MCL 2013 Clement “Busta” Lawrence Round Robin Final preview

By Dervon Wallace
Metropolitan Cricket League play-off Match-up between Villagers and Westbury
YEAR           TEAMS                                  WINNER
2001    Villagers VS Westbury    Westbury (round robin final)
2002    Villagers VS Westbury    Westbury (round robin final)
2003    Villagers VS Westbury    Westbury (challenge cup semi)
2007    Villagers VS Westbury    Westbury (round robin final)
2008    Villagers VS Westbury    Westbury (twenty20 semi)
2009    Villagers VS Westbury     Westbury (challenge cup final)
2010    Villagers VS Westbury    Villagers (twenty20 final)
2011     Villagers VS Westbury    Villagers (round robin semi)
2012    Villagers VS Westbury     Westbury (round robin semi)
2012    Villagers VS Westbury     Westbury (challenge cup final)
2012    Villagers VS Westbury    Westbury (twenty20 semi)

The chart shows in 11 play-off match-ups its 9-2 in-favor of Westbury Cricket Club. Arguable the greatest football coach of all time New York’s native Vincent Thomas Lombardi once asks the question; if winning isn’t everything, why do they keep score? I’m quite sure wining will be of utmost important to Westbury Cricket Club and Villagers Cricket Club on Sunday.

The hard hitting Barrington Bartley of Westbury. Photos by Shiek Mohamed

The Mecca of cricket in New York, Idlewide Cricket Field in Rosedale Queens will be buzzing with excitement on Sunday August 4, 2013. A bumper crowd is expected to descend to cheer on their teams when defending champion Westbury CC and former champion Villagers CC renew their rivalry coming face to face in the final of New York Metropolitan Cricket League Clement “Busta” Lawrence Round Robin.

In a grudge match in more ways than one Westbury will be seeking to continue their dominance over Villages in finals having been victorious on the previous 6 occasions (3 different competitions).  Villagers on the other hand will be seeking to put the bad memories behind them and continue a perfect season and will take a sociological advantage into the game having demolished Westbury when both teams met 2 weeks ago.

Cricket fans should be in for a treat as both teams boost a host of current and former nationals as well as players with international experience.

Westbury who will be seeking their 9th round robin trophy will look to West Indies test player Jermaine Lawson, West Indies B first-class player Calito Lopez along with league leading wicket taker Linden St. Louis to spearhead the bowling supported by Cheddie Gayle, Ballister McLeish and Clinton Lewis.

The batting should be led by former Windward Island first-class player Dennison Thomas, USA middle order batsman the prolific Barrington Bartley fresh from his semi final ton, Kevin Baugh, the talented Javein Thomas and the reliable veteran Devon Campbell.

Villagers seeking their 2nd round robin trophy and boast a strong line-up themselves will once again be led out by Cliff Roye and should include former Jamaica first-class player and USA captain Richard “Master” Staple, current USA captain and arguable the country’s best batsman Steve Massiah, USA batsman the hard hitting Rashard Marshall, a dynamite in Melroy Kingston along with Marvin Simpson who has an excellent record against Westbury.

The veteran Richard Staple of Villagers.

The bowling department will be led by USA paceman George Adams; Talisman Gordon along with veteran leg spinner Ewart Gayle supported by Cuthbert Mendonca and Andre Hooper, one player that will defiantly be there is the elder statesman Charles “Give Thanks” Walker.

This 40 over per side spectacular will bowl off at 12 noon.

Note to the superstitious fans: in the last 2 season whoever wins when these two giants meet in the preliminary looses to the other in the playoff.