A TOO JAZZY KIND OF DAY

We were given a window of opportunity to visit what could be considered a progression of CWB. We were invited to partake in training sessions of the Too Jazzy Cricket Club, which was a complement of boys and girls aged between 8 and mid-20s. 

We returned to a school we previously worked at which we had seen was used throughout the community. There was bible studies going on, with children being educated under blankets in the sun. An epic football match finished just as we arrived, clearing the ground for our session. 

Team Jazzy were called together and provided a brief explanation of cricket development processes in the UK. They were invited to partake in what turned out to be a brutal yo-yo test. Run by Matt and Amy and supported by the remaining CWB team, the test was smashed by the team who proved from the onset that they were competitive team players and resolute to the end. Sickness and gagging was had, and plenty of water consumed. 

Reconvening of the troops and a quick chat with reference to specific skills meant we had different groups for spin, pace, batting, and keeping stations. CWB coaches and Team Jazzy players went on to mix and match skills, carry out drills (I’m a poet and I didn’t even know it!), and learning from both parties was maximised with all facilities utilised (another poet!). 

As exhilarating and fun-filled as this was, more was yet to come. After a few hours rest, some market running, and project avocado vs mango look-a-like competition with some lessons learnt for some of the team, we returned back to the home of Rwandan cricket for to deliver a very important message: Team Jazzy you are not to lose. 

Teams were selected and parameters set, and most importantly the local laws of cricket explained to the officials. Matt and Beth took up their positions as scorers, Rob and Andrew officiating from the middle. Match referee Michelle, clipboard in hand, circumnavigated the boundaries to ensure all laws were complied with. Paul and Ali maintained stewardship and ground security by keeping the crowd entertained. Who knew 6s could be scored by running 6, ultimately assisted by balls being stuck in rooftop gutters and hit into neighbouring gardens? 4s only in the V and reverse V, and you can be out if you hit a house. Standard laws apply. 

The overarching theme of the 2 innings was the incredible versatility and capability of each and every team Jazzy player. Certainly the verbal and thumb author of this post came away inspired by the fact that individuals, players, and a team with so little can be the makings of something so great. There may be a desire for this team to win, but our report from today is they’ve already done that.