Cayman conquers Venus
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from April 2003.
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Formalising a training regiment centered on discipline, physical fitness, technique and tactics, the trip to the Venus Invitational was used as a warm-up for the team's eventual participation in the Island Games, scheduled for Guernsey in June 2003. The team finished behind the Barbados missile launchers, Deacons, led by the captain of the Barbados National Team Elwyn Oxley, and USA's Team Creole, led by the veteran Jamaican national, Dave Jack.
"I am most proud of the team's performance this weekend, as the level of play, unity and heart was most inspiring," said CI National Coach and player Shervin Rankin. "This trip has been a wake up call for all of our players, as we have now realised what we are capable of, hints of which we have seen in the past."
Shaking off obstacles such as injury, player fatigue and missing star player, Vince McElroy, the tournament served to highlight the individual potential and eclectictalent of the team during high level competition. At each point during the tournament's highs and lows, individuals were able to achieve balance, compensating for other players' temporary failings, which ultimately cemented the team structure. Spectacular passing and defense from the squad, centered around Daniel Pattico, who maintained a stony and determined visage; the high-flying lefty Curtis "Lazarus" Richards; and the ultimate "Libero" or defense specialist, Keith Higgins, enabled skillful set distribution by hitter-turned-setter George Miller, who displayed a wealth of talent and heart in his new role.
Heart, a notion defined in the realm of sport as gritty determination, blind ambition, and a bla. tant drive to succeed despite all odds, aptly described Miller as he distributed his sets with uncanny precision, providing the opportunity for his outside and middle finishers to excel. This included power blocker and middle hitter, Olney "O.T" Thompson, who stepped up his game to an unprecedented level, providing required intimidation at the net. Special mention should be made of the support offered by the young talents Alexei Ebanks, Dulian Terry and Andreas Ferguson, who developed a wealth of experience through observation and practice, which can only enhance their maturity in the sport. Rounding up the performers of this intricate drama was Glen Daykin, who was able to provide the requisite support on and off the court, and added a calming influence for the team during critical moments.
"This has been an remarkable accomplishment," said CIVF President, Noel Williams, "and has served to intensify the friendly rivalry that has developed between the Jamaican clubs and Cayman. This is also very indicative of the results that we expect on our venture to the Island games, as we have now faced and conquered competition on a higher level. We shall now utilise the time as the games approach to complete some fine-tuning, and will not rest on our laurels."
