Description
Iraq Kieron Anthony Thomas was born on the 6th of March 1993 and grew up in Speyside, Tobago. He is most deserving of the Sports award because he is an exemplary player within the game of cricket where he represents Trinidad and Tobago at his best. Thomas is known locally and internationally to have a reputation as an explosive batting all-rounder. Thomas? drive, passion and talent for cricket was present from an early age. His talent afforded him the opportunity to play for the U13 national team of Trinidad and Tobago and also was called to trials for the U19 national team.
Through perseverance and dedication, Thomas (25) has played, and been the top player for a number of teams over the years. These clubs include Scarborough-Mason Hall, Canaan/Bon Accord, Sports Elite, Queen?s Park Cricket Club and recently, Congresbury Cricket Club just to name a few. Thomas has the record for the most centuries in T20 cricket by a Tobago cricketer, most sixes in a single T20 cricket innings and of course, the fastest T20 century struck in 21 balls ending the game in eight overs, with an unbeaten 131 of 31 balls (15 sixes 5 fours) beating his previous best score of 97 from 53 balls. He also went pass Chris Gayle?s fastest T20 hundred record when he dispatched a hundred off just 21 balls.
In 2015, Thomas was the recipient of the Atlantic/Kieron Pollard Scholarship Award where he travelled to England to play for Barnes Cricket Club. Thomas, in 2017, again journeyed to England but played for Congresbury Cricket Club as an amateur overseas player. There, he amounted 805 runs (18 league games, 2 friendly games, 1 cup game) with an average of 50.31. His highest score being 141 of 74 balls not out, hitting 15 sixes and 6 fours. Thomas ended the season with a strike rate of 147.15. Having had such a great season and being instrumental in aiding the club in moving up a league, Congresbury Cricket Club signed Thomas to return in 2018.
Playing for Barnes Cricket Club, Mr. Thomas had an bowling average of 19.94 with his best figures for the season being 6 wickets for 39 runs; with his second best being 4 for 29 runs. For Congresbury Cricket Club, 4 for 10 runs was Thomas? best with and overall average of 17.47, next best was 4 for 21 runs.
During this year, while returning to play for Congresbury Cricket Club, Thomas pulled off an immaculate bowling spell with figures of 7 wickets for 9 runs resulting in a win for the club. These figures, 7 for 9, earned Thomas the number one spot on The Somerset Bowling Honors Board.
Iraq Thomas, is a member of VYBZ Youth League where he volunteers to help the less fortunate and the sick whenever he is the country. During the period of 2011 and 2012, he was an assistance coach training and helping build younger aspiring cricketers under the department of Youth Affairs and Sports.
?http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/sport/cricket/iraq-thomas-helps-congresbury-cricket-club-achieve-promotion-1-5183217
http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/sport/cricket/iraq-smashes-15-sixes-in-his-unbeaten-141-for-congresbury-1-5095993
http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/sport/cricket/iraq-stars-for-congresbury-with-unbeaten-century-1-5144605
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/trinidad-cricketer-iraq-thomas-scores-21-ball-hundred-breaks-chris-gayles-record-2777932/lite/
http://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/sport/cricket/congresbury-triumph-thanks-to-iraq-s-fireworks-1-5590765
Trinidad cricketer Iraq Thomas scores 21-ball hundred, breaks Chris Gayle?s?record
Iraq Thomas went pass Chris Gayle’s fastest T20 hundred record when he dispatched a hundred off just 21 balls.
By:?Express Web Desk?| New Delhi |?Published: April 30, 2016 5:55:13 pm
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Chris Gayle?s record of fastest T20 hundred was dismantled by Iraq Thomas, a batsman from Trinidad. (Source: PTI)
Iraq Thomas, a youngster from Trinidad went pass?Chris Gayle?s fastest T20 hundred record when he dispatched a hundred off just 21 balls while playing for Scarborough/Mason Hall United. The match was organised by Tobago Cricket Association at Louis D?Or.
Gayle had scored a hundred off?30-ball hundred?for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL in 2013.
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He previously made headlines when Thomas scored a 31-ball 131 while playing against Speyside. He smashed 15 sixes during that knock.
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Feature: How signing big-hitting overseas player provided winning formula for North Somerset cricket team
PUBLISHED:?12:02 06 September 2017 |?UPDATED:?12:07 06 September 2017
Sarah Robinson
Iraq Thomas (left) played a big role in Congresbury’s title win.
County cricket teams snap up overseas stars every year in the hope those big name players can attract titles and crowds. This is also the case in the lower leagues, and this year an aggressive batsman from Trinidad made all the difference to a North Somerset side. Reporter Sarah Robinson has taken a look at Congresbury Cricket Club?s hugely successful season ? and the impact signing an overseas player can have.
Iraq Thomas batting for Congresbury.
Trinidadian Iraq Thomas arrived in North Somerset a year after hitting a 21-ball century in a twenty20 tournament in Tobago, where he eventually smacked 131 off 31 deliveries.
To put the feat into context, West Indies batsman Chris Gayle?s record-breaking T20 century for the Royal Challengers Bangalore came in 30 balls, albeit at a higher standard of cricket.
Speaking about his incredible innings, Thomas told the Mercury: ?How did I do it? At the end of the day, I just back myself.?
Congresbury Cricket Club have recruited from overseas for a number of years, and hoped Thomas could help the team secure promotion back to the West of England Premier League (WEPL).
First team captain Sam Evans said: ?It is a bit of a lottery when you get an overseas player because you don?t know what they are going to be like.
?You are spending a decent amount of the club?s funds for that season. You want to make sure they are someone who fits in, but until you see them in person and watch them play, you don?t know.?
This year, Congresbury struck gold. With 19 innings under his belt, Thomas was the first team?s top scorer. He made 786 runs at an average of 52.42, including two centuries and a top score of 141*.
He was pretty useful with the ball too, taking 31 wickets at an average of 16.39 runs, with a best of 4-10.
Iraq Thomas batting for Congresbury.
But individual statistics matter little if the team doesn?t win. Thankfully for Congresbury, the club were crowned Bristol & District Senior Division champions after edging a nail-biting final fixture away at Downend by just a single run.
Iraq smashes 15 sixes in his unbeaten 141 for Congresbury
PUBLISHED:?09:25 07 July 2017 |?UPDATED:?09:25 07 July 2017
Bickell, Dave
Iraq Thomas batting for Congresbury.
Congresbury?s overseas all-rounder Iraq Thomas smashed 141 not out including 15 sixes as he helped his side to a top of the table victory over Twyford House.
Iraq Thomas smashed an unbeaten 141 as Congresbury edged out Twyford House in a top of the table clash at Penpole Lane.
Thomas? innings lasted just 71 deliveries, but included 15 sixes in a sensational display of hitting. Alec Bosomworth passed 50 for the hosts but they always looked likely to come up short of Congresbury?s total.
Twyford skipper Tom Armfield won the toss and elected to bowl on a wicket with a bit a bit of moisture. However, Ian Perry (29) and Ritchie Bann (28) applied themselves well to give Congresbury a solid platform.
The loss of Perry, Bann and Cameron Harding in a short space of time turned the game in Twyford?s favour and further wickets of Mike Fisher and Jack Kearns left the visitors floundering on 114-5.
However, Stuart Castle (23) joined Thomas at the wicket and the Congresbury overseas player took the game by the scruff off the neck with an incredible assault on the Twyford bowling.
Despite being dropped three times, no-one can deny what a magnificent performance it was from Thomas leading his side to 276-7 off 45 overs.
Following the tea interval, the hosts came out with purpose and Mark Fowler (45) and Ross Sutton (42) put on 80 for the first wicket.
Now Thomas stepped up with the ball, taking a sharp caught and bowled chance to dismiss Fowler.
Bosomworth joined Sutton at the wicket, but despite not taking wickets the Congresbury bowling reasserted some control before the drinks break with Sam Kearns and Thomas bowling tight lines.
After drinks, the game swung towards Congresbury for good with Kearns removing Sutton and Armfield in quick succession. Bosomworth played with imagination, but once Harding returned to move him the chase looked over for Twyford.
Twyford finished 45 runs short of their target on 232-8. Thomas completed a brilliant day for him personally, taking three wickets with Kearns and Harding taking two apiece.
Congresbury will travel to Bristol West Indies on Saturday for what is always a tough fixture.
Iraq stars for Congresbury with unbeaten century
PUBLISHED:?10:37 11 August 2017 |?UPDATED:?10:43 11 August 2017
Bickell, Dave
Iraq Thomas.
Congresbury?s overseas star Iraq Thomas smashed an unbeaten century off just 39 balls as his side comfortable beat Shirehampton.
Iraq Thomas blasted an unbeaten century off just 39 deliveries to lead Congresbury to victory over Shirehampton at King George V Playing Field.
Thomas was given excellent support by Stuart Castle (57), Jack Kearns (41) and Jos Thomlinson (36) as the hosts posted 278-8 in their 45 overs.
The bowlers shared the spoils as Shire were bowled out for just 166, with Will Eyres claiming three wickets on debut.
Congresbury skipper Sam Evans lost the toss and were made to bat on a slightly damp wicket. However, Congresbury made a solid start before losing Ian Perry (5) and Under-17 Somerset player Cameron Harding for 10.
However, Castle and Kearns dug in to give Congresbury a solid base from which the Congresbury middle-order could launch an assault. This did not immediately go to plan as the hosts lost Castle, Kearns, Vowles (4) and Sam Kearns (6) in quick succession.
However, Thomlinson joined Thomas at the crease and the pair played in an aggressive manner that took the Shire attack by surprise.
Thomas launched a number of sixes that sent people on a nearby street running for cover, but Thomlinson also played his part with aggressive yet controlled innings.
Thomlinson was bowled of the final delivery, but that still left Shire with a sizeable target of 279 for victory.
After tea the visitors were extremely slow to get going. This was down to the quality of bowling from Harding and Martin Ford early on, who again were too good for most of the batsmen.
Evans introduced Thomas into the attack and he immediately removed Sowati for 10.
By now the required run rate had increased to nearly 10 an over and things were becoming desperate for Shire.
They were given no let-up as Sam Kearns bowled nine overs of excellent leg-spin which included two wickets and he arguably deserved more.
Captain Evans was quite expensive, but he did claim the vital wicket of Harvey Summers, Shirehampton?s captain and best batsman.
John Stilwell (79) and Adam Geddes (31) gave Shire some respectability, paying some aggressive shots, but in truth they were never in the hunt.
Eyres came into the attack needing three wickets to give Congresbury maximum points and he duly delivered removing one bowled and two caught behind.
Congresbury are now three wins clear of Frenchay in second place and will travel there full of confidence on Saturday.
Iraq leads Congresbury back to winning ways
PUBLISHED:?11:39 04 July 2018 |?UPDATED:?11:39 04 July 2018
Bickell, Dave
Iraq Thomas.
Overseas star Iraq Thomas led Congresbury to an away victory at Knowle.
Knowle 206-9
Congresbury 282
Iraq Thomas blasted 76 off just 37 balls as Congresbury returned to winning ways away at Knowle.
Opening the innings, the 25-year-old from Tobago, deposited the ball to all parts of the ground as he helped his side to 282.
In reply, on a brilliant century from Joe Brimble restored respectability as Knowle finished on 206-9 off their 50 overs.
For the first time since the opening game of the season, Congresbury captain Sam Evans won the toss and chose to bat first. The decision proved correct as Thomas and fellow opener Justin Yau (53) put the opposition attack to the sword, taking 120 off the first 11 overs, before Thomas was run out.
Yau and new batsman Mike Fisher (22) continued to dominate the bowling until the latter fell lbw. Following the wicket of Fisher a mini collapse ensued leaving Congresbury 200-6 and in danger of throwing away an excellent position.
However, Strong contributions from Toby Lawrence (23), Sam Kearns (38) and Evans (18) helped to their largest score of the season.
Following the interval, a fired-up Congresbury team stormed out of the blocks, with the opening partnership of Yau and Joseph Thompson claiming four early wickets to reduce Knowle to 31-4.
The early wickets sucked the life out of the game and both Sam and Jack Kearns impressed with the ball with Sam picking up three. However, Brimble stood firm, making a dogged century to help his team to four batting bonus points.
The visitors were unable to take the final Knowle wicket, but claimed 19 points against a team that sat second in the table and have tasted defeat only once previously this season.
Congresbury will return to action on Saturday when they travel to Twyford House.
