The days just seem to roll into one as we have had some very long days recently. Everyone is up and raring to go before 7am every day (well except me) and we are normally on the coach around 7.30. Some days we don’t arrive back till 5.30/6 and then we have around an hours rest before we have to head out for some food in the bright lights of Beau.
Tiredness though has kicked in and although the team are slightly below par because all of our bodies are starting to crumble (mainly Clives who needs an MOT when he goes home) we are absolutely gutted and I think given the chance we would all stay for another two weeks of given the opportunity.
Today we held our traditional festival for all schools that we have coached and we think would be suitable to play against other schools. We had four schools turn up to the festival and it was a very competitive and good standard of cricket. The teachers and children want to win at all costs and that’s what I love to see. I’m not one for losing at all. The festival lasted around three hours and eventually we had a winner, on run difference! GSS high school had a points difference of plus 84 compared to GBHS who’s point difference was plus 40. It was really good to see each school win a game, obviously showing that the talent is there, Cameroon Cricket Federation have to build on this.
After the festival the team of 11 reflected on our two weeks, boy has it been tough but we gave it everything we had. Between the 6 CWB coaches we have brought thousands of pounds worth of kit to donate, we have worked or travelled just about every hour since we got here and we have passed on thousands of HIV/AIDS messages. Could we have done anymore? I don’t think so and this is exactly what the coaches from the CCF and CWB all discussed. Honestly I think all six members of this CWB trip will return, me for sure, when work allows would love to return to Cameroon.
I would love to see CCF setup some age group structures across the major cities in Cameroon so that in years to come they have a stronger national team. The natural talent to throw, bat and bowl is there, it just needs some nurturing to take Cameroon Cricket to the next level.
Tonight holds a bag of tricks anyway. Apparently our hotel that doesn’t serve food has got a chef for tonight. We’re booked in at 6.30 but I’m currently taking bets on what time the food will come! Tomorrow on our day off we have a day of adventure in Limbe where we have numerous activities planned, I can’t wait for that!
Also a big hand has to go to Cameroon Technical Director Lawrence who took us all for smoothies today, much lay appreciated and a great gesture.
Danny mines