Previous Cricket Tours to Barbados

John Fisher School Cricket Tour
& Coaching Clinic to Barbados 2002

Tour Information

The group enjoyed a tour to Barbados, experiencing an irresistible mix of laid-back Bajan lifestyle, where the tropical sun is fanned by the trade winds together with a host of sandy beaches dotted along the coastline. It used to be known as "Little England" and although the island has enjoyed over 30 years of independence a warm welcome is always shown to its British visitors. Our liaison with Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes ensured that the team benefited from expert tuition and carefully selected opposition while enjoying all that Barbados had to offer.

Thursday 4th April

The group assembled in London for their direct flight to Barbados, taking approximately 8 hours. Upon arrival the afternoon was free to settle into the accommodation and make use of the facilities before a tour representative from Burleigh Travel gave a brief introduction to the Island followed by an introduction to Senator Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge, who welcomed everyone to the island and explained exactly what the coaching programme would entail.

This was followed by a reception party of drinks and fish cakes (a local speciality).

Friday 5th April

A group photo was arranged before walking the few hundred yards to Dover Cricket Clubs ground where the first coaching session was enjoyed.

The morning session was concluded with a 2 ½ hour break for lunch before embarking on the afternoon coaching session. After the coaching the remainder of the afternoon was free to relax by the pool or beach.

Saturday 6th April

John Fisher School V NATIONAL SPORTS COUNCIL XI

After the match the players had ample time to socialise with the opposition, and to receive feedback from Desmond and Gordon who umpired the match in order to monitor the teams skill levels before returning to their accommodation.

Sunday 7th April

The group departed their hotel in the morning for an island tour, before being transferred to the BoatYard where they were able to enjoy water trampolining, canoeing/kayaking and snorkelling, as well as lunch and drinks.

Monday 8th April

The morning was free before walking the few hundred yards to Dover Cricket Clubs ground for the 2nd fixture.

John Fisher School V Barbados U/17 Development XI

The visitors maintained their winning streak with a commendable 5-wicket victory.

After the game the group had ample time to socialise with the opposition before returning to their accommodation.

Tuesday 9th April

The cricketers left their accommodation in the morning and were transferred to Kensington Oval.

Upon arrival they practiced fielding drills on the famous Kensington Oval pitch before undertaking a tour of the stadium, including the Haynes and Greenidge stand.

Wednesday 10th April

After being transported to Bridgetown, the group enjoyed a cruise along the breathtaking West Coast of the island. They enjoyed a continental breakfast before having the opportunity to snorkel with the turtles.

As well as plenty of swimming and sunbathing on the decks of this glamorous vessel an open grill BBQ lunch and an open bar was enjoyed.

Thursday 11th April

The morning was free before the final fixture, which due to their impressive early form was against the National U/17 side.

John Fisher School V Barbados U/17 XI

Due to the positive feedback and coaching sessions improvement in skill levels and team morale was noticed by all and while defeated the team performed well.

Chris Murtagh scored an impressive 66 not out. He later went on to represent England U/16’s. John Spaul, the schools cricket coach, made a kind donation of kit from the John Fisher School to the National Sports Council.

Friday 12th April

This was a free day where the group were able to relax on one of the areas many sandy beaches. Some also took the opportunity to do some last minute gift shopping or to enjoy a round of golf.

Saturday 13th April / Sunday 14th April

For the last day a group breakfast was arranged at 10:00, which gave the touring party a chance to enjoy a question and answer session with Senator Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge. It was also arranged for the entire luggage to be collected from the hotel and transferred to the airport where it was checked in, leaving the morning free to relax.

The group departed their accommodation mid-afternoon for the 17:20 hours return flight home arriving in Gatwick the following day.