The University of the West Indies sports campus in Port of Spain is probably bleak at the best of times but on a scorching day in the dry season the lack of shade was relentless. And Sod’s Law, naturally, found an equation to make the day an hour longer than it needed to be for Zim’s warm-up game against the UWI Vice Chancellor’s XI.
Having been told that the campus was approximately half an hour’s drive from the hotel, our ever-cautious team manager conservatively opted to add a bit of extra contingency time…just in case. (Of what?!)
Of course, the estimated travelling time did not take into account our police escort which scythed through the gridlocked morning rush hour traffic with the subtlety and care of an ice-breaker in the arctic. If looks could kill not a single member of the squad would have made it to the ground alive.
When we did arrive, the place was deserted. I’m not sure the ground staff were even out of bed. Eventually, two hours after arrival and a far lengthier warm-up routine than had been planned, the squads were summoned to the far side of the ground for a “ceremony” which was described five times during its 22 minutes as “very short”.
Three professors spoke and a citation was read in honour of the man who was being celebrated by the University, the great Larry Gomes who played 60 Tests for the West Indies during their golden years of the late 70s and 80s. The nuggety left hander became famous holding the team together on the rare occasions when all the stroke-makers in the rest of the batting order failed in the same innings. The wording of the citation occasionally caused a sharp intake of breath.
“In an era batting otherwise known for its spectacular and entertaining style, Larry Gomes was…” – what?! You can’t say that, you’re supposed to be honouring the fellow! “…the man who provided the solid reliability which the team depended on.” Oh, alright then.
Rest day tomorrow after a solid win. T20 against the Windies on Sunday afternoon. Wonder if the world really will sit up and take notice if the Zimbos win…
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