IVANS CLARKE – A CHOISEUL CRICKET ICON PASSES

From a Rivere Doree player, to one of the best cricketers in Choiseul, Ivans Clarke has always been the man to whom Choiseuil has looked upon for a good start.

Ivans Clarke

Ivans Clarke aka Lakot was a cricket perfectionist; I can't actually remember when we first met but I am of the strong opinion it must have been during a cricket match where I must have been very  impressed with his batting

Our friendship grew, as we often discussed cricket over a few drinks at the 99 Pepperpot (where Matthias is today) where the boys talked cricket the local authorities hosted at the time -  the Inter Club Cricket tournament  or an upcoming match. 

During the 70s and 80s, Ivans Clarke  was one of the best orthodox opening batsmen I have seen in Choiseul. You can take this to the bank. His repertoire of stroke-play though limited but those he played distinguished him above the rest – remember his mastery of the late cut? That is how he got the name” Laykot” which was the way his fans thought of defining him because of this shot to backward point off the new ball.- That stroke was a site to behold as the ball sped away.

Along with being a good batsman, he is a gentleman too. If cricket is a gentleman’s game, then Ivans Clarke is the perfect gentleman that the game has ever produced. You tell him that he had played well and he will immediately tell you that somebody has played well too. He was that humble and selfless. 

     A TRIBUTE TO IVANS

Ivans, Clifton, Gamble and Dedan set the stage for a renewed and powerful Choiseul Team during the 70’s and 80’s. They took cricket to another level:

1. Batting/bowling were revisited by the introduction of a concrete wicket
2. Conditions of play were greatly improved – the wicket
3. A sense of purpose was inculcated into the players
4. The upcoming youngsters saw role models to pattern their game from

Ivans played a pivotal role in keeping the boys together and encouraging the killer instinct in the Choiseul team.  His close friendship with Rudy John was a motivating factor in that he and Rudy always argued about each other’s team being the best. So Ivans was a mentor to the team.

Choiseul Champions in the 70s and 80s - Ivans 4th R backrow

Gaspard Blaize, a Retired Hospitality Director describes Ivans as "One of the best inspirational and loyal friend I have ever encountered. Ivans was instrumental in my overall development and did so with a passion and genuine determination.  Good friends are hard find and surely Ivans has left this void that is irreplaceable.“

 In the  early 70s Ivans initially played for the Rivere Doree Team during the well-organized Choiseul local cricket competition. Earlier, he was blessed to have found his lovely wife  - Ula.  He was now living in La Fargue. Whatever transpired between him and Dedan, Ivans left the Rivere Doree team and joined the La Fargue team and in his first encounter against his past team Ivans wept like a baby after the La Fargue team defeated his home team.

SAMSON

SYLVESTER

                                                           Champions who have passed

        Mc Arthur remembers him for the late cut and an avid country and western dancer.   

                                              Rest in peace Ivans, Until!!