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Bermuda seamer Kyle Hodsoll is drawing inspiration from his mother's memory as he prepares for the biggest tournament of his life.

Sharon Hodsoll died just days before her son flew out to take part in Bermuda's World Cup qualifying campaign.

The 20-year-old cricketer said he had taken the difficult decision to travel with the team to South Africa because he believes it is the best way to pay tribute to her.

"I'm just going to play my heart out. Everything I do is still to make my momma proud because I know she's watching from up above.

"I decided to come on this tour because cricket made my momma happy and everything I do in this tournament I dedicate to her.

"She was a big cricket fan and she has been there for me from day one. She always came to my games and always supported me.

"My daddy wasn't around when I was growing up, my momma was the most important person in my life," said Hodsoll, speaking from the Bermuda training camp in Pretoria yesterday

The talented St. George's bowler said his mother had lived just long enough to see him selected for the team.

"She couldn't really say anything. Her sickness had accelerated while we were on the Caribbean tour, but I could tell from her expression that she was happy."

Tough period

It's been a tough period for Hodsoll but he has been able to lean on his team-mates, especially fellow bowler Rodney Trott, who was Mrs. Hodsoll's grandson through marriage.

"Rodney is a really close friend of my family and he's had my back. I've been trying to maintain a positive mindset and not really think about it too much and he has helped me through."

The cricket squad, including coach Gus Logie, attended Mrs. Hodsoll's funeral last week and the young bowler said the support he had received had been inspiring.

Supportive

"All of the guys have been real supportive which had made things much easier for me."

Mrs. Hodsoll died early last week after a long battle with illness.[[In-content Ad]]

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