Young guns dream big

Tre Manders, 18, and Terryn Fray, 22, are two of the young cricketers who are set to play a big role in the future of the Bermuda national team. After the disappointment of the team’s performances in the World Twenty20 Qualifiers in Dubai, the players talk to JAMES BURTON about the tournament, the future and their ambitions...

 What are your thoughts on how the T20 Qualifiers went in Dubai?

Terryn Fray: I thought the tournament was a great experience for us as a unit despite not reaching a qualifying spot, we started off well beating our rivals Canada in a nail-bitter, which went to the last few balls of the game, and then winning the first two games of the tournament which included beating Scotland and Denmark.

Unfortunately after that we could not register a win.

Tre Manders: I think that going to Dubai for a serious tournament is a huge boost for me to give me experience on the international stage and I’m pretty sure I speak for all the young players on the team. 

Even though we didn’t reach our goal there were a lot of positives and negatives we can take from Dubai in order to improve ourselves in the long run.  I still have strong belief in the national team and that we have what it takes to achieve great things.

Is a major finals within reach do you think?

TM: I still think there are big things to come for Bermuda and the national team. Hopefully we will be on the global stage again soon, it’s just going to take some commitment and hard work within the team.

Were you happy with your own performance?

TF: Personally I could have batted better when I did bat, I only played one game in the actually tournament where I would have liked to capitalize on an opportunity, unfortunately it didn't happen but that’s how cricket is at times. 

My fielding I think was outstanding I saved a lot of runs in the field and took quite a few good catches on the boundary.

TM: I won’t say I’m that happy with my performance but I am definitely satisfied with the effort I put in. 

Getting the MVP award against Denmark was a memorable moment for me to see that I can compete at a high standard. It gave me a huge boost on performing well for the rest of the tournament.

Do you see yourselves as the future of Bermuda cricket? Is that a pressure?

TM: I do see myself as one of the key players for Bermuda in the next 5-10 years as a batsman. 

But it is not just me that will be the future for Bermuda cricket, we have a few more young players in my generation that have what it takes like Kamau Leverock, Terryn, Christian Burgess and a few more youngsters that are key to the future that have not broken into the senior team as yet.

I don’t feel it’s a pressure as I am preparing myself for it and always feel ready for the challenge.

TF: Yes I do and no I don't feel pressure as of yet.

When my time comes to play a major role in Bermuda cricket, I know I'll be ready to perform.

What was Janeiro Tucker like as a captain?

TF: I think ‘Neiro’ is a good captain, he brings a sense of relaxation to the team, he tends to not stress despite the position of the team or how the team is playing. He brings a lot of insight, being one of Bermuda's most experienced players and I think experience is worth a lot when being a captain. Not only does he know what it takes but he also knows how to handle players in the changing room.

TM: Even though we did not qualify he has still been a captain to respect, as he knows what to expect from other teams, players, and even facilities. Having Janeiro as captain of the team was a great decision. 

Who is your idol in world cricket and why?

TF: It used to be Shiv Chanderpaul because of his composure and relaxation at the wicket and his ability to score lots of runs under pressure. 

Recently he took a break from Test cricket and in that period I started to watch Michael Clarke, from Australia, who has a demanding presence when at the wicket and has a confidence in himself that I would like to achieve in myself.

TM: Virat Kohli from India because he plays the same way I do in all parts of the game – batting at number 3, exceptional fielding and occasional bowling. The way he bats specifically made me choose him as my idol as that is how I see myself. 

What do you need to work on personally to become the best player you can?

TF: For me I think in this off season I need to work on drills that keep me focused for longer periods of time because early season for me is always a tough period and I think it's because I just want to play too many different shots too early and that’s because of lack of focus.

TM: I think I need to work on making better decisions, being more attentive and confident.  

I tend to get myself out most times because I get impatient when I can’t score easily.

How important has it been to experience cricket off island?

TF: Playing off the island is what every aspiring cricketer in Bermuda should try to do, it's completely different. 

Playing in the UK brings a more professional feel to playing, from the wickets and grounds you play on all the way to the uniforms with the numbers, names and sponsors on your playing kit. 

Also you manage to come up against big names on a regular basis which is a good experience and exposure for anyone looking to further their cricket.

TM: Being in the UK has improved me as a player, especially my batting as I am playing shots better than I usually do as the wickets are truer. 

In England there are better facilities and that gives me more of a boost to play better. Also being in a new environment I want to prove myself to my new team. Being in the UK has helped me to elevate my game.

When someone says the words Cup Match – what do you immediately think of?

TM: The first words I think of are heritage and tradition. Then I think of the honour of being selected to participate in the biggest challenge in Bermuda (like my father, uncles and cousin), also playing against and with the best players on the island is always a good sight to see. 

Playing with my team Somerset holding up the Cup as winners my first year was great, and scoring my first Cup Match century the second year was phenomenal.   

TF: I think cricket and summer back in Bermuda. I get excited.

What is your proudest moment in cricket so far?

TF: My proudest moment was qualifying for the U19 World Cup in Canada, we had such a good team.

TM: Winning my first MVP award for myself and Bermuda at the T20 Qualifiers when I scored 45 not out. Before that I would have chosen getting the century in Cup Match but getting the MVP award in my international colours was a very proud moment.  

What would be the ultimate cricket achievement for you?

TF: The ultimate achievement for me in cricket is to obtain a contract from any of the counties in England. I just want to play professional cricket.

TM: The ultimate cricketing achievement for me would be to score a century in Bermuda colours against a highly-ranked team.