Tobago you was awesome - Global Cricket Series 2026
From Goat Racing to Trophy Winners – Why Tobago 2026 Was So Much More Than Cricket! 
As I sit back home reflecting on the last nine days, I’m not sure where to begin.
When people hear “cricket tour”, they often picture long days at the ground, scorecards and results.
Yes, we had plenty of cricket…
But this tour was so much more than that.
It was friendships. It was laughter. It was adventure. It was discovering a new culture. It was stepping outside our comfort zones. It was creating memories that will last a lifetime.
From the very first morning, waking up to breakfasts filled with fresh watermelon, papaya, pineapple and local delicacies, we knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary trip.
We travelled some of the most spectacular roads I’ve ever experienced—twisting and winding along the Atlantic coastline, climbing mountains before dropping into hidden villages where cricket grounds appeared around every corner. Every bus journey seemed to offer another breathtaking view.
And then there was the cricket…
Rain tried its hardest to stop us. More than once we arrived to pitches that looked better suited to swimming than batting. But these boys simply adapted.
If they couldn’t play on the pitch…
They played in the rain.
If the game was cancelled…
They found a beach and played there instead.
If there wasn’t a bat…
A piece of driftwood or even a flip-flop would do!
Because that’s what cricket lovers do.
Across the week we squeezed in T10s, T20s and 50-over matches against talented local opposition. We celebrated brilliant performances, watched Ben Shepherd light up attacks with fearless batting, saw Miles produce spell after spell that left batters scratching their heads, and witnessed every single player contribute in some way.
There were heartbreaking defeats…
There were last-over thrillers…
There were suspicious scorebooks that we’ll politely choose not to investigate…
And finally…
There was the Earl Arthur Plate Final.
A game that had absolutely everything.
A huge total.
An opposition flying out of the blocks.
Then one last over, six runs required, and Miles producing a sensational five-wicket haul to seal the trophy.
Champions.
The celebrations that evening, surrounded by steel pans and our wonderful Tobagonian hosts, summed up exactly what touring is all about.
But honestly?
Some of my favourite memories didn’t happen on a cricket field.
Like watching our boys play cricket in a tropical downpour because they simply couldn’t wait.
Or discovering that Tobago even has…
Goat racing!
Yes… actual goat racing.
With our players racing goats, cheering each other on and somehow producing one finalist.
There were beach days at Buccoo Reef, cruising across crystal-clear water in colourful glass-bottomed boats before jumping into the famous Nylon Pool—where even floating bars exist in the middle of the sea!
There were Caribbean BBQs, local seafood, lobster, fresh pasta, Italian restaurants tucked away in Tobago, shrimp and pineapple wraps that somehow worked brilliantly, snow cones, and enough fresh fruit to make me question why ours never tastes that good at home!
There was music everywhere.
Steelpans.
Sunday School (which, in Tobago, definitely isn’t what you think it is!).
Dancing…
Much to the complete embarrassment of the boys, while the adults happily threw themselves into it!
There were moments of pure comedy too.
Our now-famous trip to hospital after Fin’s spectacular diving catch attempt left him with fractured fingers. An ambulance ride with cupboards flying open, mysterious hospital snack hatches, a plaster that took several attempts to perfect, and Fin somehow reinventing himself as assistant coach, scorer and the world’s most determined one-handed water carrier.
Even Tobago’s wildlife wanted to get involved, with nesting birds repeatedly dive-bombing anyone brave enough to walk too close to their chicks!
What struck me most throughout the week wasn’t the cricket.
It was the people.
Watching friendships grow.
Seeing older players encourage younger teammates.
Parents becoming friends.
Everyone laughing together over meals.
Supporting each other through wins, losses and everything in between.
The cricket mattered…
But the shared experiences mattered even more.
That’s what Cricket Tours are really about.
They’re about giving young people opportunities they simply wouldn’t experience anywhere else.
Experiencing different cultures.
Playing cricket in amazing places.
Building confidence.
Creating friendships that last long after the suitcases have been unpacked.
Making memories that stay with you forever.
And judging by the smiles on everyone’s faces throughout the week…
I’d say we achieved exactly that.
⸻
Could you be joining us in 2027?
If reading this has made you wish you’d been there…
Good news!
In 2027 we are sending an Auld Alliance U16s team!
This week we will be letting you know exactly how you can be a part of our team:
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What’s included
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Who can join
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How to secure your place
If this year’s tour taught us anything, it’s that these trips are about far more than cricket.
They’re about adventure.
They’re about friendships.
They’re about unforgettable moments.
And we’d love you to be part of the next one.
Keep an eye on our page this week…
Your next adventure could be just around the corner.