The local and regional cricketing fraternity was on Monday sent into mourning, when it was announced that former national captain Kenroy Da Costa Williams had died. Born in Harlington, St Philip, Williams passed away at the age of 40 after a brief battle with cancer. 

The Barbadian cricket fraternity was sent into mourning on Monday at news of the passing away of former national captain Kenroy Williams at the age of 40 after a brief battle with cancer.

The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) was swift to share sympathies with the family and friends of the late Barbados and West Indies B batting all-rounder, who was also a member of the St Catherine Sports and Social Club in his home community of St Philip. He was an employee at the Ministry of Agriculture.

For St Catherine, he was named Best All Rounder in the Sagicor Super Cup, during which he excelled with bat and ball. 

An aggressive and powerful right-handed batsman and off-spin bowler, Williams, a graduate of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic played 15 years at the regional level.

He compiled 915 runs in 29 First Class matches, including four half-centuries and a career-best knock of 82. He also took 47 wickets in that format, with a best of 5-50. 

In 19 List A fixtures, Williams amassed 240 runs and took seven wickets. He also played a solitary match for the Jamaica Scorpions in the 2019 regional T20 competition. He last played as a wicketkeeper for Charlotte Strikers in the Vincy Premier T10 League in 2020. 

Among the career highlights for Williams would have been his Player of The Match award against the Windward Islands in the 2017-2018 West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament. His 55 runs and seven wickets (3-21 and 4-36) helped hand the victory to Barbados. 

The West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) also shared the sentiments of its members and leadership. 

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kenroy Williams,” said Wavell Hinds, WIPA president and CEO.

“Kenroy was an exemplary sportsman on and off the field, he fought a good fight. May his soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon him. To Kenroy’s family, friends, and the entire cricketing fraternity, please accept our deepest condolences.”

Barbados-born England fast bowler Jofra Archer delivered an extraordinary performance on the opening day of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) Elite Division three-day Championship on Saturday, capturing 5-7 to lead Wildey into a dominant position against ESA Field Pickwick.

Playing at the SJPI ground, Archer, in his return to Barbados cricket, bowled eight overs in two sharp spells, as Pickwick struggled to deal with his pace and accuracy, being bowled out for just 61 in 30 overs after being sent in. Wildey captain Jerome Jones also proved effective, taking three wickets for a mere three runs in his seven-over spell of left-arm spin, contributing to Pickwick's dismal collapse.

By the close of play, Wildey solidified their hold on the match, reaching 112 for one off 24 overs. Demetrius Richards remained unbeaten on 41, and Nimar Bolden was not out on 36, guiding their side into a strong position. The pair shared an unbroken 58-run partnership, following Zachary McCaskie's solid contribution of 34, as Wildey built a healthy lead.

Elsewhere in the competition, there were other standout performances across the island.

At Bank Hall, half-centuries from captain Akeem Springer (67) and Mikhail Austin (65) propelled Fusionz Boutique Spartan to 254 for eight after winning the toss against defending champions Empire. The pair added 90 for the third wicket, giving Spartan the upper hand, before Empire's spinners Jomel Warrican and Nathan Sealy, both recently returned from CPL duties, pegged back Spartan, sharing five wickets between them.

At Lester Vaughan, Superb Blend Gladiola captain Matthew Jones also produced a fine spell, taking five for 69 as his side bowled out SigniaGlobe Financial BCA Youth for 217. Gladiola closed the day at 42 without loss, setting the stage for a strong reply.

Meanwhile, at Friendship, left-arm spinner Steve Pinder’s five-wicket haul helped IGS Insurance Brokers Yorkshire dismiss UWI for 254, despite some late resistance from Chemar Holder (47) and Shaquan Cave (50), who added 78 for the eighth wicket. Yorkshire responded with 79 for one by stumps.

Finally, at Beckles Road, Bayview Hospital YMPC posted the highest total of the day, declaring at 280 for seven, with opener Raymond Kellman blasting 80 off 48 balls. Captain Kemal Smith (68) and Jadan Jones (57) also contributed valuable runs against Championship leaders Wanderers, who faced a tough battle ahead.

The BCA Elite Division's first day of Series 5 produced captivating cricket, with Jofra Archer’s sensational five-wicket performance stealing the spotlight as Wildey asserted their dominance.