Young Bermudian cricketer Isaiah O’Brien has won the award for player of the tour on Ontario Cricket Academy’s trip to Cape Town, South Africa.

O'Brien, a member of the Bermuda Under-19 squad, shone with bat and ball on the ten-day trip, which concluded on Sunday. The 17-year-old’s best display with the bat came in a T20 match against Khayelitsha Colts, in which he scored 67 runs off 42 balls to lead OCA to a three-wicket triumph.

The St David’s player also compiled a 25-ball 49 in a 50-over contest against Gary Kirsten Academy. With the ball, the medium-pace bowler’s best figures were two for 31 in the win over Hermanus Cricket Club.

O'Brien, who travelled with his Bermuda Under-19 team-mate Sa-Qui Robinson, believes the tour helped him a lot in improving his cricket.

“The overall experience was truly exhilarating,” O’Brien said.

“Travelling with the OCA team provided me with invaluable opportunities for growth, development and exposure, allowing me to perform at a higher level on a different stage.

“This journey pushed me beyond my comfort zone, helping me refine my skills, strengthen my adaptability and gain a deeper understanding of teamwork.

“Throughout the trip, I experienced a range of challenges and triumphs that contributed to both my personal and athletic growth. Competing in a new environment tested my ability to adjust to different playing conditions, strategies, and opponents.

“I learnt to think quickly on my feet, communicate effectively with my team-mates, and embrace the mental and physical demands of high-level competition. Each match was a lesson in resilience, patience, and determination.

“Beyond the game itself, I was also able to immerse myself in the cultural aspects of the trip. Engaging with the local community, exploring new traditions and forming connections with fellow athletes from different backgrounds broadened my perspective.

While on the tour, the young Bermudian also displayed his generosity by giving away some of his equipment to those who needed it more.

“One of the most memorable and rewarding experiences was donating my gently used cricket gear to a team that lacked the necessary resources,” he said.

“Seeing their excitement and appreciation reinforced my belief in the power of sports to bring people together and create opportunities for others.

“This journey was more than just an opportunity to play cricket – it was an experience that enriched me on multiple levels. I returned with not only improved skills, but also a renewed sense of purpose, gratitude, and motivation to continue growing both as an athlete and as a person.”

As a key member of the Bermuda Under-19 team preparing for the regional Cricket World Cup qualifiers, O’Brien is aiming to put his learnings into play for the national team.

“I see this opportunity as a jump-start to my training, allowing me to focus on my individual goals and get fully prepared for the World Cup qualifiers,’’ O’Brien added.

“The exposure to different teams and playing environments will be invaluable in helping me adapt and perform at my best.

“Additionally, training and hopefully playing with the Bermuda men’s team will further enhance my development, providing me with the experience and confidence needed to take on the challenges ahead, especially for the qualifiers.”

Robinson, who was on his second trip with OCA after travelling with them to Trinidad & Tobago in 2023, was delighted to witness O'Brien excel on his first tour with the academy.

“It was great to see one of my closest friends doing great,” Robinson said. “I could tell that he was really enjoying playing cricket.”

The 17-year-old described the trip to Africa as a wonderful experience that played a part in preparing him for bigger assignments.

“It was eye-opening because I was not used to that type of cricket before,” Robinson said.

“It was a different experience and it helped me get better. I enjoyed how my team-mates carried themselves off the field, how they got along with each other very well and the sportsmanship they showed was really great.

“This trip is going to help me a lot when I play for the Bermuda Under-19 team. It’s going to help me adapt better to other conditions.

“It'll also help me stay focused while I’m out there, and keep my head in the game all the time.”

Sammy Robinson, the St David’s assistant coach and father of Sa-Qui, explained how his close ties with Derek Pereira, the OCA founder, presented the opportunity for the two Bermudians to take part in the tour.

“The owner of Ontario Cricket Academy is a good friend of mine,’’ Robinson said.

“He was looking for three players from Bermuda to go with them this year. OCA travel every year and in March they usually take an under-19 team to Sri Lanka.

“Every April they take an under-17 team to Trinidad. In 2023, I took my son to Trinidad with his team and last year I went with them to Mumbai and Sri Lanka.”