Cricket body for the blind praises T-13 Breese tournament
THE Jamaica Visually Impaired Cricket Association (JAVICA) says it is pleased with the developmental boost provided by the recent staging of the Brian Breese T-13 Blind Cricket Championship.
The four-team tournament, which began in early November and ended December 2, was won by Super Vision after they defeated Cataract Strikers by 126 runs in the final at Lucas Cricket Club’s Nelson Oval base in east Kingston.
“I would say it [the competition] was a great success,” Jason Ricketts, JAVICA public relations officer, told the Jamaica Observer.
He noted that quite a number of the players only entered the visually impaired cricket programme towards the back end of the year.
“We were able to introduce over 17 new players from the feeder programme to what blind cricket can be like. For many of them it was the first time they were actually playing the sport and, from all indications, they found it very wonderful and they have committed to continue learning the sport,” he said.
“These players were introduced to the sport at the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired during their physical education class in September,” Ricketts added.
In the T-13 final, Super Vision won the toss and took first strike. They racked up a daunting 174-3 off their allotted 13 overs on the back of a blistering 30-ball 71 from Gregory Stewart. He struck seven fours and a six.
Alvin James was the top bowler for Cataract Strikers with 1-39.
In reply, Cataract Strikers were restricted for only 48 as no batter reached double figures. Joshua Courier led the Super Vision bowling with 2-12.
Scores: Super Vision 174-3 (13 overs); Cataract Strikers 48 (7.1 overs)
The other teams in this season’s T-13 tournament were Blind Royals and Retina Warriors.
The organisers thanked partners Sport Development Foundation, Jamaica Cricket Association, Hy-Lite sport drink, WB Trophies, and Lucas CC for providing support for the staging of the competition.
The competition was staged in honour of retired outstanding sports administrator Brian Breese, one of the founding members of JAVICA. Breese’s son, Gareth, is a former Jamaica and West Indies all-rounder.
