Source Antigua Observer

Scotland’s George Munsey is hoping to replicate his 2022 performance in the Cool & Smooth T20 Explosion when this year’s competition bowls off at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on April 13.

Munsey, who will join Jennings Tigers for a second straight year, finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 206 runs in four innings last year.

“I think Dario and his team is going to put on something that is bigger and better than last year, so looking forward to trying to carry on from last year. We’ve also got all the Scotland guys here for a Camp beforehand, so really focusing on that. We’ve got 13 days here to get all the guys in the best shape we can get into and then eight of us are staying behind to, fortunately, play in the Cool & Smooth,” he said. 

The player, who has scored 1,438 runs in 56 T20 International matches, arrived in Antigua on Sunday as part of a 15-member Scotland men’s delegation for a two-week camp ahead of the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers slated for June in Zimbabwe.

Following the camp slated to end on April 12, eight members of the team, including Munsey, will compete for teams in the tournament. The selected players will be drafted ahead of the tournament.

Munsey welcomed the opportunity given to other Scottish players to compete in the tournament.

“I think it’s going to be awesome for the tournament, but I think it’s also good for our guys as well. I think it adds an extra level of pressure for the guys to come across and be sort of the overseas pros and it’s something that I really enjoy doing. I look forward to my teammates coming out here and hopefully putting on a bit of a showcase,” he said.

Known as the reverse-sweeping demon of the Associate world, Munsey also highlighted the benefits of a preparatory camp here.

“Back in Scotland at the moment, the weather is not the best so we’re indoors a lot of the time. We’ve got a busy year so to get outside with good weather, good facilities is going to be good for the team. We’ve got a new coach joining us so to get some bonding time with him and some more time together as a group is very important this time of year and with the qualifiers coming up as well,” the Scottish player said.

The tournament is set to climax on April 29 with a grand finale at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

A total of eight teams will compete for the EC$23,000 grand prize and the coveted Cool and Smooth T20 championship trophy won by the Liberta Blackhawks in 2022. Blackhawks, who have won the tournament five times, are set to defend their crown.

The other competing teams in this year’s tournament are Bethesda Golden Eagles, New Winthorpes Lions, Empire Nation, Bolans Blasters, Pigotts Crushers, Jennings Tigers, and All Saints Pythons.

Former West Indies bowler Winston Benjamin is to help coach Scotland during the men’s training camp in Antigua next month.

The 58-year-old, who played 21 Tests and 85 one-day internationals, will assist from 1-12 April as the squad prepares for the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe in June.

Eight of the squad will then stay on to participate in the Cool and Smooth T20 competition, including captain Richie Berrington and vice-captain Matthew Cross.

Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Hamza Tahir, Liam Naylor and Oliver Davidson also enter the draft, along with George Munsey, who returns to Antigua with the Jennings Tigers after finishing top run scorer in last year’s event.

New interim head coach Doug Watson will join up with Scotland on the trip from 8 April.

“This collaboration with Antigua Cricket is innovative and very cost effective for Cricket Scotland in what is a difficult financial climate.,” said chief executive Gordon Arthur.

“We’ve been able to save over £100,000 on the full costs of delivering this tour, by working in partnership with Cool and Smooth.

“This is a new model for generating top quality cricket for our international players and reaffirms our commitment to providing our elite men’s and women’s squads with every opportunity to compete at the highest level possible, whilst ensuring the long-term stability of the business.”

Scotland’s training camp squad:

Richie Berrington, Kyle Coetzer, Matthew Cross, Oliver Davidson, Alasdair Evans, Adil Ghaffar, Chris Greaves, Jack Jarvis, Michael Leask, Chris McBride, Fin McCreath, George Munsey, Liam Naylor, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Hamza Tahir.

(Source BBC)

Source (Antigua Observer News Co)

Following an exciting climax at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in May last year, the Cool and Smooth T20 Explosion is set for a return in April, marking its 10th edition. 

Dubbed the region’s premier local white-ball competition, the tournament is set to bowl off on April 12 and close on April 29 with a grand finale at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound. A total of eight teams will compete for the EC$23,000.00 grand prize and the coveted Cool and Smooth T20 championship trophy won by the Liberta Blackhawks in 2022. Blackhawks, who have won the tournament five times, are set to defend their crown.

The other competing teams in this year’s tournament are Bethesda Golden Eagles, New Winthorpes Lions, Empire Nation, Bolans Blasters, Pigotts Crushers, Jennings Tigers and All Saints Pythons.

According to organizers, the tournament will continue to feature a number of regional and international talent, as the competition continues to provide realistic opportunities for players to experience West Indian conditions and possibly force their way into tournaments like the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Last year’s installment of the tournament saw the participation of young regional talent, such as Nyeem Young, Matthew Forde, and Leonardo Julien, who were drafted into the local clubs on show.

Director of Cool and Smooth, Amer Hourani, highlighted the excitement around the tournament, and the plan for 2023.

“Last year’s tournament was a huge success, but we plan to make it bigger and better in our tenth year. This competition has been a great way of developing not only Antiguan, but West Indian talent, and preparing them for the regional and international levels of cricket. All I can say is, you do not want to miss the Cool and Smooth T20 this year.”

In last year’s final, Blackhawks beat Bethesda Golden Eagles by 89 runs at the CCG.

Blackhawks batted first and made 165 for 5 in their 20 overs with West Indies and Leeward Islands player Rahkeem Cornwall hitting 50 runs off 30 balls, and Karima Gore making 46 also from 30 deliveries.

Eagles were then pegged back early in their reply and were at one time, naught for three, managing only 61 for nine off 13.5 overs before rain ended the contest. Gore did the damage for Blackhawks, claiming three wickets for just nine runs in four overs. West Indies spinner Hayden Walsh Jr claimed two for 15.

Rising Sun Spartans finished third after defeating Jennings Tigers in the third-place match.

Source (Cricket Scotland)

Eight Scottish internationals will face off against each other in this year’s Cool and Smooth T20 in Antigua, with the competition set to bowl off on April 13, 2023. 

Fresh from lifting the ICC Men’s CWCL2 trophy in February, the bulk of the Scotland Men’s squad will now get a taste of West Indian conditions for the first time. Scotland captain Richie Berrington will enter the draft, alongside vice-captain Matthew Cross, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Hamza Tahir, Liam Naylor and Oliver Davidson. Also involved will be George Munsey, who returns to Antigua for his second consecutive season with the Jennings Tigers after finishing top run scorer in last year’s event (pictured above). Munsey’s international teammates will each be selected by one of the other seven clubs in the competition.

The Scotland One Day International squad will attend a training camp in Antigua ahead of the tournament, in preparation for the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, set to take place in June. Joining the squad will be new Interim Head Coach Doug Watson, following his appointment earlier this week. 

The camp will run between April 1 and April 12, with the players acclimatizing to local conditions which are expected to be similar to those in Zimbabwe. The squad are set to have a series of practice sessions and matches against regional opposition to assist in their preparation.

Cricket Scotland Chief Executive Gordon Arthur said:

“We’re delighted to have Scottish representation in the 2023 Cool and Smooth T20.

“This collaboration with Antigua Cricket is innovative and very cost effective for Cricket Scotland in what is a difficult financial climate. We’ve been able to save over £100,000 on the full costs of delivering this tour, by working in partnership with Cool and Smooth. 

“This is a new model for generating top quality cricket for our international players and reaffirms our commitment to providing our elite Men’s and Women’s squads with every opportunity to compete at the highest level possible, whilst ensuring the long-term stability of the business.

“We are also close to confirming details of a series of fixtures for the Women’s International squad in 2023, which will build on the historic participation of the U19 Women’s team at the inaugural ICC U19 World Cup in January.”

Further details surrounding this historic tour will be published within the coming days.

Training Camp Squad:

Richie Berrington (Clydesdale)

Kyle Coetzer (Benwell Hill)

Matthew Cross (Heriots)

Oliver Davidson (Harborne)

Alasdair Evans (Carlton)

Adil Ghaffar (Ferguslie)

Chris Greaves (Grange)

Jack Jarvis (Grange)

Michael Leask (Forfarshire)

Chris McBride (Dumfries)

Fin McCreath (Unattached)

George Munsey (Royal High Corstorphine)

Liam Naylor (Watsonians)

Safyaan Sharif (Perth Doo’cot)

Chris Sole (Grange)

Hamza Tahir (Ayr)

President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association Leon ‘Kuma’ Rodney has reiterated the ABCA’s long-standing support of the Cool & Smooth T20 tournament, which will take place in April.

He expressed his utter satisfaction with the country’s sole national T20 competition and looks forward to hosting the tournament in its 10th year of operation.

“The Cool and Smooth T20 tournament is pivotal to Antigua and Barbuda,” he said. “It has now become a staple of the cricket calendar, and the ABCA is very pleased and grateful to the Cool & Smooth organisation for the successful running of the tournament as we continue to sanction it without reservation. We look forward to a fantastic competition in 2023 and hope the tournament can continue to move from strength to strength.”

The ABCA has always been a huge support system for the tournament since its first year of operation in 2013, assisting in the provision of modern administrative standards and being the liaison between the local clubs and the Cool & Smooth T20 team. CST20 has been the official T20 tournament of Antigua and Barbuda since its inception and recently received a boost from Leeward Islands Cricket, who will be making their players available for the tournament as well.

President Rodney also highlighted its impact on the development and growth of talent across the nation.

“I think it is fair to say the tournament in Antigua and Barbuda has been a fantastic growth opportunity for young players between the ages of 16 and 23. There are still some veteran players participating, but there are several development factors within the competition, aimed at providing opportunities for young players, providing more avenues for those players to enhance their craft and expand their horizon,” he said.

The Cool & Smooth T20 tournament has a deep interest in developing the vast talent Antigua and Barbuda has to offer and is overjoyed to work with President Rodney and his team to develop players across the country and provide them with opportunities. This tournament is a stepping stone to prepare young players, both nationally and regionally, for the senior professional levels of cricket.

The tournament bowls off on 13 April at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, with the grand finale to be played under lights on 29 April at the same venue.

Source (Antigua Observer News Co)

We would like to congratulate Mr. Karima Gore for his outstanding all-around performance with both bat and ball which assisted in helping Liberta Black Hawks successfully defend their championship. Gore scored 148 runs with an average of 49.33 and a strike rate of 164.44. He was also one of the leading wicket-takers with 7 scalps at an average of 9.57 and an economy rate of 3.94 an over.

He was named man of the match in the finals with a swashbuckling 46 runs from 30 balls to help Black Hawks to set a good total on board. He then destroyed the hopes and dreams of the Bethesda Golden Eagles with his first three balls of his very first over and the first over of their innings. West Indies batsman Devon Thomas was bowled the first ball and two balls later Deran Benta was caught trapped leg before for nought. He ended with figures of 3 for 9. Thanks to our sponsor for making the Player of the Week Award possible.

PIC Liberta Blackhawks have crowned champions in the Cool & Smooth T20 Explosion on Saturday night after beating CUB Bethesda Golden Eagles by 89 runs in the final play at the Coolidge
Cricket Grounds (CCG). Blackhawks batted first and made 165 for 5 in their 20 overs with West Indies
and the Leeward Islands player Rahkeem ‘Jimbo’ Cornwall hitting 50 runs off 30 balls, and USA’s Karima Gore making 46 also from 30 deliveries.

Eagles were then pegged back early in their reply and were at one time, nought for three, managing only 61 for nine off 13.5 overs before rain ended the contest. Gore did the damage for the Blackhawks, claiming three wickets for just nine runs in four overs. West Indies spinner Hayden Walsh Jr claimed two for 15. The Golden Eagles did not go home empty-handed as they received a ten-thousand-dollar cheque for finishing second. Meanwhile, Rising Sun Spartans finished third after defeating Jennings Tigers in the third-place match.

Other awards were given out on Saturday night. Thirteen-year-old Matthew Miller from Jennings Tigers was the Youngest Player in the tournament, Golden Eagles’ Nyeem Young who was also an overseas-based player had the most wickets. Another overseas player, George Munsey playing for Jennings Tigers in the tournament, got the award for Most Runs with 206.

Liberta’s Karima Gore was named the MVP of the tournament. Along with a trophy, Gore won 32-inch TV compliments of Cool and Smooth. Gore was also named the man of the match for the finals with a 46-run and a three-wicket performance. The Carl Joseph Most Disciplined award went to the champions, Liberta Blackhawks, as well as a $22,000 cheque for first place. The Blackhawks won the tournament in 2019 as well, when it was last held.

Jennings Tigers Mates

There are two young men who are turning heads in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Left-arm spinner Glenton Williams and wicket-keeper batsman D’ahri Francis have started their English season in brilliant fashion. Williams has already picked up 13 wickets with two 5 wicket hauls. His best performance has been 5 for 21 vs Wollaton CC in the ECB National Club Championship. Grantham managed to score only 177 from 40 overs and seemed as if they were hurtling towards a loss. Wollaton started solidly with 62 for the first wicket and even got to 157 for 4 needing just 21 runs to win but it wasn’t to be.

Williams bowled with good flight, drift and spin to bamboozle the men of the Wollaton CC bowling them out six runs short of their target of 178. He earned himself his second man of the match in two days after picking up 3 for 22 against Market Deeping CC. Last Sunday, he picked up 5 for 13 on debut against Harlaxton CC. His teammate from Jennings Tigers has also been up to some good stuff too.

Francis scored his first century on English soil with a brilliant 131 not out vs Afghan Strikers helping his team (Sunday XI) to win by 12 runs. The tall lanky batsman punished anything loose from the bowlers and got his team to a respective total of 242 for 9 while the strikers could only muster 230 in return. One day earlier playing for Grantham Second XI he got 48 vs Market Deeping in a winning cause.

Further Afield

Demari Benta of Crowhurst Park CC stroked a quality 72 vs Glynde & Beddingham CC 1st XI in a rain abandoned game. Jaylen Francis scored 36 on his debut for Keyworth CC and picked up one wicket. Last year’s MVP for Marshfield, Kadeem Henry got off to a steady start scoring 35 in his first game for the season and picking up a wicket as well to help his team to pick up a win.