By Curtis Morton
As the world renowned IPL has commenced in India so too has the now popular Village Premier League (VPL), at the Hardtimes Playing field. On the afternoon of Sunday 8th April the league which is now in its fifth year officially got underway.
Chief Coordinator and Liaison officer for the Gingerland area Michael WISE Herbert chaired the brief ceremony and indicated that there were six registered teams this year. He congratulated the players involved and promised the crowd that they will not only witness exciting Cricket but can also win attractive prizes, because of the many sponsored incentives that will be on offer.
For example if a six is hit and the ball is caught by a spectator one handed within a designated area that spectator can win a cool $100.00. Hon. Eric Evelyn who officially declared the league open lauded Herbert and his team for their continued efforts in promoting the sport of Cricket and also had warm words of appreciation for the sponsors, which include former area representative and former Premier of Nevis Hon. Vance Amory.
He noted that the organizers will continue to have the fullest support of his Ministry and stated that he wants to see more Cricket being played and congratulated the organizers for doing their part.
He actually faced the first ball bowled by Lemuel Pemberton and hit a ‘six’ which only got as far as a short mid-on who clung on gleefully to the catch.
Following the opening ceremony the first match of the league was played between Bushwhackers and Easterns which included some six players under the age of ten as some of the senior statesmen were a no show.
Easterns batted first and got to 79 all out. Curtis Morton Sr top scored with 23.
Bushwhackers only needed just over 6 overs to clear the deficit, led by Jacel Allen, who got 37.
Summarized scores: Easterns 79 all out in 15 overs: Curtis Morton 23
Dwight Edwards 3 wickets
Bushwhackers: 84 for 1 in 6.2 overs: Jacel Allen 37; Reon 15
Hobson 1 wicket
Jacel Allen –man of the match. He received $100.00 for his efforts.
Due to the early conclusion of the game, a friendly ‘pick-up’ encounter, climaxed the afternoon’s proceedings.
