turmoil and the players again on strike there is no current guarantee that tour would take place. India tour the Caribbean in May/June and if you could persuade them to visit Canada they would draw a crowd. However, the Indian Board seems to have concerns over the crowded international schedule. Based on rumblings out of India on various financial issues, India may be more interested in playing financially attractive opposition (Australia and England) than financially strapped countries. (Although the West Indies board seem in the latter category with a recent reported debt of $15 million US.) However, if there is a generous benefactor out there, perhaps we could attract India to Canada!
Personally, I think the ICC should have opted to have two tiers of ODI status until such time as some of the leading Associates have time and funding to operate at a more professional level on a consistent basis. I would probably concur that the leading Associates are now better prepared than ever before but there is still a significant gap between the top professional sides and the next tier – as already evidenced by the distancing of Zimbabwe and Bangladesh from the rest of the pack in both Test and ODI rankings. Still, Bangladesh had their moment of glory in beating the Aussies in a one-dayer last English summer…..and Canada beat Bangladesh at the last World Cup. Perhaps hope does spring eternal!
In my view, individual achievements and records for matches involving the Associates (including those with Test status countries) would have an ODI “B” level. This would help protect the integrity of cricket records – something which the existing ICC regulations on granting ODI status to Affiliates require. In being at a “B” level, this would also allow matches against Test status “A” teams to be included and organized.
At present there are several pundits who believe Zimbabwe’s cricket is in such a mess that they should be kicked out of the international scene. Others believe both Zimbabwe and Bangladesh should be pushed out of Full status. It will be interesting to see the reaction from some of these pundits to the expanded ODI group of nations.
As an example, I read an article headlined by former-Aussie skipper Steve Waugh saying it was time to pull Zimbabwe’s international status. In presenting an overall picture of international cricket, the correspondent, Malcolm Conn (“The Australian” Dec 5/05) mentioned some of the ‘flood’ of ICC pre-Christmas bulletins, including one about “numerous unknown players from obscure cricketing countries training in Pretoria”. (Yes, some of those ‘unknowns’ were from Canada – we’re labeled ‘obscure’ - taking part in the ICC Winter Training Camp!) Conn wanted to “diminish the number of matches teams need to play against minnows Zimbabwe and Bangladesh”. He would be one correspondent who isn’t likely to want to see the Aussies playing more games against the likes of Ireland and Canada. I also doubt he will be passing any cheques to the ICC to assist their Development Program! Doubtless some of the leading Associates will be dismissed by Geoff Boycott as teams his mother could score runs off….or even bowl out!
The ICC ODI status regulations, as published on their website, look for teams with ODI status to be more independent in their funding. Hopefully, the CCA can re-apply to the Federal Government for financial support – possibly looking to bridging finance to overcome whatever deficit needs to be eradicated. The other reasons for not receiving Federal assistance with last year’s application didn’t seem to be difficult to overcome, in my view. I did not get a clear picture of what the current CCA deficit is at the open session of their AGM so it would be speculative to ponder what burden exists. Perhaps there are some generous benefactors out there would step forward if they knew the true current position but can see a path to future profitability, particularly given the new opportunity of ODI status.
Based on current ICC announcements and plans, Canada’s ODI status is guaranteed up to the next ICC Trophy in 2009. This provides a great opportunity for development and consolidation in the interim. Best wishes to the team in this new, exciting era! Let us hope the supporting infrastructure will also develop quickly in order to make this status secure for a number of years. The strategy is shown in the “Presentation to Matthew Kennedy” that can be found on the home page of the CCA. Now is the time for the detailed plans to emerge that will make the strategy achievable and a continued, enhanced presence on the world cricket stage sustainable. (Eddie Norfolk).
Six new countries enter the fray - The expanding one-day world includes Canada -- Posted Thursday, January 5 2006
Martin Williamson spoke to Matthew Kennedy, the ICC's Global Development Manager, about the six countries who will be able to play full ODIs from January 1 and the effect this will have on the international game
What happens on January 1 and how does the ODI world change?
From January 1 2006, the ICC has approved that the top six Associates of Kenya, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Bermuda and the Netherlands will all have ODI match status whenever they play each other or a Full member.
In that respect, as well as the Associate vs Associate ODIs which these teams will play in Regional ICC events and bi-laterally arrange around Intercontinental Cup fixtures and the like, the ICC is working together with all Full members to create a schedule of Full member vs Associate member ODIs within the current draft six-year International cricket schedule which is being considered. This has specifically concentrated on the first three years (from May 1 2006 to April 30 2009 and aims to achieve - at the least - the following;
For the top two Associates (i.e. Kenya and Scotland) to play in one home ODI "series/event" involving a Full member and one away every 12-months (excluding ICC feature events such as the Cricket World Cup)
For the remaining four Associates to play one such Full member series/event at home or away every 12 months.
To this end, the inaugural Ireland vs England ODI in Ireland on June 13 2006 has already been achieved and announced. In the same summer, both Pakistan and Sri Lanka will hopefully be able to tour a European ODI Associate around their existing visits to England, with details currently being finalised. It is anticipated that a full schedule of all Full member v Associate member ODI events/matches in the lead up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 will be able to be announced relatively early in the new year. The plan is for these to comprise anywhere from two to five-match series, as well as possible tri-series, involving two Associates and a Full member all playing each other twice before a Final.
Once the pre-CWC 2007 schedule is locked-in we will work on firming-up the post-CWC schedule through to April 30 2009. Our current draft plans in this regard can obviously be greatly affected by any tour changes made by the Full members within the Future Tours Program which is yet to be finalised.
Are the six Associates ready?
There is no doubt that the Associate cricket world is as well prepared and resourced in the area of national teams and high performance as it ever has been, although the fact is that the Full members are obviously always striving to continue to improve as well. Therefore, the gap is never constant and that is the challenge which we are working hard to best face together with the Associates in a well-planned and enthusiastic manner.
The current top six Associates qualified for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 ahead of countries like Namibia and UAE who have both recently played ODI cricket versus Full members in ICC and ACC feature events. This illustrates that the competition is now very tight at the top of the Associates' group and this is a good sign. The performances of Associates such as Ireland and Scotland v Full members in "friendlies" over recent years, and going back to Kenya at CWC 2003, has provided a good indication of standard and potential. The ability to play first-class multi-day International cricket in the ICC Intercontinental Cup over the past two years - as well as participate in the expanded activities, funding and support which the ICC High Performance Program now provides - has also been crucial to raising standards.
In reality, to strongly compete with the Test nations they need the regular experience of playing meaningful matches against them more often and that is what this initiative better provides.
How will the LG ICC ODI Championship table work? Will all matches between the 16 rank equally?
The following ranking system has been approved in-principle by the ICC Executive Board after detailed consultation with David Kendix. The ranking system initially involves two ranking tables - an Associate table and a main table. An Associate will need to move through three stages:
1st Stage Ranked amongst the other Associates yet to fulfill the criteria for being ranked amongst the Full members on the main table.
2nd Stage Has a rating on the main table but not a ranking as it has not yet played enough games during the rating period against teams on the main table.
3rd Stage Is ranked in the main table.
In order to move from Stage 1 to Stage 2:
A team must play a minimum of 10 qualifying matches (excluding no results) during the period covered by the rankings. Qualifying matches are defined as ODIs played since August 2003 and matches played against the other Associates (top 6) at the ICC Trophy 2005; and either
a) Two of the qualifying matches result in victory over a Full member; or
b) One of the qualifying matches results in a victory over a Full member and more than 60% of those qualifying matches played against the other top 6 Associates have been won.
In order to move from Stage 2 to Stage 3, a team should have completed at least 10 matches over the period covered by the rankings against other teams who have ratings on the main table. This number is being reviewed and may be reduced to eight.
Thus, in direct answer to your question, only once the Associate qualifies to be on the main table will the matches rank equally. Before that, it is only the rating (as opposed to the ranking) of the Associate which is affected. You will know that the ranking system takes into account the strength of the opposition.
Please also note that the Board has decided that Kenya will be treated slightly differently in that it will retain its position at Stage 2 of the process. Kenya thus retains its current rating and once it plays sufficient matches, it will get a ranking on the main table.
Will the Associates be eligible to take part in tournaments such as the VB Series and the NatWest Series?
Yes, there is no reason why not.
With so much importance on the top six and the top 10 for World Cup/Champions Trophy qualification, how will the ICC make sure that those on the periphery - especially Bangladesh and Zimbabwe - play the best of the Associates?
The support and commitment to this Associates' ODIs scheduling concept within the proposed six-year program by all Full members has been very positive thus far. If all current draft event plans come to fruition, the presently lower ranked ODI Full members will actually play more matches over the three years versus the Associates and this is seen as appropriate, and has not been disputed.
Is there not an actual disincentive for those countries to play the best of the Associates?
We would hope not and see no difference to when Full Members play Associate members at the World Cup, for example. The Full members have shown serious commitment - in various ways - to global development since the start of the ICC Development Program in 1997. The aim is to now "step this up a notch" in playing access terms from the start of the next International program from May 1, 2006 with a semi-formalised ODI schedule for the best Associates. If any issues arise in this regard, they will need to be taken before the ICC Executive Board for consideration at the time.
So all Full Members countries have to play all the Associates in the four-year-cycle?
No, these matches are not a part of the, or any, set "Future Tours Program" requiring a certain number of tours, matches, etc. They will be add-on matches to the FTP within the overall draft six-year International cricket schedule that will be achieved by finding cost-effective opportunities for Full members to play the Associates during established available gaps in the program, e.g. either before or after an existing Full member FTP tour nearby or as a stand alone support tour to an Associate member of their relevant Region.
Aside from the $500,000 over four years, what else is the ICC doing to help bridge the gap between Full Members and Associates?
It is worth highlighting that the $500,000 to each of six teams for CWC 2007 is a major progression from $125,000 to each of just four teams for CWC 2003. This is a very significant new investment by the ICC in the developing cricket world which has enabled us to pursue initiatives such as this schedule of Full member ODIs for the best Associates. Combined with further funding and support under the ICC High Performance Program headed up by Richard Done, the ICC also assists the leading Associates in various other ways. These include, but are not limited to;
Initiatives such as the ICC Winter Training Camp which is a starting point in developing "professionalism" in preparation and approach. The intention is to do this again next year prior. When the ICC Global Cricket Academy opens in late-2007 this will bring related benefits and opportunities in this regard
The recent provision - since ICC Trophy 2005 - of match, team and player analysis capability / software to enable the HPP countries to better analyse their own performances and to plan strategies against other countries
Assistance with quality National Coach appointments - processes and funding
Supporting opportunities for individual players to develop their game with expert assistance and placements within Test nations (e.g. current support for Kennedy Otieno and Collins Obuya from Kenya with Terry Jenner and Rod Marsh in Australia). We are looking to arrange similar placement opportunities for leading coaches as this could be very beneficial
Improving ICC competitions - World Cricket League Division 1 and Intercontinental Cup development and enhancement
High Performance Manger visits, coaching seminars, etc.
HPP country meetings and co-ordinated planning and scheduling sessions, etc.
National Cricket Body access to offers of governance, administration and commercial advice and guidance from ICC, as appropriate
Umpiring initiatives for the best from the developing cricket world, in turn improving domestic activities in this regard.
Is there a risk that success/failure in ODIs will add to pressure on the ICC to add/remove Test status?
We would suggest that performances in Test cricket and the ICC Intercontinental Cup would be the main indicators towards standards in the multi-day form of the game. There are no provisions for a Full/Associate member overlap of competition in this regard and the set priority of providing this increased exposure in the area of ODIs is reflective of the appropriate focus for the Associate cricket world at this stage of its evolution. That is not to say that this important step may not play an important role in the emergence of a strong multi-day cricket country, which would be great.
I believe the elevated status of the Associates is on a four-year cycle. So, if at the end of that Kenya are fifth, they could still be asked to re-qualify via the ICC Trophy while Zimbabwe, say in 13th, would not? And possibly, the fifth-best ODI country might lose that status?
As you know, all Full members are afforded both Test and ODI status and the approval of this initiative does not change that. What we have been able to achieve - which we think is fantastic for the global development of the game - is that the top six Associates every four years also have the opportunity to have ODI match status. The fact that the Associates are tested via an on-going qualification system of the ICC World Cricket League to achieve this - which is open for all our Associate and Affiliate members - sits very comfortably within the principles of the developing cricket world If any issues arise in this regard, they will need to be taken before the ICC Executive Board for consideration at the time.
Under existing ODI rules, matches have to be televised and have third-umpire referrals. Does this apply to matches between Associates?
No, this particular playing condition will not compulsorily apply to ODIs involving the Associates (unless the host - or in the case of ICC events - ICC wants it to apply). This approach is consistent with a previous provision that was written into our regulations in respect of ODI matches involving Kenya when it was a sole designated ODI nation.
Will matches between Associates require the same level of ICC officials as ODIs do now? If so, won't that increase the burden on existing officials?
Yes, save in respect of non-televised matches, where a TV umpire is obviously not required. ICC will not increase the burden on the Elite Panel officials as we will either increase the number of officials on the Elite Panel or simply appoint members of the International Panel to these matches or both.
Will the ability of players to represent an Associate while qualifying for a Full Member - for example, Ed Joyce - be altered by the new status?
No, as per the current situation, a player qualifying for a Full member will continue to be able to represent his Associate member right up to the point that he is actually selected for the Full member.
There was talk of a mini World Cup between the six associates. Have those plans come to anything?
The top six Associates will come together for an all-ODIs event between themselves every four years in Division 1 of the ICC World Cricket League The first such tournament will be held in Kenya in January 2007 and will therefore be a key part of the next World Cup preparations of these teams.
What are the main benefits the new structure will bring to the game?
We believe that the key to the ICC Development Program is to use the resources it has been assigned and abilities it has to provide new and meaningful opportunities. This significantly increased access to ODI cricket definitely achieves that in a big way. As it develops over time, this major move will give the ICC, the countries concerned, and the cricketing public the opportunity to do all of the following for the first time;
Properly compare and rank the leading Associates, against each other, on a regular basis, and via more Global rather than Regional activity
Properly compare and rank the leading Associates, against the Full members, on a regular basis
Optimise preparations for ICC feature events such as the CWC with players and teams previously exposed to more ODI cricket at the highest level
Develop a cost, time and travel effective overall playing schedule for the leading Associates comprising of ODIs versus other Associates and Full members, ICC Regional events, the ICC Intercontinental Cup, key domestic competitions, etc.
Improve the ability to evaluate the outcomes of the ICC High Performance Program and assess and target assistance to particular areas, teams, coaches and players
Provide a focal point for sponsorship, Government and other funding opportunities for these Associate member nations
Provide a tangible and beneficial target for all Associate and Affiliate members to aspire to via the ICC World Cricket League
Develop a unified and sharing approach amongst the leading Associates in terms of collectively improving their on-and-off-field cricket abilities and practices, and in closing the gap to the Full members
More seriously build the global profile of the sport.
Martin Williamson is managing editor of Cricinfo
Material sourced from:- http://content.cricinfo.com/columns/content/story/231520.html
The ICC announces that the topsix Associates of Kenya, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Bermuda and the Netherlands will all have ODI match status -- Posted Thursday, January 5 2006
Six new countries enter the fray
The expanding one-day world January 3, 2006
Martin Williamson spoke to Matthew Kennedy, the ICC's Global Development Manager, about the six countries who will be able to play full ODIs from January 1 and the effect this will have on the international game.
What happens on January 1 and how does the ODI world change?
From January 1 2006, the ICC has approved that the top six Associates of Kenya, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Bermuda and the Netherlands will all have ODI match status whenever they play each other or a Full member.
In that respect, as well as the Associate vs Associate ODIs which these teams will play in Regional ICC events and bi-laterally arrange around Intercontinental Cup fixtures and the like, the ICC is working together with all Full members to create a schedule of Full member vs Associate member ODIs within the current draft six-year International cricket schedule which is being considered. This has specifically concentrated on the first three years (from May 1 2006 to April 30 2009 and aims to achieve - at the least - the following;
For the top two Associates (i.e. Kenya and Scotland) to play in one home ODI series/event involving a Full member and one away every 12-months (excluding ICC feature events such as the Cricket World Cup)
For the remaining four Associates to play one such Full member series/event at home or away every 12 months.
To this end, the inaugural Ireland vs England ODI in Ireland on June 13 2006 has already been achieved and announced. In the same summer, both Pakistan and Sri Lanka will hopefully be able to tour a European ODI Associate around their existing visits to England, with details currently being finalised. It is anticipated that a full schedule of all Full member v Associate member ODI events/matches in the lead up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 will be able to be announced relatively early in the new year. The plan is for these to comprise anywhere from two to five-match series, as well as possible tri-series, involving two Associates and a Full member all playing each other twice before a Final.
Once the pre-CWC 2007 schedule is locked-in we will work on firming-up the post-CWC schedule through to April 30 2009. Our current draft plans in this regard can obviously be greatly affected by any tour changes made by the Full members within the Future Tours Program which is yet to be finalised.
Are the six Associates ready?
There is no doubt that the Associate cricket world is as well prepared and resourced in the area of national teams and high performance as it ever has been, although the fact is that the Full members are obviously always striving to continue to improve as well. Therefore, the gap is never constant and that is the challenge which we are working hard to best face together with the Associates in a well-planned and enthusiastic manner.
The current top six Associates qualified for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 ahead of countries like Namibia and UAE who have both recently played ODI cricket versus Full members in ICC and ACC feature events. This illustrates that the competition is now very tight at the top of the Associates' group and this is a good sign. The performances of Associates such as Ireland and Scotland v Full members in friendlies over recent years, and going back to Kenya at CWC 2003, has provided a good indication of standard and potential. The ability to play first-class multi-day International cricket in the ICC Intercontinental Cup over the past two years - as well as participate in the expanded activities, funding and support which the ICC High Performance Program now provides - has also been crucial to raising standards.
In reality, to strongly compete with the Test nations they need the regular experience of playing meaningful matches against them more often and that is what this initiative better provides.
How will the LG ICC ODI Championship table work? Will all matches between the 16 rank equally?
The following ranking system has been approved in-principle by the ICC Executive Board after detailed consultation with David Kendix. The ranking system initially involves two ranking tables - an Associate table and a main table. An Associate will need to move through three stages:
1st Stage Ranked amongst the other Associates yet to fulfill the criteria for being ranked amongst the Full members on the main table.
2nd Stage Has a rating on the main table but not a ranking as it has not yet played enough games during the rating period against teams on the main table.
3rd Stage Is ranked in the main table.
In order to move from Stage 1 to Stage 2:
A team must play a minimum of 10 qualifying matches (excluding no results) during the period covered by the rankings. Qualifying matches are defined as ODIs played since August 2003 and matches played against the other Associates (top 6) at the ICC Trophy 2005; and either
a) Two of the qualifying matches result in victory over a Full member; or b) One of the qualifying matches results in a victory over a Full member and more than 60% of those qualifying matches played against the other top 6 Associates have been won.
In order to move from Stage 2 to Stage 3, a team should have completed at least 10 matches over the period covered by the rankings against other teams who have ratings on the main table. This number is being reviewed and may be reduced to eight.
Thus, in direct answer to your question, only once the Associate qualifies to be on the main table will the matches rank equally. Before that, it is only the rating (as opposed to the ranking) of the Associate which is affected. You will know that the ranking system takes into account the strength of the opposition.
Please also note that the Board has decided that Kenya will be treated slightly differently in that it will retain its position at Stage 2 of the process. Kenya thus retains its current rating and once it plays sufficient matches, it will get a ranking on the main table.
Will the Associates be eligible to take part in tournaments such as the VB Series and the NatWest Series?
Yes, there is no reason why not.
With so much importance on the top six and the top 10 for World Cup/Champions Trophy qualification, how will the ICC make sure that those on the periphery - especially Bangladesh and Zimbabwe - play the best of the Associates?
The support and commitment to this Associates' ODIs scheduling concept within the proposed six-year program by all Full members has been very positive thus far. If all current draft event plans come to fruition, the presently lower ranked ODI Full members will actually play more matches over the three years versus the Associates and this is seen as appropriate, and has not been disputed.
Is there not an actual disincentive for those countries to play the best of the Associates?
We would hope not and see no difference to when Full Members play Associate members at the World Cup, for example. The Full members have shown serious commitment - in various ways - to global development since the start of the ICC Development Program in 1997. The aim is to now step this up a notch in playing access terms from the start of the next International program from May 1, 2006 with a semi-formalised ODI schedule for the best Associates. If any issues arise in this regard, they will need to be taken before the ICC Executive Board for consideration at the time.
So all Full Members countries have to play all the Associates in the four-year-cycle?
No, these matches are not a part of the, or any, set Future Tours Program requiring a certain number of tours, matches, etc. They will be add-on matches to the FTP within the overall draft six-year International cricket schedule that will be achieved by finding cost-effective opportunities for Full members to play the Associates during established available gaps in the program, e.g. either before or after an existing Full member FTP tour nearby or as a stand alone support tour to an Associate member of their relevant Region.
Aside from the $500,000 over four years, what else is the ICC doing to help bridge the gap between Full Members and Associates?
It is worth highlighting that the $500,000 to each of six teams for CWC 2007 is a major progression from $125,000 to each of just four teams for CWC 2003. This is a very significant new investment by the ICC in the developing cricket world which has enabled us to pursue initiatives such as this schedule of Full member ODIs for the best Associates. Combined with further funding and support under the ICC High Performance Program headed up by Richard Done, the ICC also assists the leading Associates in various other ways. These include, but are not limited to;
Initiatives such as the ICC Winter Training Camp which is a starting point in developing professionalism in preparation and approach. The intention is to do this again next year prior. When the ICC Global Cricket Academy opens in late-2007 this will bring related benefits and opportunities in this regard.
The recent provision - since ICC Trophy 2005 - of match, team and player analysis capability / software to enable the HPP countries to better analyse their own performances and to plan strategies against other countries
Assistance with quality National Coach appointments - processes and funding.
Supporting opportunities for individual players to develop their game with expert assistance and placements within Test nations (e.g. current support for Kennedy Otieno and Collins Obuya from Kenya with Terry Jenner and Rod Marsh in Australia). We are looking to arrange similar placement opportunities for leading coaches as this could be very beneficial.
Improving ICC competitions - World Cricket League Division 1 and Intercontinental Cup development and enhancement
High Performance Manager visits, coaching seminars, etc.
HPP country meetings and co-ordinated planning and scheduling sessions, etc.
National Cricket Body access to offers of governance, administration and commercial advice and guidance from ICC, as appropriate.
Umpiring initiatives for the best from the developing cricket world, in turn improving domestic activities in this regard.
Is there a risk that success/failure in ODIs will add to pressure on the ICC to add/remove Test status?
We would suggest that performances in Test cricket and the ICC Intercontinental Cup would be the main indicators towards standards in the multi-day form of the game. There are no provisions for a Full/Associate member overlap of competition in this regard and the set priority of providing this increased exposure in the area of ODIs is reflective of the appropriate focus for the Associate cricket world at this stage of its evolution. That is not to say that this important step may not play an important role in the emergence of a strong multi-day cricket country, which would be great.
I believe the elevated status of the Associates is on a four-year cycle. So, if at the end of that Kenya are fifth, they could still be asked to re-qualify via the ICC Trophy while Zimbabwe, say in 13th, would not? And possibly, the fifth-best ODI country might lose that status?
As you know, all Full members are afforded both Test and ODI status and the approval of this initiative does not change that. What we have been able to achieve - which we think is fantastic for the global development of the game -is that the top six Associates every four years also have the opportunity to have ODI match status. The fact that the Associates are tested via an on-going qualification system of the ICC World Cricket League to achieve this - which is open for all our Associate and Affiliate members -sits very comfortably within the principles of the developing cricket world If any issues arise in this regard, they will need to be taken before the ICC Executive Board for consideration at the time.
Under existing ODI rules, matches have to be televised and have third-umpire referrals. Does this apply to matches between Associates?
No, this particular playing condition will not compulsorily apply to ODIs involving the Associates (unless the host - or in the case of ICC events - ICC wants it to apply). This approach is consistent with a previous provision that was written into our regulations in respect of ODI matches involving Kenya when it was a sole designated ODI nation.
Will matches between Associates require the same level of ICC officials as ODIs do now? If so, won't that increase the burden on existing officials?
Yes, save in respect of non-televised matches, where a TV umpire is obviously not required. ICC will not increase the burden on the Elite Panel officials as we will either increase the number of officials on the Elite Panel or simply appoint members of the International Panel to these matches or both.
Will the ability of players to represent an Associate while qualifying for a Full Member - for example, Ed Joyce - be altered by the new status?
No, as per the current situation, a player qualifying for a Full member will continue to be able to represent his Associate member right up to the point that he is actually selected for the Full member.
There was talk of a mini World Cup between the six associates. Have those plans come to anything?
The top six Associates will come together for an all-ODIs event between themselves every four years in Division 1 of the ICC World Cricket League The first such tournament will be held in Kenya in January 2007 and will therefore be a key part of the next World Cup preparations of these teams.
What are the main benefits the new structure will bring to the game?
We believe that the key to the ICC Development Program is to use the resources it has been assigned and abilities it has to provide new and meaningful opportunities. This significantly increased access to ODI cricket definitely achieves that in a big way. As it develops over time, this major move will give the ICC, the countries concerned, and the cricketing public the opportunity to do all of the following for the first time;
Properly compare and rank the leading Associates, against each other, on a regular basis, and via more Global rather than Regional activity
Properly compare and rank the leading Associates, against the Full members, on a regular basis
Optimise preparations for ICC feature events such as the CWC with players and teams previously exposed to more ODI cricket at the highest level
Develop a cost, time and travel effective overall playing schedule for the leading Associates comprising of ODIs versus other Associates and Full members, ICC Regional events, the ICC Intercontinental Cup, key domestic competitions, etc.
Improve the ability to evaluate the outcomes of the ICC High Performance Program and assess and target assistance to particular areas, teams, coaches and players
Provide a focal point for sponsorship, Government and other funding opportunities for these Associate member nations
Provide a tangible and beneficial target for all Associate and Affiliate members to aspire to via the ICC World Cricket League
Develop a unified and sharing approach amongst the leading Associates in terms of collectively improving their on-and-off-field cricket abilities and practices, and in closing the gap to the Full members
More seriously build the global profile of the sport.
Martin Williamson is managing editor of Cricinfo
Material sourced from:-
http//content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/231644.html
A brief history of the Vancouver based North Shore Cricket Club. -- Posted Thursday, January 5 2006
The North Shore Cricket Club was formed in 1921, when the club took on all comers at the south end of Boulevard Park in 'two-evening games' - one team batting until darkness the first evening, with their opponents playing their innings the following evening.
The North Shore League was formed shortly thereafter. The NorVans, Lonsdales, Lynn Valley and West Vancouver were all combined in what was affectionately known as the "Home Brew League".
NSCC emerged from the North Shore League and fielded teams in the First, Second and Third divisions of the BC Mainland League.
Between the wars, NSCC quickly became known as exponents of "Cheerful Cricket".
The First XI captured the Fife Smith Shield one year but the highlight to veteran spectators was a last wicket stand by Rej Haworth and Vic Vicory of 112 runs to win a match at New Westminster which finished in almost total darkness.
Prominent players from our club who have represented Canada were Ted Smyth, Robin Johnston, Bob Sowden, Bob Quintrell, Barry Seebaran, Kevin Sandher and Basil Robinson, who Captained the Canadian XI.
British Columbia representatives include Peter Darling, Bob Gauvreaux, John Blackmore, Vas Gunaratne, Chris Dunning, Iain Dixon, Sebastian Baldwin, David Butcher, and Manoj Perera.
North Shore Cricket Week flourished annually until 1940 when the players left for other duty. It was not until 1945 that the "Home Brew Club" took to the cricket field again.
In 1954, the club moved to our present home field 'Norgate Park'. In 1960, due to lack of reserve strength, the club was reduced to one team, but North Shore managed to win divisional championships in 1955 and 1972.
1980 saw the re-emergence of a North Shore Second XI, and a Third team in 1985. With the growth and enthusiasm of junior cricket on the 'Shore', a Fourth Team was added in 1996 to foster their development alongside our senior players. Finally, a Fifth North Shore team was added in 1998, which is a dedicated 'Colts' junior team.
After winning the Second Division Title in 1994, our First Team has played in the top division since. We were included in the inaugural year of a 7-team Premier Division in 1998. Our lads made the Semi-finals in 1998 and 1999 and the Championship final in 2000.
The 2006 Season will feature 5 NSCC teams in the BCMCL.
Go 'Shore Go!
Material sourced from http://www.nscricket.com/nscc_history.htm
The Cosmos Cricket Club, of the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League had a successfull 2005 Season - report -- Posted Wednesday, January 4 2006
We had a very good season finishing with 11 wins and 6 losses which tied us for tops in 2nd division. We won the Shield finals in a very close match. Unfortunately we lost the playoff for the division championship. All in all we had a very good season.
On November 19th, the league held the BCMCL Awards night a Stanley Park. Our club took home many awards:
Division 2 Sheild Championship
Divsiion 2 Sporstman of the Year Bobby Pitamber
Division 2 Sportsman of the Year Safraz Hussain
Division 2 Top Batsman Safraz Hussain
Division 2 Top Bowler Ashraf Muhammed
Congrats to all the winners.
There is also a very good possibility that our club will move up to the first division in 2006.
Report sourced from
http://www.geocities.com/cosmosunited/Cosmos.html
Cricket and The Loss of an Empire - An Historical Caprice (John W. Elliott) -- Posted Tuesday, January 3 2006
The sporting calendar is full of fixtures which can only be described as grudge matches. In soccer, there is Scotland versus England; Rangers versus Celtic; Arsenal versus Spurs. In South America, they take their soccer so seriously that a real shooting war once broke out between two countries after their national teams clashed on the field of play.
Even the seemingly genteel game of cricket is affected by bitter rivalries between teams and excesses of partisanship amongst their supporters. Classic grudge
matches are the tests between India and Pakistan and the Ashes Test series. While cricket may not have caused actual war, the game has caused riots on the
sub-continent and the Ashes Test Series of 1932, played in Australia, strained relations between the thirty-one year old Commonwealth of Australia and the mother country to breaking point.
The previous Ashes series played in 1930 in England was a triumph for the Australians thanks to the magnificent batting skills of the young Don Bradman from New South Wales. He comprehensively massacred the English bowling.
The M.C.C. captain for the 1932 tour of Australia, the Scotsman, Douglas R. Jardine, who held the Australians in deepest contempt, was determined, at all costs, to avoid a repetition of the 1930 débacle.
The sole aim of his captaincy was to neutralise the batting skills of Bradman. To that end he refined the leg theory of bowling and fielding used by Frank Foster
of Warwickshire during the 1911-12 tour. He went to the lengths of selecting the bowlers who were to carry out his plan from the ranks of "players" who would have no option but to bowl in this fashion. "Gentlemen" could afford the
luxury of conscientious objection to this type of bowling.
Because it seemed as if the bowlers were deliberately aiming for the batsman rather than the stumps, this style of bowling has gone down in the annals of the game as Bodyline. This name actually originated in the telegram which an Australian journalist sent to his paper when he had had to condense the number of words in his report to keep the cost of the telegram to a minimum.
Jardine’s insistence on continuing with this style of bowling which resulted in the opposing batsmen taking a terrific hammering on their bodies from the hand-picked fast bowlers led to acrimonious exchanges of cables between the M.C.C. and the A.C.B.; the Australian Government and the British Government.
The M.C.C. won the 1932 Ashes series. It was said that Jardine changed the game of cricket for the worse and turned the Ashes Test series into a grudge match.
This is nonsense. Only those who lack a historical perspective can believe this. Grudge matches are not restricted to the sporting calendar. The longest running
grudge match in British history was the hatred that existed between our Hanoverian monarchs and their heirs. This began with the accession of George I to the British throne in 1714 and, if truth be told, faint echoes of it can be heard today. Cricket played a part in this Hanoverian family conflict to the extent that it altered the succession to the throne; perhaps it was even indirectly responsible for the loss of the American Colonies.
The most poisonous manifestation of this feud was to be seen during the reign of George II. His heir was born Friedrich Ludwig in 1707 in Hannover, Hanover. When his father succeeded to the British throne in 1727, Friedrich Ludwig came to Britain where he was transformed into Frederick Louis becoming, first, the Duke of Cornwall and then, in 1729, Prince of Wales.
The breach between George II and his son was about money. The details of this need not concern us here. It is sufficient to say that there was a complete rupture
between father and son which resulted in the latter’s exclusion from court and the King forbade foreign ambassadors from visiting his heir They were only
reconciled after a fashion with the downfall of Walpole in 1742.
Unlike his grandfather, George I, and his father, Frederick made an attempt to assimilate himself into English life. He even went to the trouble of having all the
paraphernalia of cricket brought from England to Hanover, where he received his education. He never became a good player; but he was enthusiastic and throughout his life, yea unto its very end, he was a committed patron of the game. He died on 20th March, 1751 when an abscess on his brain burst.
It is popularly believed that this abscess was caused when he was struck on the head by a cricket ball during a match. Who is to say that this did not happen while he was at the wicket facing a primitive form of leg-theory or Bodyline?
Given the poisonous atmosphere which pervaded the Royal Household, who is to say that some malevolent Jardine of a courtier did not decide to neutralise this turbulent heir to bring some peace to the King by arranging this early display of Bodyline where the bowler’s target was not the wicket but the batsman?
George II was certainly a nasty piece of work as this verse, on the death of Frederick, written by that most prolific of poets, Anonymous, testifies:-
"Here lies Fred,
Who was alive and is dead:
Had it been his father,
I had much rather" .
Like the Bodyline episode of 1932, the death of Frederick could be said to have had an effect on British colonial policy. His death meant that his son now became heir to the throne. He succeeded his grandfather in 1760 as George III. Now he was the last really interventionist monarch in British political history.
During the earlier part of his reign, before he succumbed to madness, there was a recognisable King’s Party in Parliament. One can go so far as to say that it was his injudicious meddling in the creation of ministries which led to the eventual loss of the American Colonies. Perhaps if a cricket ball had not struck his father down and he went on to reign as Frederick I, the whole of North
America and not just Canada would still be within the British Commonwealth of Nations.
Neither the U.S.A. nor Canada belong to the great commonwealth of cricketing. The summer game played in both these countries is baseball. It is a popular misconception that the U.S. A. turned its back on cricket as a further assertion of its independence from Britain. This is not the case, as the direct ancestor of baseball is the old English game of rounders.
Baseball, originally base ball, along with rounders, was first described in 1744 inA Little Pretty Pocket Book in which there was a woodcut illustration of the children’s game of baseball. This book was extremely popular in England.
Editions eventually appeared in America in 1762 and 1787.
1744 was also a land mark in the history of cricket as it is from then that the first important version of the rules of the game was produced.
Cricket did not really take root in the American colonies. Baseball did not, therefore, supersede it there; both games developed simultaneously. Baseball is not so much an expression of anti-Englishness as an expression of the American national temperament which lacks the patience to appreciate the subtleties of cricket.
There are anglophile pockets such as the exclusive Longwood Cricket Club, in the Brookline suburb of Boston Massachusetts where cricket is still very much appreciated.
Khurram Chohan wins inaugural Clifford Cox medal in BCMCL -- Posted Monday, January 2 2006
The Cliff Cox Medal will be awarded annually to the ‘Best and Fairest’ player in the BCMCL Premier Division as voted by the Umpires throughout the regular season. It will be the most prestigious award and the highest individual honour that can be bestowed on a Premier Division player and will be named after Cliff Cox, in recognition of his contribution to the game in Vancouver...
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A good news Canadian cricket story to start the New Year. -- Posted Sunday, January 1 2006
In the summer of 2004 the Toronto Cricket Academy toured in Trinidad for two weeks, accompanied by a film maker who was working on a documentary about cricket. A preview of the completed film, "Cricket and The Meaning of Life" was recently shown to an invited audience.
The film is focused to a large extent on the activities of the young cricketers, who are the charges of Brian Hale, on and off the field. The discipline of cricket, with its adherence to 'the Laws', proscribes what may, or may not, happen on the field of play. The discipline off the field of play, as recorded on film, illustrated that young minds understood their responsibility as ambassadors of Canada and Canadian cricket.
The climate and culture of Trinidad was a challenge. The heat, on and off the field, extended the limits of physical endurance. What came through in the film was that the TCA students/players were disciplined. The learned discipline of character was shown during the last match. A determination was expressed, visually and orally, within the team that they had to win the last game. Not only was there a sense of pride projected in the film, there was the ever present maple leaf Canadian flag to remind the players what and who they were playing for.
Within the story of the tour to Trinidad, the film maker, introduced the values and beliefs of C.L.R. James. This was projected by an actor using text from some of James' writings. The interspersion had the Caribbean lilt and passion for life and cricket; or should that be cricket and life.
Values of respect for the opposing team was projected through the energy and determination to play hard, within an unknown environment. Character was exemplified with grace in victory and defeat.
These young cricketers have brought credit to Canadian cricket, through the passion, effort and dedication of their coach and mentor Brian Hale.
We would do well to find a coach for Canada's national team who could develop the on field skills and mental toughness that Sanjay film maker was able to project. The parents, viewing the film, will have learned something of their progeny both in terms of physical skills and mental toughness.
The film has already been sold to CBC Television. Dates and time of showing will be announced as soon as they are available.
A happy and prosperous New Year to all involved in Canadian cricket, and remember to keep playing with a straight bat, on and off the field of play. (Jon Harris).