Sitting     (L-R) : C. Lambert, M. Baker (Vice Captain), A. Hutson (Captain)

Missing            : C. Wright, D. Bills, B. Roberts, R. Edwards, D. Billings (Scorer)

 

 

 

Vibes Dethrones Tropical in GSCL/MME   40 Over 2008 League Cup Final (10-5-08)

By Rula Brown

 

In a well anticipated rivalry game between Vibes Sports Club, new kid on the block and Tropical Sports Club, last years (2007) Triple Crowned Champion in the Georgia Supreme Cricket League (GSCL) resulted in Vibes humbling Tropical in front of a massive crowd at Best Academy Cricket Grounds in Decatur, Georgia.

          

The day was graced with sun drenched 80 deg Fahrenheit, clear blue skies and a magnificently meticulous manicured playing surface for cricket, which was prepared by a crew that deserves immense recognition for their brilliant work

 

As the scheduled 10:30 am game time draw nigh, the players from both teams warmed up in preparation to out duel each other for the coveted Trophy. Captains Adsyl Hutson of Vibes and Patrick Harris of Tropical spun the toss at 11:15am, which was won by Tropical. The game finally got on the way at 11:32 am.

 

The anticipation and drama was warranted because Tropical outlasted Vibes in 2, Finals of  2007. Earlier in the 2008 season Vibes gave Tropical a big scare during an important 40 over game that Tropical eked out by 20 runs. In a subsequent 20 over game at Lithonia Park, Vibes turned the tables on Tropical and won a close decision. That game was highlighted by former West Indian Star wicketkeeper, Junior Murray, current young West Indian star batsman, Shawn Findlay and Camillus Alexander who bowls the cherry with the same arm action to produce the leg-break, googly and top spin. So the table was set after Tropical defeated Vibes in the 20/20 and 45 over knockout Finals earlier.       

                       

After the toss was spun and won by Captain Harris, Tropical decided to face the steady opening bowling attack of  Donovan “Eddie” Edwards and Cleve Lambert of Vibes. Tropical opening batsmen, Jermaine Lindo (74) and L. Johnson (24) batted cautiously and deliberately with some magnificent shots, especially off the willow of J. Lindo.  Lindo was dropped early by Bynoe at mid-on  in the game off an easy catch. They took advantage of the chance and carried the score to 54 before Junior Murray gloved a brilliant catch behind the stumps to dismiss L. Johnson for 24 off the bowling of Captain Adsyl Hutson. Dave Hoilette joined Lindo and put on a 53 run partnership before Wayne Bynoe captured the important wicket of Hoilette, who smashed 5 fours in the process. J. Lindo was clean bowled for a brilliant 74 off a Bynoe’s wicked delivery.

                                                  

                   

The 2007, top run getter and dangerous Richard Hoilette, steadied his hand and punished the ball to hit 2 sixes and 5 fours for his 57 before he was easily caught by S. Mullings off the bowling of Camillus Alexander. Tropical added an impressive 99 runs off the first 15 overs, which means they were on a 6.7 run rate. However, the steady and tricky spin bowling of C. Alexander, W. Bynoe and Junior Murray held Tropical to 142 runs off the remaining 25 overs (5.6 run rate). Barry Bennett (15) and skipper, P.Harris (10) tried to muster an attack which faded quickly. Tropical made 241 runs for the loss of 9 wickets before the 40 over expired and the ever swelling crowd enjoyed every minute of the innings. C. Alexander ended up with 3 wickets for 25 runs to top Vibes bowling.

              

                   

The enchanting day was sprinkled with some excellent over the air description, ball by ball commentaries from Horace McClean and Enos Phillips who at times made you wonder if you were listening to Tony Cozier. The crowd now swelling to hundreds appreciated and enjoyed the colorful commentaries from both gentlemen. An interview was conducted of a 93 year old spectator by W. Bynoe who says “she was enjoying every minute of it”. The festive feeling of horns, whistles, woots; and spectators hugging 3 corners of the boundary at Best Academy really made you feel like you were watching cricket at Sabina Park, Queens Park Oval or even Lords in England. Delicious food provided by Richie (Vibes), Jennifer (Tropical) and Carmen (CSSC) was devoured quickly by the massive and intrigued crowd.

 

The time rolled around for Vibes to erase Tropical’s target of 241 runs. Vibes opened their innings with the formidable batting of Junior Murray (133 not out) and Steve James (21). James was focused like a laser beam and was determined to put up a good fight. Both batsman dug in hard to the fierce bowling attack of R. Wong and B. Williams. Williams bowled well enough but could not penetrate either batsman. While Wong was serving some wicked bouncers that Murray, with his experience and grace was dispatching to the boundary. James was getting comfortably when he launched a massive 4 to long on, off Wong. Then 2 balls later went for a similar shot when he was caught on the boundary by D. Hoilette for a well played and important 21 before Vibes racked up 74 runs. The in form Vibes batsman, Andre Hooper came to the crease and stroked the ball around to make 15 before he was caught behind by wicketkeeper E. Brown.

 

Fireworks were lit immediately as the current young Jamaican/West Indian batsman, Shawn Findlay (45) came to the crease and pumped up the crowd with some scintillating stroke playing and shots before he was trapped LBW by L. Johnson. At this point John Slocombe and Johnson bowled economically to hold the run rate down. It was only time before they exhausted their 8 over each and then Vibes took over.

                               

The man of the match, MVP belongs to the ever loving, graceful, brilliance of Junior Murray who battled every ball with careful eyes. He respected the good ones and dispatched the bad ones. Junior felt the pressure as he in two previous games made 98 and 95 respectively, falling short of the century mark. He occupied the wicket with skipper, Hutson when he made his well deserved century. At which point victory was in sight, then Murray asked skipper, Hutson; “what shall he do? “, and the reply was “go get em”. The Tropical bowlers did not know what had hit them. Murray got emotional at the 30 over break and reflected as he lay on the kind unassuming grassy ground and his team mates show him some love. Vibes reached the target by scoring 245 runs for the loss of 3 wickets, with 2 overs to spare. John Slocombe took 2 of the 3 wickets for Tropical. Final scores were Tropical 241 for 9 and Vibes 245 for 3 off 38 overs.

 

Several attendees at the game say this was one on the best cricket game they’ve witnessed and wished for a similar fate in the 2009 cricket season. The large crowd hung around after the presentation of the Cup was made by MME CEO, Barry Bennett to captain Adsyl Hutson. A large crowd went to Vibes Sports Club/Vibes Night Club to drink champagne and celebrate the big win. The vice captain of Vibes, Mark “The Sheriff” Baker was mainly responsible for introducing the star players to Vibes and the League. Baker had sent out a warning in pre season to Tropical that their reign will end this season as he delivered on his words.

 

As the President of Vibes Sports Club (2 year anniversary on Oct 16). I want to extend a massive congratulation to Tropical Sports Club for providing the outstanding competition and to Vibes Sports Club and the entire body for a job well done. I also want to say big thanks to our number 1 fan, Colette Griffith who attended all our games and sometimes was lone spectator as she provided tons of support. Big respect to Vibes official scorer, Danny Billings.

 

See ya latah……..

 

Rula Brown.

Pres, Vibes Sports Club.

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

R. Brown, D. Bills, A. Hooper, W. Bynoe, C. Wright, D. Billings (Scorer)

 

WELCOME TO VIBES SPORTS CLUB WEBSITE!

Vibes Sports Club was borne when Rula Brown and Lloyd Roberts floated an idea to form a cricket club out of frustration exprerienced from unclear goals with other cricket clubs. Rula and Lloydie extended their idea to two outstanding cricketers in Andrae Hooper and Glen " Jungle" Barrett who liked the proposal, hence the wheel was set in motion to present it to Mr. Howard Shirley, the proprieter of VIBES NIGHT CLUB in Decatur, Georgia.

A meeting was scheduled on October 4, 2006 to discuss the prospect, then eight individuals (Rula Brown, Lloyd Roberts, Andrew Brown, Cleopatra Stewart, Andrae Hooper, Cleve Lambert, Andre Plummer and Fitzalbert Davis) met with Mr. Shirley who enthusiastically supported the formation of the club. Subsequently, VIBES SPORTS CLUB was formed  after three monthly meetings and drafting of the constitution. VIBES SPORTS CLUB was well on it's way to big things.

VIBES SPORTS CLUB held it's first general election
on Sunday January 21, 2007 under the supervision of the Georgia Supreme Cricket League (GSCL), where the President Mr. Allan Stewart facilitated the election process.

The turnout was tremendous considering the fact that it was a very "Rainy Night In Georgia" and there were NFL play off games to contend with. We had seventeen paying members that participated in the election process and three other members that filled out there membership application.

A spirited but friendly election, resulted in Rula Brown - President, Lloyd Roberts - Vice President, Judy Skinner - Secretary, Colette Griffith - Treasurer and Andre Plummer - Marketing Director.

Cleopatra Stewart is appointed Events Coordinator/Chairperson and Mr. Howard Shirley is our first Honorary Board Of Director (HBOD).

The cricket team captain is the confident and exciting opening batsman, Mr. Andrew Brown, and the Vice Captain is all rounder, Byron Roberts.
VIBES SPORTS CLUB has on it's roster, the most prolific run scorer in cricket in all of Georgia for the 2006 cricket season in Ira Roberts. Mr. Roberts scored over 800 runs and claimed 20 wickets for the cricket season. Mr. Roberts in 2006 scored 1 double century and 2 centuries which earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Georgia. At the annual awards ceremony Mr. Roberts collected eight (8) trophies for his exceptional efforts and accomplishments. Look out in 2007, because Ira will be back!
VIBES SPORTS CLUB intends to include activities such as cricket, soccer, netball, infrequent debates amongst the members and dominoe playing as part of our activities.

Our goal is to accommodate everyone who wants to be included in the VIBES family. And, on Sundays, could visit the park with their personal family members to enjoy an exciting game of cricket, soccer, netball or a good picnic.

As our motto inscribes "Keep The Vibes Pumping with Honesty, Integrity and Camaraderie", and, with this attitude we are ready to rumble.

Thank you very much for your support and spread the word that the "vibe is pumping".