Maybury benefiting from overseas experience
Greg Maybury made his debut in Bermuda’s defeat to Uganda in the ICC World League Division 3 match at the National Sports Centre on Sunday to graduate from promising youngster to senior international.Maybury, who took one wicket for 27 runs off his four overs, was the recipient of a Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) and Bank of Bermuda Foundation scholarship to study while developing his game at Oakham School in the UK the same boarding school Bermuda pace bowler Stefan Kelly attended.Five years later, Maybury, 19, is fulfilling his ambitions of playing for his country at the highest level and believes there is more to come from him.“The opportunity is priceless, there are countless lessons I've learned about my game just through playing constantly in foreign conditions and probably just as many life lessons from having to manage myself and have such independence from age 14,” he said.“I can't really put my family's support into words, they've travelled to as many places as I have for my cricket; from Trinidad to England and of course the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia, 2008.“Usually I'll find congratulations on a good performance on my phone or computer before I even get a chance to tell them because they're following online or however they can.“That's what made Cup Match so special for me. I just wanted to celebrate with all of them and show my thanks for all their support in what I've been doing so far.“Of course I have to thank the community, specifically the BCB and the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, to even have the chance to take my game further in all the places I mentioned.“Those who follow cricket will know different countries bring about different conditions which usually require slightly altered techniques. It's hard to argue you have all of these mastered until you first have all of the experiences necessary.”The seamer burst onto the Cup Match scene in spectacular fashion last year, helping Somerset reclaim the coveted title, and is one of a several Bermuda national team players to have benefited from international experience.Stephen Outerbridge and Jekon Edness are also past beneficiaries of corporate support as they furthered their academic and cricket education abroad, while fellow youngsters Kamau Leverock, Delray Rawlins, Tre Manders, and Terryn Fray have also spent time studying abroad recently.“From what I can tell, the major difference between our local players and ones abroad is the amount of quality training and matches they are exposed to,” added Maybury.“The more the BCB is supported, the more we can have players benefiting from the same or similar experiences to the world's top cricketers whether this be in other countries or improving the cricket structure and facilities at home.“I'm doing my best to make the most of the opportunities I have because there's not such a large window for the time you have for improving. If I have been able to encourage a few younger players through the way I've trained and played that will certainly be part of it.“Specifically at Oakham, I received the best bowler award for a few seasons in a row, I was nominated for best all-rounder occasionally and even won the overall best athlete prize in my fifth form year.“I'd like to think the school would jump at their next chance at having a Bermudian sportsman. In terms of truly measuring my success, it's not over. My judgment on how well I've done will be something I'll be able to see later in my career, when I have plenty more knowledge to pass on to those I'm playing with or maybe coaching.”