… Berbice cricketers keeping fit despite challenges

By Clifton Ross

FORMER West Indies Under-19 captain and Guyana all-rounder, Andre Percival, is rooting for action to return to the Ancient County of Berbice, following months of lockdown due to COVID-19.
Percival, a hard-hitting all-rounder who represented Guyana from 1992 to 2009 and was arguably the most successful Regional U-19 captain, told Guyana Chronicle in a recent interview that things in the ancient county were quiet following months of inactivity but he was hoping for a swift, healthy return to action when time permits.

With everything on hold locally and regionally, the 45-year-old pointed out that apart from missing the camaraderie the players will be hurt feelings-wise as most of them look forward to the Regional season as their own little tour.
“It was unfortunate for them because we would normally have our Under-13, U-15, U-17, U-19 and senior Inter-county tournaments. I know most of the guys were looking forward to the national season because it’s like a tour for them,” he said.
A former youth star locally and regionally with a total of 57 national appearances for Guyana in 50 Overs, 1st Class and T20, he was also a key part of the historic Guyana team who won the first Stanford T20 tournament.

The burly left-hander, who turned national coach a few years ago, believed that training will be heavily affected by the downtime; as most of the youths don’t have access to proper training facilities/equipment.
“As coaches we look at our young players as the future but because of COVID-19 there’s not much to do in Berbice right now. Some players would call and say coach can I have some balls to do a few throw-downs and so on but apart from that they still try to do their own personal workouts in the morning until things get better,” said Percival.

A stalwart of Berbice county cricket as a youth then in his senior years, the medium-pacer said upon return to action, the first phase is to assess players’ fitness and technique by virtue of various cardiovascular tests and match simulations.

“First we look at their fitness level, some yo-yo Tests to see their level along with some practice matches to see where their games are at. Other than that we will continue to stay close as a unit, wait until things get back to normal and ensure that Berbice cricket remains on top.” Percival ended.