Howzat!? All Stars on show at North Field

The crème de la crème of the island’s young cricket talent provided a glimpse of the future during the All-Star matches at the National Sports Centre on Saturday.

The Hiscox 11-and-Under All-Stars Game and the Bank of Bermuda Foundation 14-and-Under All-Stars Game followed the Tokio Millennium Re Eight-and-Under league games as the youngsters showcased their burgeoning ability.

Kimberley Jackson, Bermuda Cricket Board’s fundraising chairwoman, said: “The eight and unders played first and it was really good to see the kids developing their games and having fun.

“We then got the Bermuda Under-19s — who start their World Cup qualifiers soon —to give them a bit of advice on what they have to do if they want to represent their country at national level. 

“It’s a good cycle and a way of them giving back and getting them to speak to the young people.

“There was a real festival feel down there, with lots of people out to show their support for the Under 8s.”

The 11-and-unders then pitted East v West, with the East winning the 15-overs match by 28 runs. 

The MVP was Iyuan Smith, of Bailey’s Bay, who scored 15 runs off 15 balls and claimed one for seven with the ball. The play of the match was by Shea Hassell, of Willow Cuts, for a brilliant run-out. Jackson added: “For all the players selected this was our way of honouring the kids for making it to the All Stars. 

“It’s the intention of the BCB to start them on the Pee Wees and move them on up — from the grassroots to the world stage, that’s our aim.

“They definitely did their talent justice today – I’ve been very impressed by the level of cricket. Looking at the Under-11s, Bermuda will be served well as they grow up.

“The coaches and parents were amazed by their level. Fast forward and that group are going to do Bermuda very proud in the future.”

In the 14-and-Under All-Star game, East were all out for 112 in reply to West’s 131 all out from 29 overs. 

The game’s MVP was Davin Dill with 44 runs and a stumping, while the play of the match arrived courtesy of Jade Morrissey with a superb caught and bowled.