Colin Blades

Achievements:

• Barbados National Team: Debut in 1964

• Somerset Cup Match: Played through 1983, Lifetime average of 49.54

• Somerset Cup Match All-Time XI: Selected in 1991

• Bermuda National Team Captain: 1982

• ICC Trophy: Leading batsman in 1982, with a 103.33 batting average

Biography:

Colin Blades began his cricket journey at an early age in Barbados, honing his skills in his father's fields and eventually captaining his school’s senior team before heading to university. Making his debut in 1964 against Guyana, he represented Barbados in the Shell Shield competition alongside cricket legends such as Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Conrad Hunte, Wes Hall, Charlie Griffith, and Seymour Nurse.

Freddie Trueman, in a News of the World article, highlighted Blades’ batting prowess and predicted that he would soon join the West Indies Test team. Although that opportunity did not materialize, Blades’ move to Bermuda in 1970 proved to be a significant gain for Bermuda cricket.

Blades made an immediate impact on the local cricket scene and quickly became a key player for the Somerset Cricket team. His impressive performance as a colt, scoring 60 runs, ensured his selection. Blades played in the Cup Match for Somerset through 1983, achieving a lifetime average of 49.54, second only to Janeiro Tucker. He amassed 644 runs, placing him 17th overall, with fewer innings than any other player above him on the list. In 1991, he was honored by being selected for the Somerset Cup Match All-Time XI. Blades cherished playing in Cup Match, likening the experience to being in the arena with the old Roman lions.

Blades' most memorable Cup Match moment was Somerset’s victory in 1979, ending two decades of St. George’s dominance. He contributed 62 runs in the first innings and took three valuable wickets. Blades was also part of Bermuda’s team in the first-ever ICC Trophy in 1979 and was named captain of the Bermuda National Team in 1982. Under his captaincy, the team was undefeated in group play but lost in the final to Zimbabwe. Blades led all batsmen with a 103.33 batting average and 310 runs in the tournament, earning the Man of the Match title three times.

Blades was the first person to win back-to-back Achievement Awards in the Annual Government Sports Awards for 1980/81 and 1981/82, recognizing his cricket achievements. After retiring, he continued to contribute to the sport as a cricket commentator on ZBM radio. Blades wishes to be remembered as "an entertaining cricketer who gave some fun" but also as a team player who valued his wicket and played for the team.

Legacy:

Colin Blades’ legacy in cricket is marked by his exceptional talent, dedication, and sportsmanship. His significant contributions to both the Barbados and Bermuda cricket scenes, coupled with his leadership and performance in international tournaments, have left an indelible mark on the sport. Blades’ continued involvement in cricket as a commentator reflects his enduring passion for the game. He is celebrated as an entertaining and committed cricketer who played with skill and integrity, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.