Cancer survivor hits 111 not out in Development Bank Premier Cricket match at Conaree

Codville Rogers (right) points his bat to the pavilion after he passed the 100 runs mark

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (March 19, 2013) — About one year ago he was diagnosed with lymphoma (blood cancer). On Sunday March 17, St. Kitts and Leeward Islands batsman, Codville Rogers hit a splendid 111 not out for Rural West Zone Team in a Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis Premier Cricket League match against the St. Kitts Cricket Association’s Development Team at Conaree Cricket Grounds.

The two-day match started on Saturday with the SKCA Development Team captained by Akeem Saunders winning the toss and choosing to bat. They were 140 all out off 42 overs which saw Le-Tang Ferdinand making 34 runs and Cameron Pennyfeather making 55 runs.

The SKCA Development Team had started on a promising note and was at one time 93 for 2 before their batting order collapsed. Doing the damage from the Rural West Zone Team’s bowling were Elvin Berridge who took five wickets in 14 overs and Simeon Hardhat who took four wickets in seven over.

Rural West Team’s Codville Rogers (left) leading members of the SKCA Development Team off the pitch after the match ended with his team making 466-8 declared off 107 overs

In reply, Rural West Team started batting on Saturday, and continued to Sunday. Captain Shane Jeffers made 160 runs, Dilyn Liddie 52 runs and Javal Hodge 80 runs. However, the most inspiring was Codville Rogers who was making his debut innings for this season after the cancer treatment, when he made 111 not out.

When he passed the 100 mark (after scoring 101), instead of raising his bat in the air, the left handed batsman pointed it to the pavilion. In a post-match interview, Rogers noted that he only returned to the Federation on February 7 from Miami, Florida, where he had been undergoing cancer treatment. “It is in remission,” he said of his cancer.

Rural West Team made 466 for 8 (declared) off 107 overs and was declared the winner on first inning points. Bowling for SKCA Development Team saw Tristan Hanley take two wickets in 25 overs, Leachim Phipps three wickets in 22 overs, Vashas Aravind two wickets in 19 overs, and Viandre Edwards one wicket in seven overs.