By Andrew Clarke

Last updated 15:40, Wednesday, 06 February 2008

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Playing under the banner of Cleator Crusaders, 21 cricketers took to the field, supported by more than 20 family and friends, for a series of Twenty20 matches against the national team of the Caribbean island St Kitts. And although the class of the international cricketers told in the end, the West Cumbrian visitors gave an excellent account of themselves.

“We had a fantastic week both on and off the pitch,” said club vice-captain Ian Clark.

“We gave a good account of ourselves against the St Kitts squad, who took their games against us seriously as they were using us as a warm-up for the Stanford Twenty20 tournament that has just taken place in Antigua.

“It was a great experience for us to play at Warner Park – where Australia played their group games in last year’s World Cup. The facilities were tremendous and playing against the backdrop of the St Kitts mountains was something special.”

Cleator played five games – three against St Kitts, one against St Kitts Academy and the final game against St Kitts Past and Present.

They lost all five but strong performances at the bat from Graham Clark, Darren Clark, Paul Nelson and Paul Duffett, and top bowling from David Rooney kept the games close.

They were scheduled to play a day/night game against neighbouring island Nevis but it was cancelled due to rain.

Cleator’s players also got the chance to meet up with their old teammate and former pro Elsroy Powell, a native of St Kitts, who spent a season in Cumbria in 2003.

“Our captain David Rooney (Boots) has travelled all over the world, playing and following cricket, and he has said that St Kitts is in his top 10 so that says a lot about how much we all enjoyed it,” added Ian.

“The people were so friendly and their way of life is so laid back. Paul Nelson and his partner Ann did a great job of organising the trip, as did former Haverigg prop Junie Mutchum who is based out there, and we would definitely go back given the opportunity.”