Young Antiguan and Barbudan Cricketers Secure 31-Run Victory in London

A group of promising young Antiguan and Barbudan cricketers made their mark in London, securing a 31-run victory over Bede’s Senior School in an exhibition match held as part of activities surrounding the CHOGM 2026 cricket launch.

The Antigua and Barbuda XI posted an imposing 259 for seven from their 30 overs before holding Bede’s to 228 for eight.

Demari Benta produced the standout performance with the bat, striking 86 from 69 deliveries, including seven fours and five sixes. Hilroy Andrew also played a major role, scoring 64 from 53 balls, while Jaylen Francis contributed 27 and Matthew Miller added 22.

Andrew then followed up his half-century with two wickets for 22 runs, while Mekaili Tonge led the bowling attack with two for 21 from four overs.

The team featured several young Antiguan and Barbudan players currently developing their cricket in the United Kingdom, including Xaveek Toppin, Francis, Malique Walsh, Andrew, Tonge and Benta.

Naequan Carr, an Antiguan and Barbudan living in the UK, was also part of the squad, along with Leeward Islands Under-19 captain Matthew Miller, who currently attends Bede’s Senior School. Young Antiguan coach Dion Samuels, who is pursuing further coaching qualifications in the UK, coached the side.

The match followed the official CHOGM 2026 cricket launch in London on September 9 and also highlighted the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission’s annual Cricket Exchange Programme.

The programme has operated for the past eight years, giving young cricketers opportunities for international exposure and development while strengthening sporting ties between Antigua and Barbuda and Bede’s.

That relationship is expected to grow further in February 2027, when Bede’s is scheduled to undertake a cricket tour of Antigua and Barbuda.

Among those attending the exhibition were Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene, CHOGM 2026 Envoy and West Indies cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards, Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Karen-Mae Hill, CHOGM 2026 Business Forum Lead Celia Roberts-Morgan, Second Secretary Brent Scotland and Third Secretary Caleb Gardiner.

The High Commission also acknowledged Ambassador to Qatar Theon Ali for supporting the participation of the Antigua and Barbuda players in the fixture.