Warwick Workmen’s Enjoy Successful Tour in Canada

While Bermuda's ground staff struggled with bad weather for the Americas Select tour matches, Warwick Workmen’s Club found better conditions in Canada, enjoying sunny skies during their end-of-season tour. The team played three matches against Derek Perera’s Ontario Cricket Academy (OCA) in Ontario.

Last Friday, Warwick faced a tough challenge as OCA secured a nine-wicket victory in a 40-over match at Courtneypark Cricket Ground. Warwick was bowled out for 91 in 26.1 overs, and their opponents easily chased the target, losing just one wicket, which was claimed by Staphen Dill.

On Monday, Warwick bounced back, playing two T20 matches at Mavis Cricket Ground. Malachi Jones, a former Bermuda player, shone in the first game, scoring an unbeaten 63 off 41 balls. His performance, alongside Tre Manders’ 20 and Cory Burgess’ 26 not out, helped Warwick chase down 130 in just 14.2 overs. Earlier, OCA posted 129 for eight, with opener Gurjaap Singh contributing 58. Marcus Johnson took three wickets for Warwick, while Burgess and Jacobi Butterfield claimed two each.

In the second T20 match, Warwick couldn't replicate their earlier success, losing by five wickets. Jones and Manders, batting lower in the order, top-scored with 36 each. Despite posting 141, Warwick couldn’t defend the total, as OCA chased it down in 17.1 overs.

Reflecting on the tour, team leader Lorenzo Tucker accentuated that the trip was more about team bonding than results. “It was a high-spirited tour, and the experience was invaluable for the players,” he said. He noted that while the first game was disappointing, the team showed great improvement in the second match.

Warwick captain Staphen Dill echoed Tucker’s sentiments, praising the camaraderie among the team. "It was great to see so many different personalities come together on the tour," he said, adding that playing against a cricket academy provided valuable insights into the game.

While Warwick has just earned promotion to the Premier Division in the 50-overs competition, they face relegation to the First Division in the Athene T20 League. Their last T20 match of the season is against St George’s at White Hill Field.

Dill acknowledged the team’s growth, noting, "The promotion speaks volumes about how far the team has come. This is one of our biggest achievements since I joined Warwick eight years ago."

Looking ahead, Tucker is focused on maintaining Warwick’s position in the Premier Division while aiming for promotion in the T20 format next season. "Our ultimate goal is to stay up in the 50 overs and get promoted in the T20," he said.