An Antigua and Barbuda XI featuring some of the nation’s promising young cricketers secured a 31-run victory over Bede’s Senior School in a special exhibition match staged in London following the official CHOGM 2026 cricket launch on 9th September in London.
Antigua Barbuda Showcase Emerging
The Antigua and Barbuda team brought together several young Antiguan and Barbudan cricketers currently developing their game in the United Kingdom, including Xaveek Toppin, Jaylen Francis, Malique Walsh, Hilroy Andrew, Mekaili Tonge and Demari Benta.
The team also included Naequan Carr, a young Antiguan and Barbudan residing in the United Kingdom, and Matthew Miller, the Leeward Islands Under 19 captain, currently attending Bede’s Senior School.
Batting first, the Antigua and Barbuda XI amassed an impressive 259 for seven from 30 overs, before restricting the Bede’s XI to 228 for eight from their allotted overs.
Demari Benta led the Antigua and Barbuda batting effort with an outstanding 86 from 69 deliveries, striking seven fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 125.64. Hilroy Andrew made a valuable contribution of 64 from 53 balls, while Jaylen Francis added 27 and Matthew Miller contributed 22.
With the ball, Mekaili Tonge led the Antigua and Barbuda attack, claiming two wickets for 21 runs from four overs, while Hilroy Andrew completed a strong all-round performance with figures of two for 22.
The side was coached by young Antiguan coach Dion Samuels, who is presently in the United Kingdom pursuing further coaching qualifications.
Beyond the result, the exhibition match demonstrated the growing sporting relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and Bede’s Senior School and showcased the work of the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission’s annual Cricket Exchange Programme, which has operated for the past eight years to provide young players with international exposure and development opportunities.
The partnership with Bede’s is set to deepen further when the school undertakes a cricket tour of Antigua and Barbuda in February 2027, providing another opportunity to strengthen sporting, educational and people-to-people links.
The match was attended by the Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs; CHOGM 2026 Envoy and West Indies cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards; Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom; CHOGM 2026 Business Forum Lead Celia Roberts-Morgan; Second Secretary Brent Scotland; and Third Secretary Caleb Gardiner.
The High Commission extends thanks to Ambassador Theon Ali, Ambassador to the State of Qatar, for his support in sponsoring the participation of the Antigua and Barbuda players in this fixture.
As Antigua and Barbuda advances its final preparations for November, initiatives of this nature will continue to complement the substantive CHOGM agenda and reinforce the country’s commitment to a Commonwealth that delivers meaningful opportunities for its young people.
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