Metropolitan Cricket League
By Dervon Wallace
A bumper crowd is expected to descend at the Floyd Bennett Cricket Field in South East Brooklyn when the battle lines are drawn as Villagers Pacesetters Social Athletic Club and Westbury Cricket Club renew their rivalry in a repeat of last year’s Metropolitan Cricket League Clement “Busta” Lawrence Premier League 40 overs final. In a grudge match of sort Westbury will be looking to rustle back the trophy that they lost to Villagers in last year’s showpiece event. The Pacesetters on the other hand will look to continue their recent dominance over their old nemesis after soundly defeating them in the preliminary round.
[caption id="attachment_9879" align="alignright" width="187"]
Steve Massiah of Villagers. Photos by Shiek Mohamed[/caption]
In four previous meetings at this stage in the league’s premiere competition, Westbury hold the upper hand with three triumphs in 2001, 2002 and 2007 to Villagers one in 2013, Villagers only other win against Westbury in playoffs in this format came in the 2011 semifinal. Both teams got through to the final in contrasting fashion, Villagers made light work of Progressive winning by 216 runs while Westbury held their nerves to see off the challenge of Sheffield by 27 runs.
It must be noted that at one stage in the earlier rounds Westbury seems in danger of not reaching the playoffs for the first time in over 20 years, however they prove that they can’t be taken lightly as they fight their way back even though it required some help from ironically Sheffield who they defeated in the semi and Villagers who they will face in what promises to be an epic affair.
Despite Villagers being labeled as favorite, cricket fans should be in for a treat as both teams should feature a host of past and present national players.
Villagers who will be seeking their third hold on the trophy will once again be led by former Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) law man Cliff Roye who will be able to choose from; former USA captain Richard Staple, current USA captain Steve Massiah, former Jamaica opening batsman Delroy Morgan, USA middle order batsman Rashard Marshall, West Indies Under-19 top-order batsman Tristann Coleman and USA representative George Adams. Also available for selection are the ever reliable Melroy Kingston, Talisman Gordon, Sashane Anderson, Marvin Simpson, Raldo Mowatt and Romoy Rickets along with the veteran pair of Ewart Gayle and Charles “Give Thanks” Walker.
Westbury who has being the most dominate in this format since the turn of the century will be seeking their ninth title and will be led by a former army man of their own in Clinton Lewis who also has a strong contingent to choose from. At his disposal are; Former Windward Island first-class player Dennison Thomas, USA middle-order batsman Barrington Bartley, Kevin Baugh, Javein Thomas, Devon Campbell, Larry Charlery, Linden St Louis, Horace Porter, Cheddie Gayle, Darren Ferguson and Hall of Famer Ballister McLeish.
This 40 over per side spectacular will bowl off at 12 noon.
[caption id="attachment_12618" align="alignright" width="253"]
Barrington Bartley of Westbury.[/caption]
Fact File: Metropolitan Cricket League 40 overs competition winners’ since 1980.
Years CHAMPIONS RUNNERS UP
2013 Villagers Westbury
2012 Westbury Progressive
2011 Villagers Progressive
2010 Progressive Westbury
2009 Cosmos Progressive
2008 Cosmos Progressive
2007 Westbury Villagers
2006 Cosmos Mid Island
2005 Westbury Cosmos
2004 Westbury Progressive
2003 Westbury Spice Island
2002 Westbury Villagers A
2001 Westbury Villagers A
2000 Progressive Pakistan
1999 Cosmos Progressive
1998 Mid Island Cosmos
1997 JSAC Mid Island
1996 Sportsman Excelsior
1995 Sims New York Sportsman
1994 Sportsman Westbury
1993 Sims New York Mid Island
1992 Westbury Sims New York
1991 Sims New York unknown
1990 Sims New York unknown
1989 Sims New York unknown
1988 Sims New York ACS
1987 ACS unknown
1986 ACS unknown
1985 ACS unknown
1984 ACS unknown
1983 ACS unknown
1982 JSAC ACS
1981 JSAC unknown
1980 JSAC unknown
ACS: American Cricket Society
JSAC: Jamaica Social Athletic Club
