From Boxscore

OFC: November 19, 2014 – Being a dual international is not uncommon in this part of the world with Sonny Bill Williams and the like switching between rugby union and rugby league with relative ease.

It’s less common in the world of football but Bodden Town captain Ramon Sealy is leading the charge with caps for the Cayman Islands in both cricket and football.

In Auckland to participate in this week’s OFC President’s Cup Bodden Town have a grueling schedule playing three matches on the 19, 21 and 23 of November.

Then straight after the tournament goalkeeper Sealy will continue his sporting journey in Fort Lauderdale, USA with the national cricket team from 27 November to 1 December.

Juggling two sports is a balancing act for the 23-year-old but one he is relishing.

“I leave cricket practice and go to football practice Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,” he states. “Most times I leave cricket and go and play football on the weekends as well.”

“It’s a bit of a tough job to balance sometimes but it’s manageable.”

With a population that falls just under the 60,000 mark Sealy is proud to be one of the few people representing his country in dual disciplines.

“There are a couple of others but not as many as other places probably have just because of the population we’ve got in the Cayman Islands.

“It’s nice to be one of the few that can do it.”

Put on the spot and asked to choose a favourite, Sealy goes with the beautiful game.

“I think football is my favourite just because cricket is a bit longer and played out a bit,” he says.

“Football is faster paced and you get in, get out and have fun. I mean, I have fun playing cricket but I think I enjoy playing football just a little bit more.”

And playing between the sticks with Bodden Town has also given him some handy crossover skills.

“I used to wicket keep for cricket so being a wicket keeper and then a goalkeeper in fotoball is useful as I’m able to apply certain techniques in both sports.”

Having had a chance to watch the opening round of the President’s Cup on Monday, Sealy believes his side is prepared and ready to make a mark in Oceania.

“I don’t know too much about the other teams but we’ve seen some clips of Auckland City. Hopefully we won’t get surprised by any of the teams and can get a good result here.

Like Bahrain’s Busaiteen, Bodden Town have travelled over 14,000km to attend this competition and are keen to make a mark, but also make the most of their time in New Zealand.

“Because I play football I knew a bit about New Zealand but a lot of the guys didn’t really know much about it,” explains Sealy.

“Coming here and experiencing a different culture is going to be a good experience for us that we can take home and share with our children and grandchildren in the future.”

IMAGE: Bodden Town goalkeeper and dual international Ramon Sealy.

For more on this story go to: http://boxscorenews.com/cayman-islands-dual-cricket-and-football-international-out-to-impress-at-o-p106825-68.htm