Andre Russell, serving a one-year suspension for breaching an anti-doping whereabouts regulation, was a helpless onlooker on Saturday as his team St Catherine CC went for three titles on the trot in the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) all-island limited overs competition.
But his teammates ensured the West Indies star all-rounder had something to cheer about as they dominated Kingston CC in a nine-wicket triumph in the 50-over final at Chedwin Park.
“This is for Andre Russell,” came gushing from Danza Hyatt, the St Catherine Saints captain, when the Jamaica Observer caught up with him amidst jubilant post-game celebrations.
“It’s unfortunate for Russell and I know that the cricket fraternity is going to miss him for the year. We will all rally around Andre Russell as a St Catherine player. He will be missed, but we’re going to help him throughout this year.
“Before we started the game I told the team we had to dedicate this one to Andre Russell for the year that he will be out of cricket. The guys went out and they played an almost perfect game of cricket,” added Hyatt.
St Catherine, boosted by Oraine Williams’ ball-beating 146 not out, cruised to 230-1 in reply to Kingston Tigers’ 228 all out. Bowling medium pace, Williams took two wickets to support seamer Brian Buchanan, who accounted for three Kingston batsmen.
“It was surely a dedication to Andre Russell,” said an elated Williams in reference to his all-round heroics.
“I have to say tough luck to him and that ban. We are all here to support him through the year [of the ban],” the batsman continued.
Russell, 28, was unavailable for comment after the match.
Reported by Jamaica Observer
Message Board Archives
This is for you Andre Russell, team rally 4him
2017-02-07 08:44:50
2017-02-07 08:54:30
Why JA selectors didn't pick Oraine Williams to replace the injured King, he seems like a decent batsman who enjoys scoring runs with long innings much like King. He is also a nifty medium pace bowler!
2017-02-07 14:39:13
In reply to Slipfeeler
He is a country boy, yuh know how things roll on that side of the pond!
2017-02-07 15:24:12
In reply to XDFIX
He is a country boy, yuh know how things roll on that side of the pond!
Is nuh pure country bwoy in Jamaica side usually? Recently at least. Is town man dat recently getting di fight...hence King was o the sidelines so long. Oh, King is a sorta high coloured uptown boy to boot. That made matters worse.
2017-02-07 15:49:54
In reply to JahJah... from Campion.
2017-02-07 17:03:28
In reply to natty_forever
Imagine that a bright boy from Campion playing cricket, sounds like a future WI captain!
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