Young national cricketer Shai Hope leaves the island today to take up a two-year scholarship at St Bede’s College in England where he hopes to enhance his batting and wicketkeeping skills while advancing his academic qualifications.The 16-year-old Hope, who plays Division 1 cricket for ESA Field Pickwick, scored a solid 81 in his last league outing against TeleBarbados Carlton. He is the brother of prolific batsman Kyle Hope, who was one of Cave Shepherd’s Five Cricketers of the Year for 2009.Hope, who has completed studies at Queen’s College up to fifth form, aims to pursue physical education and training, business, and art at St Bede’s. Last month netballer Tonisha Rock-Yaw embarked on a two-year scholarship at St Bede’s.Both Rock-Yaw and Hope gained their breaks through Julian Annel, a sports tour operator who arranges tours of colleges, schools, and clubs to Barbados. According to Annel, he was looking for a cricketer for St Bede’s and Hope was recommended by Graham Walker, the proprietor of Inspire Sports as well as the creator and sponsor of the highly successful Inspire Sports Under-13 Cricket Competition.Walker was also responsible for securing a scholarship at St Bede’s for Ryan King from 2007 to 2009, while Annel helped Jared Bernadin (2008).Bernadin, who played second division cricket for Sussex while in England, also boasts of turning out for one first division match. On Sunday, pace bowler Bernadin represented Empire in the Sagicor Cup against Old Brigand Dover at Bank Hall.Both Bernadin and King turned out at Inspire Sports in Rockley yesterday to witness Annel turning over the St Bede’s documents to Hope. (KB)
