ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The official launch of the first ever American University of Antigua, Cool & Smooth College Cricket League in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, Sports, Youth & Gender Affairs took place on the grounds of the university last Thursday.
During the opening ceremony, Parliamentary Representative for St John’s Rural North and Minister of Tourism John Maginley, who delivered the feature address, gave a comprehensive overview of the institution from its inception to where it is today.
Maginley was high in praise for the university’s Vice President for Administrative Services & Community Affairs Basil Stuart who was a former worker at the Ministry of Health alongside the then health minister.
Maginley also gave kudos to the Executive Dean of the University Dr JS Nagra and the Board of Directors for their role in making the league a become a reality.
The tourism minister said he looked forward to the inception of a regional College Cricket League.
Dr Nagra also had kind words for Stuart for the work he did in bringing the league to this point. As a national of India, Dr Nagra said he has a passion for cricket and anticipated a very competitive tournament.
Assistant Director of Sports Evans “Jawakie” Jones was the Master of Ceremony, while Ann Jonas, the chief planning officer in the Ministry of Sports, also addressed the gathering on behalf of Senator Winston Williams.
Austin Richards Sr, the senior sports officer in the ministry, declared the games open.
The Antigua & Barbuda Cricket Association’s president and its members were missing in action.
In the lone match played after the launch, Antigua State College beat the University team by 83 runs.
Batting first, State College amassed 183 for seven off 25 overs, with John Davis hitting 41, Marcus Francis, 30, and Brian Allen, 28. There were 34 extras which included 24 wides, eight byes, a leg bye and a no ball.
Shahrukh Mustafa of AUA picked up two wickets for 35.
In reply, AUA were all out for exactly 100 runs in 20 overs. Shahrukh Mustafa hit 34. There were 32 extras, including 19 wides, a no ball, five penalty runs and seven byes.
Bowling for State College, Nino Henry took a scalp for 14 runs; James Stevens Jr had another for 19; Allen claimed four for 22, and Terrence Hernandez, three for 22.
