As the team awoke on what was another stunning Kigali morning, there was a real buzz about returning to the Rwandan Orphans Project for the second time in the week that afternoon. I think that all of us would agree that spending time there embodies what CWB is all about.The boys have very little in terms of what you'd call material goods as you'd expect, but there is a tremendous family atmposphere and spirit which one cannot help but be sucked in to. In essence, they are a wonderful bunch of boys who never cease to be full of joy and excitement at the prospect of playing cricket. It is a fantastically rewarding experience working there and it's testiment to Jenny and Sean who run the centre that CWB find it to be one of the highlights of the trips here.
There is real interest in playing the game and listening to the messages that are incorporated in to each session, not to mention a phenominal level of natural talent amongst the boys. The improvement in skill levels from just one session was staggering, with my bowling taking some serious tap from these freakishly strong lads on a number of occassions. It was a sign of things to come in terms of my cricketing fortunes for the day.
We were sad to leave the ROP, but pleased to hear that there were plans to come back with the BBC in the second week to spend more time with these fantastic lads (and on a personal note, regain some pride after what was a shocking performance).
After a bite to eat, it was off to the Kicukiro Oval to see the home of Rwandan cricket and finally meet the gargantuan opening bowler, 'Big Eric'. It is rather poignant that the very grounds on which the oval is situated was the scene of one of the most brutal killings of the Genocide. 5000 were mown down in little more than an hour, a level of killing that is hard to comprehend.
However seeing the ground as it is now, a hub of activity with cricket and football facilities, fills the heart with hope and pride in a nation that whilst not forgetting, is attempting to move on. We were all very keen to get stuck in to what was a well organised training session. Immediatly, messrs Ferguson, Booth and Alder were showing off their fielding skills on the outfield which it's fair to say had a few demons. Showing no regard for their teeth, the CWB lads were soon diving around in an attempt to show the locals who was boss.
This went relatively well, and it was with great anticipation and gusto that Ferguson and Alder strapped on their pads to face the music (namely of the chin variety from the Big E). The batting started well, with both players keen to stamp their authority on the session. Ferguson played a delightful slap over cover to open the scoring whilst Alder deposited a six over long on from his second ball. This, unfortunately was about as good as it got for the pair as giddiness got the better of them and the castles began to fall. Alder was knocked over no less than 5 times playing some uncharacteristically wild hacks. Ferguson faired slightly better but fell foul to some lax footwork, yorking himself off the spinner 'Don'.
The bowling was slightly less of a debacle with some pride regained through the prize scapls of both big and little Eric. Both of whom are very talented lads and will hopefully go on to become roll models for future Rwandan cricketers.
It was great to finally get involved with some proper cricket and see the fruits of previous trips paying off. There really is a huge pool of talent and it is CWB's and the RCA's responsibility to make sure these boys (and girls) get a chance to stay in the game.
Onwards and upwards with lots to look forward to over the next week.