The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) in collaboration with Dr. Frank Denbow hosted its second fast-bowling clinic with cricket legend Sir Curtly Ambrose. More than 40 cricketers walked away with knowledge at a three-day clinic which was held at Jai Hind Ground in Albion.
Ambrose visited Berbice two years ago and conducted a similar camp at Albion, and that camp included a then-unknown Shamar Joseph, who is now a West Indies Test bowler. Isai Thorne, who is now a Guyana Harpy Eagles fast-bowler, was also a graduate of the clinic.
“When I came here two years ago, I did not know what to expect. I always have an open mind and it was nice to be back in Berbice. Giving back to cricketers means a lot to me, it gives me great satisfaction,” Ambrose said.
Sir Curtly also gave credit where it was due, noting that he was not the only person responsible for Shamar Joseph’s success. Ambrose, however, is hoping that more fast bowlers can follow in the footsteps of Joseph.
Meanwhile, overseas-based Guyanese Dr Frank Denbow, who is the brainchild of this bowling clinic hailed the first clinic as a success and saw the need for a second clinic.
“This idea (of having Sir Curtly in Berbice) came about when I was watching the West Indies Under-19 vs England Under-19 in September 2021. I saw Isai Thorne, at that time he was 16 years old, and he was the fastest bowler. He was destined for greatness, so I made contact via a friend who knew the then BCB President, Hilbert Foster, and I pitched idea to him, to have Sir Curtly doing a three-day camp in Berbice.”
“I said I wanted Sir Curtly because I found him to be the most disciplined fast bowler. He has the best economy rate among fast bowlers who took more than 200 wickets. Mr Foster made it come through in 2022, and it was a success. Several players in that group went on to play for Guyana, and one played for the West Indies,” Denbow explained.
Dr Denbow added: “There is another fast bowler who will play for the West Indies within 18 months. After the success in 2022, we went ahead to have the second camp.”
Berbice Cricket Board President Dr Cecil Beharry also thanked Dr Denbow and Sir Curtly on another historic visit. He advised the youngsters to return to the club and continue to work on their games.
“What you learnt from Sir Curtly is not for you to do when he is here alone, but you need to develop it with your coaches at your club. That is the hope we at the BCB have for you, so you can do better, and do well for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies,” President Beharry said.
The 40+ youngsters that were present expressed gratitude to Sir Curtly for his sharing his knowledge. Guyana Under-15 fast-bowler Arif Khan, and National captain Adrian Hetmyer were among those present at the camp. Some of the Berbice Under-19 female cricketers were also present on day two. The clinic started on Friday April 5 and concluded on Sunday April 7.