Crompton rejoice as ex-pro Sammy conquers the world

CRICKET:

CROMPTON Cricket Club members are celebrating after “one of their own” led his country to World Cup success.

St Lucia’s Darren Sammy was the Glebe Street club’s contracted professional in the 2007 Lake Garage CLL season.

And though he played fewer than half the matches following a call-up to the West indies touring party, he left a big impression on players and members.

Now the Windies captain, Sammy lifted the ICC Twenty20 World Cup following victory over hosts Sri Lanka on Sunday, having moulded a group of talented individuals into a proper team.

Simon Wright - Sammy’s skipper during his spell at Crompton - isn’t surprised at the respect he receives from his Windies team-mates.

“He is just an unbelievably nice guy,” said Wright, who was club pro himself this season, but will play as an amateur for Crompton in 2013.

“Darren is a humble man, extremely modest and always wanted to do well for Crompton, so much so that even though he knew there was a chance of a call-up to the Windies squad after he arrived here, he still wanted to bowl 25 overs to help the team. Sometimes it was difficult getting the ball off him!”

When Sammy left Glebe Street less than halfway through his contract he pledged to return one day.

And Wright is in do doubt he will stand by that promise should circumstances allow.

“He is only 28, so it wouldn’t be for a few years yet, but if there is a chance for him to come back I am sure he will do so,” said Wright. “He is that kind of guy.”






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