The Caribbean community of Birmingham came alive on Sunday 26th August when another instalment of the popular Malcolm Marshall Memorial Cup cricket match was held.
Bowler / Fielder Orson Nurse under pressure from spectator
Perfect was the weather and Caribbean nationals from many territories came out in their colours encouraged by brilliant sunshine. Organised by sports founder / organiser Sted Wallen and his brother Terry Wallen, assistant event organiser the event boasted sound systems, food booths, drinks booths and a general family atmosphere.
Josh Metcaff, Dave Taylor, Nigel Bungay and George Marshell
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham gave this landmark event his blessing saying, ‘The city of Birmingham would like to welcome you all to this year’s Birmingham Sports and Cultural Day 2012. This event has grown over the years and is now one of the most popular sporting and community events in Birmingham.
Lord Mayor of Birmingham. Photo courtesy birminghammail.net
Each year the Lord Mayor has the privilege of attending this wonderful event which is known for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. This year will be no different and the city hopes you will all enjoy the wonderful sporting and other activities that this event has always delivered at a very high standard for all our guests.
This event has something that appeals to all ages: fun activities, fashion, stalls, entertainment and the Malcolm Marshall Memorial Cricket Cup. The city has a reputation for hosting top-class events and this year’s event, which will also be celebrating Jamaica’s t5th anniversary since its independence, will undoubtedly make this Olympic year event even more inspiring and entertaining.
Tim Murton, former Worcestershire County Club player and Dean Headley (in red) former England player
Birmingham Sports & Cultural Day is not only providing top-quality entertainment with professional and other sporting legends taking part, but fundamentally it focuses on promoting cricket talents locally, from around the UK and abroad.
Ryan Wellington, talented batsman and bowler (extreme left) and Alex Tudor former England player (second from right)
On behalf of the city council we hope you have a great day and best wishes.’
Supported by veteran cricketer Sir Vivian Richards, the Channel 4 Malcolm Marshall Memorial Cup event has been going successfully for twelve years with this year being particularly special given the prominence of the London Olympics with the Jamaica Olympic training camp being in Birmingham coupled with the celebration of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of independence.
Event founder Sted Wallen in centre with Dwayne Crossgill to his immediate left followed by Ricardo Gordon, Worcestershire player
Though Sir Viv was unable to attend this year due to other pressing duties he sent his best wishes and pledged his continuing support. He said, ‘We need to give Sted enormous credit for delivering this event year after year, a quality event that everyone enjoys so much…’
Marverley Girls Netball Team supported by the event
Another show of appreciation came from Councillor Ian Ward, deputy leader,
Councillor Ian Ward
Birmingham Council who said, ‘As we’ve already seen this summer with the unforgettable Olympic Games, few things unite people like sport. Whether we’re watching the professionals or taking part ourselves, sport has the power to bring people and communities together.
Umpires Paul Boden (Test cricket Umpire) and John Holder (First-class) surrounded by SVR XII team mates
Every week, people across the city come together to play virtually any sport you can think of, and in the summer that of course means cricket. The summer game really does bring communities together.
Umpire Holder posing with the CaribDirect.com cricket bat
Now I’m of the generation that remembers the great West Indies sides of the 70s and 80s – players like Sir Vivian Richards, Clive Lloyd and of course that fearsome bowling attack, with the likes of Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall and others. They were spellbinding to watch but they must have been absolutely terrifying to face.
SVR Team member holding CaribDirect.com cricket bat
Purely in sporting terms, these guys were giants – at 6ft 8in tall, Garner was a giant full-stop. And, thinking back to Edgbaston Test matches from that era, they were a huge source of pride for Birmingham’s Caribbean community.
PCA XII Team members posing with CaribDirect.com cricket bat
But, just as their impact went far beyond the sporting arena, their fan-base extended beyond the Caribbean community. The great West Indies sides were admired and loved by cricket fans from every background.
Alex Tudor shows off CaribDirect.com cricket bat
The players were as follows:
Sir Vivian Richards XI
Dave Taylor (Captain), Sted Wallen (Vice Captain), Gareth Breese, Orson Nurse, Ricardo Gordon, Collis King, Ryan Wellington, Oral Rankine, Sir Vivian Richards, Nigel Bungay, George Marshell, Josh Metcaf, Kenrick Hooper, Dwayne Crossgill, Aaron Thomas, Chris Guest, Marc Gilroy, Stuart Carlyle, Sajid Kapidia, Llyas Shaikh
PCA XI
Dean Headley, Alex Tudor, James Henderson, James McCoy, Luke McCoy, Sam Guest, James Porter, Dipayan Paul
Match Officials
UNPIRES
John Holder (first class and Test cricket umpire), Paul Boden, Mohammed Saab Bhatti
SCORERS
Dave Fisher, Steven G. Jones
MATCH COMMENTATOR
Uroy Kelly
Legendary West Indies opening batsman Ron Headley
While at the games CaribDirect.com caught a hold of cricket legend Ron Headley, son of great West Indian batsman George Headley and father of team player Dean Headley. Ron was very pleased at the turn out and was all in praise for the organisers for managing yet again to pull off a stellar event with quality cricketers to entertain the mixed crowds.
Western Union’s Jacqui Clarke and CaribDirect.com Founder David F. Roberts
CaribDirect.com founder took the opportunity to pose with Western Union representative Jacqui Clarke.
