Tallawahs meet budding cricketers

Jamaica Tallawahs players AndrÈ Russell and Horace Miller left the tour of St Catherine schools happy after interacting with cricketers from St Jago High, Eltham High, St Catherine High and Innswood High on Thursday.

"I think it's been fun, I always

wanted to do these things as a way of giving back, as I'm a product of the school cricket system," all-rounder Russell told The Gleaner at the

conclusion of the St Catherine leg of the tour.

"The reaction from the boys and girls was very good. We should do it again. I cancelled some meetings to be here," the Jamaica and West Indies representative disclosed.

Russell fitted in well with the aspiring cricket players.

"What you see is who I am. As they started talking to me, they saw someone who is humble but fun-loving. This helps with my cricket wherever I play as I always try to accommodate the fans. I love to motivate others in order for them to achieve goals. However, the key is hard work," Russell, who is in his third season with the Caribbean Professional League (CPL) franchise Jamaica Tallawahs, said.

Miller overjoyed

Horace Miller, a wicketkeeper/batsman who was drafted into the Tallawahs squad for the first time, was overjoyed to be a part of the tour.

"This is my first time in the CPL and I'm representing the Jamaica Tallawahs. The exposure on the school tour was very good. It gave me the opportunity to share views with students who represent their respective schools in cricket, just like I did at Norman Manley," Miller said.

"It was certainly good to reason with them. They were willing to listen and it was fun playing some cricket with the students as, while attending Manley, we did not experience this sort of atmosphere," he shared.

Andrew Richardson, who represented the Jamaica Tallawahs in the first two seasons and is now manager of the team, also said the experience was worthwhile.

"The Jamaica Tallawahs school tour is a good initiative as the players get a chance to give back. It gives the young players a chance to interact with the players. It is always good to pass on knowledge. This is a wonderful experience. We visited schools such as Papine High, St George's College and Campion College last week. We are now visiting St Catherine schools and the next stop could be in St Elizabeth next week," Richardson shared.