The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), in collaboration with Dr. Frank Denbow, staged the second edition of its fast bowling clinic with West Indies legend Sir Curtly Ambrose, which featured more than 40 participants and was hosted at the Jai Hind Ground, Albion.
Ambrose conducted the initial clinic two years prior, which featured present West Indies test-bowler Shamar Joseph and Harpy Eagles speed merchant Isai Thorne.
According to Ambrose, “When I came here two years ago, I did not know what to expect. I always have an open mind, and it was nice to be back in Berbice. Giving back to cricketers means a lot to me; it gives me great satisfaction.”
Meanwhile, overseas-based Guyanese Dr. Frank Denbow, who is the creator of the clinic, said, “This idea (of having Sir Curtly in Berbice) came about when I was watching the West Indies Under-19 vs. England Under-19 in September 2021. I saw Isai Thorne; at that time he was 16 years old, and he was the fastest bowler. He was destined for greatness, so I made contact via a friend who knew the then BCB President, Hilbert Foster, and I pitched the idea to him to have Sir Curtly doing a three-day camp in Berbice.”
He expounded, “I said I wanted Sir Curtly because I found him to be the most disciplined fast bowler. He has the best economy rate among fast bowlers who took more than 200 wickets. Mr. Foster made it come through in 2022, and it was a success. Several players in that group went on to play for Guyana, and one played for the West Indies.”
Dr. Denbow further added, “There is another fast bowler who will play for the West Indies within 18 months. After the success in 2022, we went ahead to have the second camp.”
Meanwhile, Berbice Cricket Board President Dr. Cecil Beharry said, “What you learnt from Sir Curtly is not for you to do when he is here alone, but you need to develop it with your coaches at your club. That is the hope we at the BCB have for you, so you can do better and do well for Berbice, Guyana, and the West Indies.”
