New York Destroyers Set To Challenge at the US Open T20

Posted on December 3, 2012 by vellocricket

By Dyon Ravello

New York Destroyers has combine youthful talent with experience in its quest for success at this the third edition of the US Open T20 tournament. Each season the purse has increased, with $100,000 up from grab with the winners taking home $75,000. NY Destroyers were semifinalist in 2010 as well as playing in the quarterfinal last term. Destroyers will be looking to build on the Pak Brooklyn T20 victory, when they arrive in Florida.

Destroyers have booked a stronger contingent of 15 player backed by the management team. VelloCricket take a look at the Destroyers line up:

Kevin Darlington, will captain this term taking over from Barrington Bartley. Darlington will bring his US national team experience along with his first class pedigree from his Guyana tenure. Darlington may be heading over the hill, but like Azhar Mahmood showed up the young guns in the Champions League, Darlo still has the armory to contend in the shortest version of the game. Darlington’s earlier strikes with the new ball and accuracy in the late over will be vital to the Destroyers game plan.

Andre Kirton, a member of the 2006 US Under 19 World Cup squad, is a genuine all-rounder. Kirton with his left arm orthodox has a knack for taking wickets, but can stymie the run flow too. The vice captain on this tour will look to utilizes his experiences with the NY Regional Team but more so those from his tour with Virginia Warriors to last year’s tournament. Kirton’s prowess in the field in addition to his lusty hitting during at the depth will bolster his team’s chances.

Zaheer Saffie, like Kirton has made the move to Destroyers. Previously with NY Steelers, Saffie has made the switch looking to fortify the middle order. Saffie will bring his leadership experience in addition to his sound form and technique.

 Shiv Kumarlal, retains his place behind the stumps for a second term. Kumarlal relative success and consistency will be key to stabilizing the team on the field, so too down the order.

Nicholas Stanford scored 108 to lift Atlantis to EACA 2012 T20 Blitz semifinals. Photo by John Aaron

Nicholas Stanford

Nicholas Stanford, is fresh off is American debut during the recently completed Auty Cup. Standford will have insight on the playing conditions with less than a month between his visits to the Sunshine state. Stanford, who was rewarded for his stellar returns this season with Atlantis, will be keen to make this chance on National stage count.

Alex Amsterdam has performed consistently over the past two seasons. The batting all-rounder single-handedly blew out ACA Dragons in the NYCA Super Sixes semifinals. An aggressive batsman who can bat at the top and in the middle makes for a sound selection. Amsterdam can serve up a handful with his off breaks as a supporting or even an attacking option.

Twain Walters retains his place from the last Floridian visit. The left arm spinner is one of three who bowl the orthodox variety. Destroyers will count on Walters for accuracy in keeping the opposition batsmen in check.

Keon Lake an off spinner who can bat down the order. Lake will be brewing with confidence following his very successful season this term in the Eastern American Cricket Association. Following last Open to go with experience at USACA Nationals Lake has both experience and youth on his side. Expect Lake to spin the ball as well as induce bounce. Lake’s electric fielding and depth batting make him a complete T20 selection.

Kaveshwar Bridgepaul a power right handed batsman, with the ability to decimate the opposition attack. Bridgepaul a former US Under 19 player is the go to guy to provide the impetus through the middle overs till the end.

Ryan Girdhary is one of two specialist quicks in the line and should share the new ball with his skipper. Girdhary’s pace and accuracy are his strengths. In today’s game bowlers are anything but slouches with the bat and Girdhary has the pedigree to bat in the modern game.

Neil Mc Garrell is the most experienced of the Destroyers. The former West Indian test player recently made his American debut at the Auty Cup. Mc Garrell’s main mode off impact would be with his wily left arm orthodox bowling. Mc Garrell has dominated the club circuit since his arrival in the Land of the Free. Accuracy is not limited to bowling for Mc Garrell but also is his throwing from the field. Mc Garrell is a competent low order bat, who can up the ante once called upon.

Sean Stanislaus is a genuine all-rounder, with bat, ball and gloves. Queens’ Park Cricket Administrator, Bryan Davis, even compared Stanislaus to Dwayne Bravo. Sean is a fitting addition to any line up across all formats. A top order batsman, who can play through the innings and even put the bowlers to the gauntlet. Stanislaus opens the bowling with swing from three paces and has the wickets to show. Behind the sticks Sean is a sharp as the best around.

Sharaz Baksh a prolific top order batsman who can take the attack to the opposition. Baksh has experience at the US regional level and is another key addition as Destroyers ramp up its batting armory. The former North East Regional captain will bring his tactic ability along, another asset to the cause.

Quasen Alfred a diminutive attacking opening batsman, who led the way during the PAK Brooklyn T20. Alfred’s quick scoring at the top of the order can provided the momentum for resonance throughout the innings. A nimble fieldsman, Alfred adds to the team’s list of players with national experience.

Hemant Punoo US under-19 captain in 2006 is a solid middle order batsman. Punoo has recovered his form, which was promised earlier in his career. Punoo bowls tight off breaks if needed to plug in an over or two.

The touring party is completed by the management team: Linden Fraser, Head Coach, Victor Benjamin, Assistant Coach, Basil Butcher, Trainer,  George Royer, Manager, Kerk Higgins, Analyst, Danny Singh, Joseph Peters, Selection Committee, and Chubby Bedessee. US Open T20 begins on December 6th through December 9th.

 

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Brian Lara Fans In For Rare Treat

Posted on December 2, 2012 by vellocricket

Legend to be joined by Chanderpaul, Walsh, and Adams at New York Dance Party event

 

By John L. Aaron

Fans of Brian Lara in the New York metropolitan area are in for a treat with an up close and personal moment with Brian Charles Lara on Saturday, December 15 at the Resorts World Casino, Jamaica, NY.  Arguably one of the world’s greatest batsmen, The Prince, as he is otherwise known will appear as part of “Recognizing Cricketing Legends – A Night with Brian Lara and other Cricket Greats,” at the multi-million dollar Resorts World Casino entertainment facility located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Jamaica, NY.

The former West Indies and Trinidad & Tobago cricket superstar is the only batsman to have ever scored a century, a double-century, a triple-century, a quadruple-century and a quintuple-century in cricket, and is revered wherever he goes. His appearance at the Resorts World Casino, along with Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Courtney Walsh, Jimmy Adams and others will afford fans the opportunity to recognize the contributions of the cricketing legends. Brian Lara and the other cricket greats will be available for limited photo opportunities and autograph signing at the event scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM, with the doors opening at 7:30 PM.

Old Pals Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Old Pals Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul

RH Entertainment in association with Angels Caribbean Band Group are promoting the event as a recognition ceremony and dance party with Terry Gajraj, Soca Raja, Geeta Bisram, Pally Dass, comedian Marc Trinidad, DJ Powerhouse, DJ Norie and other top live DJs and performing artistes being added to the event. According to Romeo Hitlall, CEO of RH Entertainment, “We are putting together a fantastic evening of entertainment and are working on adding other cricket greats and performing artistes.” He added, “It’s an opportunity for the cricket fans to interact with the cricket legends and to do so inexpensively, and in a fun way. On the other hand it affords the cricket legends a chance to meet their loyal fans.”

With the recent triumphs of the West Indies in the ICC World T20 Cup and a 2-0 Test series win over Bangladesh, the spirit of West Indies cricket is on the rise once more and this is as much a celebration of those accomplishments, as it is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of the cricket legends.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul is coming off of an impressive outing in Bangladesh and no doubt would be looking forward to celebrating with his many fans and loyal supporters in the New York metropolitan area. Currently ranked at number three in the ICC world rankings, Chanderpaul has skippered the West Indies in 14 Tests and 16 ODIs and is the most capped West Indian player. He is second only to Brian Lara with the most Test runs scored.

World Record Holder Lara To Visit New York

World Record Holder Lara To Visit New York

Courtney Walsh has captained the West Indies 22 times and was considered one of the most feared bowlers. Walsh once held the record for capturing most Test wickets. He is only one of four bowlers to have bowled over 5,000 overs in Test cricket

Jimmy Adams has played 164 Test matches and 127 ODIs for the West Indies. He has made an enormous contribution to cricket in Jamaica and the West Indies and was a beacon of hope for West Indies cricket when he started his career in blazing fashion, scoring at an average of 87 runs per inning, second only to the great Sir Donald Bradman.

Tickets for the event are $25 each, with more at the door.  VIP seating is available at $100 per person.  For tickets and more information call 917-747-7700, 718-659-6162 or 347-645-0046 or purchase them online at www.clevertickets.ca

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Fantasy Coach: Select Windies XI Second ODI with Bangladesh

Posted on November 29, 2012 by vellocricket
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Audain Flays Pace by Audmanet TV

Posted on November 26, 2012 by vellocricket
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Caribbean Stumble On Jamaican Tour

Posted on November 24, 2012 by vellocricket

Caribbean Masters journey to the land of Jamaica while the Tri-state residents were dealing with the remnants of Sandy. Caribbean were faced with challenges of their own losing to St Anns and Clarendon to be eliminated after just two matches. Caribbean who were quarterfinalist a year earlier eventually enjoy the consolation by whipping Melbourne in the final group encounter.

On October 28th Caribbean Masters played St.Anns Masters at Ultimate Oval, St.Ann, Jamaica. St.Ann won the toss and elected to take first strike. The host, St.Ann Masters piled up an imposing 246 for 8 wickets from 35 overs. Former Jamaica youth player, Carl Brissett scored a magnificent 136 (10 x 4s, 7 x 6s), to lead his side with good support came from Howard Harris 24 (3 x 4s) and Patrick Harty 21. Bowling for Caribbean Masters, Mark Audain 7/1/33/2, Tony Boyke 7/1/43/2, Keith Lawrance 6/0/31/1 and Farrow 3/0/30/1.

Tri-state based Caribbean Masters in action on tour during the Michael Holding Masters in Jamaica, photo by Mark Audain

During the inning break, there was a heavy shower, which introduced the Duckworth-Lewis method. Caribbean Masters’ revised target was 183 from 23 overs. Caribbean Masters could only manage 115/7 from the allotted 23 overs. Mark Audain topped scored with a polished 40 (3 x 4s, 1 x 6), Skipper Keith Lawrance 24, and H. Russell 22 among the runs. For St. Anns Masters, Carl Brissett 5/0/22/2, and A. Watson 5/0/32/2, were the pick of the bowlers, St. Anns Masters winning by 68 runs.

A day later, Caribbean Masters tackled Clarendon Masters at Melbourne Oval, Kingston, Jamaica. Clarendon won the toss and elected to take first strike. Clarendon Masters thumped a whopping 283 for 5 from 30 overs, at just under nine and a half runs per over. W. Osborne 95 not out (5 x 4s, 7 x 6s), and R.Watson 92 (7 x 4s, 1 x 6), both missing out on tons. H.Howe 31 not out and F.Sappleton 23 played cameos of their own. Caribbean Masters’ bowling look limited with Keith Lawrance 6/0/51/2, and John Lavine 5/0/31/1 the best returns. Clarendon grinded Caribbean Masters, skittled out for 83. Clarendon Masters with Bryson 5/2/3/3 as miserly as can be and Whittick 6/0/10/3 to lead Clarendon to a comprehensive by 200 runs victory.

First there was dismay and then relief. For Caribbean Masters, Melbourne Masters were the mode of recover. At the Melbourne Oval, Kingston Jamaica, Caribbean Masters won the toss and elected to take first strike. Scores, Caribbean Masters 166/4 off 30 overs, Lloyd Reid topped scored with 44, skipper Keith Lawrence 42, and Mark Audain 28 (6 x 4s). Melbourne Masters 53 all out from 14 overs 23 of them being extras. Tony Boyke capped out the tour with a five-wicket haul scalping 5/23, with Mark Audain 3/5, and John Levine 2/20 able allies to construct a prideful 113 run win.

This was the Michael Holding Annual Masters tournament in Jamaica, 12 teams participated, of them six local teams and six American based teams.

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USACUA Members Top WICUA 2012 Final Written Examination

Posted on November 16, 2012 by vellocricket

The Executive of the USACUA extends congratulations to the members on their performances on the just concluded West Indies Cricket Umpires Association Final Written Examination that was held on Sunday September 15, 2012. 11 of the 13 members who sat the exam were successful and represented an 86 percent passing rate for 2012.

 

WICUA Secretary Viv Johnson reported that the 2012 Final Written Examination saw fifty- six (56) candidates writing and completing the examination. However, eleven (11) individuals were unsuccessful. 

Two members of the United States of America Cricket Umpires Association were the highest achievers in this year’s examination.  Sundaram Subramanian of California, USA attained the highest mark of 95% followed by Anuj Patel of California, USA who scored 94.5%

Secretary Johnson has extended the Association congratulations to all 45 successful candidates.

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Power Honored by Atlantis

Posted on November 15, 2012 by vellocricket

Coach Stephanie Power honored by Atlantis amidst aftermath of storm

By John Aaron

Despite several households in the New York metropolitan area going without power in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy, the Atlantis Cricket Club’s annual awards dinner was electrifying with the powerful presence of former Trinidad & Tobago and West Indies women’s cricket captain, and now assistant women’s cricket coach Stephanie Judith Power.

As energetic, but far less destructive than the hurricane that swept through the New York metropolitan area, Stephanie Power arrived amidst the height of the hurricane that claimed over 100 lives and left miles and miles of US coastal destruction. However, with a disarming smile and a genuine humility reserved for deity, Ms. Power was an illuminating presence at the Atlantis Cricket Club – NY 46th anniversary awards dinner held recently at the Adria Hotel & Conference Center in Bayside, NY.

Atlantis President Steve Welcome presents plaque to Stephanie Power

Despite the unprecedented storm hitting new York and leaving many without lights, gasoline shortages and a disrupted transportation system, Atlantis, nonetheless forged ahead to honor the Laventille, Trinidad born right-hand batswoman and wicketkeeper, making her an honorary member of the New York based club, and joining such legends as fellow Trinidadian Gus Logie, Clive Lloyd, Lance Gibbs, Andy Roberts, Curtly Ambrose, Alvin Kallicharran, and others. Ms. Power is the first woman to be so honored by the club. She has represented the West Indies in one Test match vs. Pakistan in 2004 and 34 One Day Internationals. She made her ODI debut against the Australia women in 1993 in England. Ms. Power led the West Indies Women’s XI in three ICC Women’s Cricket World Cups (1993, 1997 and 2005), and was appointed assistant coach of the West Indies women’s team in 2009.

Ms. Power retired from international cricket after the 2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, retiring as the Trinidad & Tobago women’s captain a year later. A certified Level II coach, she is qualified to train Level I and Level II coaches. A Steelband Panorama adjudicator for the past 14 years, she is the only female cricket trainer/tutor in the Americas region of the ICC. She has done cricket-coaching stints for players and coaches seeking certification in Barbados and the USA. At the time of Ms. Power’s retirement from cricket, Rachael Thompson-King of the Trinidad Guardian said, “Power retires a satisfied woman, ending her career at the top of her game, leading the ‘Calypso Girls’ T&T’s national women’s team…”


Stephanie Power presents Atlantis 2012 MVP Nicholas Standford with award, while EVP Herbert Newton applauds at left

Trinidad & Tobago’s Ambassador to the USA and that country’s Permanent representative to the Organization of American States Dr. Neil Parsan, in a message said, “It gives me great pleasure to extend heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to Ms. Stephanie Power on receiving honorary membership to the prestigious Atlantis Cricket Club of New York.

Ms. Power’s tireless commitment to the sport of cricket is undeniable and indeed commendable. She has consistently worked for the development of cricket in the Caribbean and in particular, has worked to improve women’s cricket not only in Trinidad and Tobago, but throughout the region as well.”

Ms. Power has been a public school teacher in Trinidad for the past 36 years, and except for taking a three-year hiatus from cricket after giving birth to her son Stephan in 1986, she has continued to maintain her connection with the development of cricket in the Caribbean, and particularly with regard to women’s cricket. In acknowledging the honor bestowed upon her, Coach Steph as she is familiarly called said how surprised she was when she was told of the award. “I was in Sri Lanka when I learned of the award and it brought tears to my eyes, especially to be lauded among such cricketing greats, including Clive Lloyd, Lance Gibbs, and Gus Logie. I want to thank Atlantis and all my cricketing friends in New York.”

There were a significant number of US national players in attendance at the dinner to help Coach Steph celebrate her award. Among those were former US women’s captain Doris Francis, Joan Alexander-Serrano, Samantha Ramautar, Karen Bayles, Melissa Sandy, Joy Jones and several local female players.

Ladies Night: (From left – D. Francis, O. Charles, M. Sandy, Stephanie Power, J. Jones, K. Bayles, J. Alexander-Serrano and S. Ramautar

Although the night belonged to Stephanie Judith Power and the ladies, Atlantis took time out to also honor a former player and now benefactor of the club Dr. Glendon F. Archer, CEO of Metallica Commodities Corporation.

Mr. Archer is a former medium pace bowler and middle-order batsman who has been a member of the club for more than 20 years. Now a very successful businessman, he spoke of reaching back to help the less fortunate, remarking that he found such a vehicle in Atlantis; his “Country Club”.

Mr. Archer has served in several capacities including President, on Atlantis’ Executive Board over the years, and during his remarks to the dinner guests, quipped, “I know why the club has decided to make me an honorary member. They obviously wanted to retire me from the game.” Metallica is a global commodities company headquartered in White Plains, NY and doing business on five continents.

2012 Outstanding Performances

As is customary, Atlantis also used the anniversary celebration to acknowledge the outstanding performances of its players during the just concluded season. The following players received awards, as listed.

Nicholas Standford, recently selected to play for the US vs. Canada in the Annual Auty Cup this year in Florida, took home several batting honors and the 2012 MVP award.

2012 Honorees pose with Atlantis’ men and women cricketers

Most Valuable Player – Nicholas Standford,

Most Promising Player – Clifford Hamilton,

Highest Batting Aggregate – Nicholas Standford – 699 Runs,

Best Batting Average – Nicholas Standford – 58.25 Runs per inning

Highest Score in a Single Match – Nicholas Standford – 201 Not Out

Most Wickets – Prashanth Nair 21 wickets,

Best Bowling Average – Jermaine Horatio 12.4 runs per wicket

Best Bowling Performance in a Single Match – Prashanth Nair 6 wickets for 18 runs

Five or more Wickets in a Single Match – Prashanth Nair 6/18, Jermaine Horatio 5/16, Alex Amsterdam 5/58

Most Economical Bowling Performance – Keon Lake 3.63 runs per over

Centurion’s Club – Nicholas Standford 201 Not Out, Henderson Blades 145 Not Out, Shawn Mason 116, Steven Jacobs 107 Not Out, Ron Andrews 102 Not Out,

Most Disciplined Player – Hugh Craig

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Liberty SC Volunteers In Hurricane Sandy Recovery

Posted on November 12, 2012 by vellocricket

By Danesh Deonarain

 

Members and supporters of Liberty Sports Club joined in the efforts to aid in the recovery from super-storm, hurricane Sandy. The group gathered up clothing and food supplies and headed out to help in Coney Island, Brooklyn, one of the local areas severely affected by the storm.

 

On Saturday, November 10th, about a week and a half after the devastating natural disaster hit the Tri-State area, the impact of the storm was still very evident. Driving into the area there were signs of flood damage on buildings and non-functioning traffic light indicative of power still not restored to some neighborhoods. Closer to the famous Coney Island beach mounds of sand up to 10ft high lined the streets among the countless fallen trees. The once picturesque Coney Island beach and boardwalk was littered with debris in the backdrop of the majestic Coney Island theme park.

 

The LSC group chipped in and brought warm coffee and donuts along with the clothing and food supplies to what can be described to the local recovery center in the parking lot of the MCU Park. The group joined organizations such as City Harvest and Red Cross and helped with organizing the handing out of food, cleaning and clothing supplies to the affected residents.

The overall experience was humbling and reminded that help in the communities most affected by the storm is very much still needed. The local residents were very appreciative of the efforts from all the volunteers with countless thank-you’s, handshakes and hugs.

 

LSC would like to extend a particular thank you to those who took the time out to join us in volunteering efforts on Saturday.

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Wize with Ambition Remix

Posted on November 5, 2012 by vellocricket
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Depth Bowling

Posted on November 4, 2012 by vellocricket

 

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