Rob on our final festival day.
Whilst the dawn of the final day of coaching for us out in Rwanda could be described as bright and early – there was no sign of the rain that had come down the previous night – the latter adjective couldn’t be used to describe the schools. In true African style, we didn’t get going till nearly an hour after the scheduled start. What the children lacked in punctuality however, they would more than make up for in both enthusiasm and ability.
Whilst the previous week’s festival was a great deal of fun, there were some games which were very mismatched, with primary school kids pitted against children much older. Audi once again showcased his ambassadorial credentials by suggesting an alternative strategy. He went on to organise what were essentially two festivals, a primary one and a secondary one, and this new approach worked excellently. Given that cricket isn’t as well cemented in the south as it is in Kigali, a sensible decision was made not to run Pairs or Continuous Cricket matches, but instead to base the competition around the game of Crossfire. Whilst it doesn’t bear as much resemblance to real cricket as the others, it is energetic, promotes teamwork and provides a genuine test of cricket-related skills. In other words, perfect for a festival in Huye.
With four games running concurrently, the playing field at Kabutare Technical Secondary School was a cauldron of activity. Our CWB volunteers were responsible for running the matches, which they did so with aplomb. What was extremely striking, though not altogether surprising, was how much the local teachers were getting into the games. Although they may need some education on the Spirit of Cricket, it is important that they are passionate about their charge’s exploits. As newly trained CWB coaches, we hope they will continue to develop the children’s cricketing skills as well as reinforcing the HIV messages we have introduced. Whether they have an interest in the game of cricket, or just in winning, hopefully that enthusiasm will filter through to the children.
In the primary school competition, GSB Catholique were the outright winners, having won all their games. The results for the secondary schools were more nailbiting however, with both Kabutare and Cefotec schools having won three games and the title was decided on total runs scored. Lee did his best Davina McCall impression as he announced that Kabutare scored 196, whereas Cefotec scored, wait for it, 227 (Note: this figure may not be accurate as on the video I took Lee’s voice is drowned out by the Cefotec team celebrating before he can finish. It’s definitely two hundred and twenty something. Check Wisden.) Following the Crossfire competition, a bowling and a catching competition was held. In the secondary catching Kabutare went one better than previously to win it, whilst Regina Pacis School won the bowling. The honours in the primary went to Cyrwa for the bowling with a mighty score of 12 more than double any other team in both primary and secondary with Autonom scooping the catching prize.
All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable and productive day, with exactly 100 children attending, and all were treated to one final reiteration of the HIV message from Audi before we set off north again to Kigali. The evening meal was held at an excellent Indian restaurant at the invitation of the RCA. It was clear that they are really grateful for the work that both CWB volunteers and ambassadors do. Joshua said that Rwandan cricket wouldn’t be anywhere near where it is now without our input, which I think we all appreciated. Also present was England Women’s cricketer Heather Knight, so we’ve now all had a curry with an Ashes centurion – this trip just keeps delivering.
Only thing that can be said about reaching 5000 is congratulations! That is a phenomenal effort from every single member of the team. Eddie, give them all one of your special "no holding back" hugs!
Now the record has been set, that just lays down the challenge to the next Rwanda project. Records are made to be broken!
Another great blog to finish with, Rob. Almost felt as though I was there when reading this! Forget the physics and sign up for that journo course at University of Central Lancs. One word of caution, though, about reporters who include a "note to subs" in their copy (Last para: "Might want to stick his name and title in here"). Busy subs don't always see it. But at least you didn't include an insult or the F-word. That's been done a few times, I can tell you. Enjoyed spending the Rwanda fortnight with you and keep up the writing