Teenage cricketer Chris Foggo is heading overseas again, having just completed an eight-week trip to South Africa where he took part in a youth clinic followed by a journey to South America where he joined Bermuda's national team at the Americas Cup in Argentina.

With barely time to catch his breath, the 19-year-old will this month join his St. David's team-mate OJ Pitcher as they make the trip to England where they will be welcomed by Bermuda's former national coach Roland Butcher at the Pyford Cricket Club.

Foggo, who has high hopes of one day playing English county cricket, successfully completed an extensive course at the Port Elizabeth cricket academy, located on South Africa's most southern tip.

"The experience in Africa was an eye-opener," he said. "The people were very friendly- just like back here in Bermuda.

"They were warm and approachable. It was a small community and everyone knew each other . . . in fact, the province where I was located is commonly referred to as the friendly city."

Foggo noted how a typical day began at 8.30 a.m. with a brisk warm-up which also included swimming and running exercises lasting until 10.30 a.m. Then players were summoned into the classroom for the remainder of the morning until lunch. At 2 p.m it was off to the nets for the duration of the afternoon.

"From Monday to Friday our schedule entailed various physical exercises and a lot of cricket lectures. Emphasis was placed on cricket psychology . . . there was a lot of mental work," added Foggo.

"I did fairly well, it was a great experience and they enjoyed the fact that I was the first Bermudian to attend their academy. They were very keen on learning more about Bermuda. So I was also like an ambassador for my country."

While the accent was on academics, Foggo got to play in a few matches against local side Port Elizabeth Jumbos - albeit batting down the order at number seven.

The youngster noted he enjoyed one knock of over 40 in hot, humid and breezy conditions.

"We played five matches against local side PE Jumbos who had a few players in their side who have already represented South Africa," he said.

"I also had the opportunity to face one of their quickest young pace bowlers.

"In the other matches I only managed to reach in the teens. I batted at number seven and I wasn't too pleased about that."

The Bermudian said he wouldn't mind making a return to South Africa to continue his cricket studies but was now awaiting his next challenge - that of playing in the Fullers County First Division in England under the watchful eye of coach Butcher.

"I would love to go back," he said. "But it is not always possible as there are so many youngsters just eager to get their chance. So in the meantime I am just looking forward to April 17 which is the date I leave for England.

"I am looking to make a good impression over there with the hopes of catching the attention of a first class county side."

St. George's Cricket Club's senior team begin their pre-season programme with a practice match against a West Indian Association Select this Saturday at the club, starting at 12 noon. All players are asked to attend.