The Kingston College / St George’s College rivalry was renewed on Saturday, September, 9th, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York.
This manifested itself in the form of the 5 th edition of ROPER CUP New York. Threatened by thunderstorms, the Roper Cup Committee executed as “the show” had to go on. Surprisingly, the day started brightly, which naturally boosted the efforts of the organizing committee and others. The venue was quickly prepared before the first set of patrons started trickling in. With all the tents in place, DJ, food & drinks, vendors, volunteers, players, referees, and all the other relevant ingredients – it was on: Roper Cup NY 2023.
Ras Henry, MC for the day, signaled the commencement of the program, with Pastor Leacroft McKenzie of STGC leading those present into prayer. This was followed by the formal welcome, parading of the teams, and the referee’s whistle triggering engagement.
The two teams for the first game (KC over 50 versus STGC over 50) were undoubtedly raring to go. These men went at each other as they did over three decades ago. It was a spirited performance by both teams. KC eked out a one nil victory. They were immediately presented with the Sydney “Foggy” Burrowes trophy.
The second game is usually an invitational game, which was scheduled to be a duel between a Grenadian XI versus a STETHS XI. The Grenadian team did not turn up; however, a combined STGC/KC XI (North Street XI) took on the STETHS team. A huge thank you to a number of the STGC/KC players, who pulled double duties; they played in the first game. The much fresher and more cohesive STETHS unit won by 5 goals to 2. They walked away with the Invitational North Street Giants Cup.
The featured match was between STGC under 40 and KC under 40 teams. They played for the Roper Cup NY trophy. As expected, this game was much faster and more competitive. The younger men gave the gathering some memorable moments. After the final whistle was blown, the scoreline read: STGC 3; KC 2.
The Roper Cup NY was therefore shared between KC and STGC on the merit that each institution had won one game each: KC, the over 4O and STGC the under 40. Congratulations to the Knights and Braves of North Street.
The crowd on hand was not as large as anticipated, partly because of threatening weather conditions and perhaps some last-minute logistics changes. Notwithstanding, the day went well. There were thunderstorms in other parts of NYC, but the little rain that fell at the venue did not interrupt the day’s proceedings. Some may consider the precipitation experienced as “blessings”.
THANK YOU to all the patrons, including the many Fortisans and Georgians, who traveled from near and far to support the event. Thank you to the management and staff of the Old Boys and Girls High School Football Field for being a welcome and gracious host. Thank you to the visiting STETHS team, whose members added a different flavor to the event. Thank you to Tower Isle’s Frozen Foods Ltd. for its annual support of the event. Thank you to the Fortis Restaurant and other vendors that provided food and refreshments for all. Thank you to the DJ, who provided music and the needed sound system.
A huge and special thank you to the Jamaica Nurse Group of NY Inc. As usual, Dr. Green, Claudette Powell and the team were present – offering medical support. This included blood pressure checks, which a large number of persons capitalized on. Greatly appreciated, ladies – our Fortis Ladies.
Finally, thank you to the resident MC, Ras Henry; the Roper Cup Committee led by president Montaque & president Grant; and all the other board members and friends of both organizations (KCOBA USA Inc. & STGCOBNE), who contributed to the planning and executing of the event.
To the committee, continue to tweak and perfect the event. The vision remains clear: Roper Cup New York Edition has the potential to be a significant event on the diaspora’s annual calendar. Let’s do it!
Next year’s event is scheduled for September 7th, 2024. Do support KCOBA USA Inc.’s next event: The association’s Flagship Program FUNdraiser.: the SCHOLARSHIP BRUNCH scheduled for Saturday, October 28th, 1023; 12 – 5pm in Long Island, NY. More to come!!
George B Bell ‘85