Jamaica Gleaner
Published: Monday | June 1, 2009
Home : Sport
Players honoured to participate in Headley centenary match
Anthony Foster, Gleaner Writer

LynDie Headley, son of legendary Jamaican and West Indies cricketer George, believes Saturday's cricket match, which formed part of the centenary celebrations marking the 100th birthday of his father, was an ideal fillip to the tribute.

"I think it's an important part of the celebration because when you talk about George Headley, George Headley is cricket," said young Headley.

He continued: "The celebration is pretty much to talk about his achievements in the game."

The week-long exhibition closed yesterday at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, while the public symposium took place last week Tuesday night.

"In the scheme of things, the game of cricket is what it is all about. We could not have the celebration without a cricket match."

National senior player, Danza Hyatt, scored a century, 103, with nine fours and seven sixes, for Oneil Cruichshank's XI which beat Delroy Morgan's XI by three wickets.

An honour

Batting first, Keith Hibbert scored 101 from 73 balls, an innings laced with 11 fours and four sixes, as Morgan's XI scored 230 for eight off their allotted 35 overs.

Morgan chipped in with 53 against Gavin Wallace 3-27 and Howard Hamilton 2-27.

Cruickshank XI replied with 233 for seven in 34.4 overs. The captain supported Hyatt with 33 not out.

"It was a great feeling to be a part of the George Headley 100th birthday celebration ... And to score a century, it's even greater," Hyatt, who said he had read a great deal about George Headley, commented.

Rawl Lewis, who captained the Windward Islands in last season's regional first-class tournament, also described his outing as an honour.

"It's an honour for me to play in a game like this because he was a great man - when I look at his record, plus he was like a founder for West Indies cricket," said Lewis.

"To come here and celebrate with these Jamaican people, it's a proud moment for me," added Lewis, who took four for 29 and made 18 for Morgan's XI.

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