Tivoli Look to Fullfill Destiny in 2011 Flow Champion’s Cup

April 20, 2011

Tivoli Gardens Football Club are on the verge of creating history in Jamaica local football. The West Kingston based team is in line to win the National Premier League title and the all island knock out football competition; the Flow Champions Cup, all in the same season.

No other club has managed to achieve the feat and if Tivoli prevails, it would be a fitting reward for the orange and black clad team who last lifted the Premier League title in the 2008/2009 season and the Champion’s Cup in the 2005/2006 season.

Denise Williams, Marketing Manager at Flow is moved by the passion that has been displayed in this season’s games. “Each team displayed tremendous tenacity and great team spirit throughout the season. We applaud the participating teams that have made this league both exciting and fulfilling. St Georges and Tivoli both have so much to win for and we wish them the best in their game,” she said.

For Tivoli, the journey in the Flow Champions Cup has been torrid, having narrowly been beaten by Harbour View on penalties in the second round and barely eliminating parish team Frazsiers Whip 1-0 in the quarter finals.

According to their head coach Glendon ‘Admiral’ Bailey; these are the things teams have to go through if they want to become champions.

“Football is like that, on any given day you can play your best game and lose and then another day you play your worst game and win; you have to have that mental toughness in order to be successful in the local leagues.”

Bailey, who has been with the club on and off as coach in the last three seasons believes his players are mentally, focused this year to win their third all island knockout football title. “After getting the better of the defending champions Boys Town in the semis I know my players are not going to come this far and not claim the trophy, we are a committed bunch that wants to deliver silverware to the community of Tivoli gardens,” says Bailey.

The teams bid for the championship on Sunday May 8 will rest with inspirational captain Kasai Hinds who has been a tower of strength in the heart of defense.

Much is also expected of the two national representatives in their squad, Kemar Daley and Navion Boyd, the former of whom won the Flow player of the match in the semi finals.

For Daley, this is the year that Tivoli reclaims their spot as the top football club in the land. “We want Tivoli to be champions again, we are currently leading the Premier league and are in the finals of the Flow Champions Cup and we definitely want to win these two trophies.”

The sentiment is the same for veteran goalkeeper Edsel Scott who has been representing Tivoli since his teenage days. “It’s been a couple years since we won a trophy in Jamaica and to get the million dollars and the Flow Cup is high on our agenda this season, it would be great to also win the Premier League, all the hard work that we put in this year would have paid off for us.”

St. Georges through to final of Flow Champions Cup

April 17, 2011

St. Georges Sports Club (SC) inched closer to their first national title by defeating Sandals Whitehouse of Westmoreland 3-0 in the first semi-final of the Flow Champions Cup All Island Knockout Football competition at the Tony Spaulding Complex on Sunday.

Romeo Parkes, who scored two goals and Ricardo Watson, were on target for St. Georges.  "We are a little bit a cut above Sandals but give them credit. As far as I’m concerned, we played for about 60, 65 minutes and then we started to joke around (and) I don’t have the time for this. In my mind, two or three players will not play in the next Digicel Premier League game; they’re going to be dropped from the team. We played a lousy 25, 30 minutes and that’s not a team going to a final," said Geoffery Maxwell, St. Georges coach.

St. Georges SC awaits the winner of the second semi-final between Boy's Town and rivals Tivoli Gardens.

Boy's Town is seeking an unprecedented three straight Flow Champions Cup.

The title winners will be awarded $1 million.

Source: http://www.rjrnewsonline.com/sports/football/st-georges-through-final-flow-champions-cup

Tivoli, St Georges book Cup date

St Georges' goal scorer Romeo Parkes tries to bring the ball under control, despite heavy pressure from Sandals Whitehouse's Damion Wynter, during their Flow Champions Cup semi-final at the Anthony Spaulding Sport Complex yesterday. Parkes grabbed a brace as St Georges ran out comfortable 3-0 winners. - Ian Allen/Photographer

The winner of the 2011 Flow Champions Cup will come from either Tivoli Gardens or St George's after both teams registered contrasting 1-0 and 3-0 wins over Boys' Town and Sandals Whitehouse, respectively, in semi-final action at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.

In the first semi-final, Premier League strugglers St Georges, brought Sandals back down to Earth, thanks to a brace from midfielder Romeo Parkes, while in the feature, defending champions Boys' Town surrendered a 102nd minute defeat to rivals Tivoli Gardens.

Christopher Jackson got the all-important strike from the penalty spot, after Boys' Town's Asrick Samuels handled the ball in the box. Things got worse for Boys' Town a minute later when Wayne Ellis was ejected for a foul on Keammar Daley.

After taking the pressure to Sandals in the opening game, St Georges were able to grab the lead in the 15th minute when Parkes running into the area topped home from inside the area.

Sandals then tried to come back, however, on each occasion they were denied by poor passing, and a level of eruditeness from the Portland-based St Georges.

second goal

This then resulted in the second goal, which was netted by Parkes, who in similar fashion to the first, followed through into the area, and was in the right place at the right time to tap home from close range, a square from James Delroy.

The game was then made safe in the 57th minute when Richardo Watson, in almost similar fashion to the first two goals, tapped home from inside the six-yard area.

"It feels good to be in the final and the hope is that we can go all the way in what has been an up and down season for us," said St George's coach Geoffery Maxwell.

proud coach

Sandals coach Aaron Lawrence credited St Georges for their win, but said overall he was proud of his team's accomplishments.

"St Georges is a more quality team than us and they really took the game to us ... congrats to them," he surmised.

"But having said that, reaching this far is a great accomplishment for the club, the players, our fans, and myself, as nobody expected us to reach this far. We just hope we can build on this and continue to grow from strength to strength."

The final will be played on May 8, following the end of the Premier League, which will see its final round of matches being played on May 1.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110418/sports/sports1.html

St George's 'Flow' into final

St George’s SC defender Omar Davis (left) rises above Sandals Whitehouse’s
Dervin Campbell to head the ball during their Flow Champions Cup KO
semi-final game at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.
St George’s won 3-0. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

St George’s SC......3 Parkes (15th, 41st), Watson (57th) Sandals Whitehouse.....0

TWO goals from former national Under-20 forward Romeo Parkes and another from Ricardo Watson carried St George's SC to a 3-0 win over Sandals Whitehouse at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday to book their place in the final of the Flow Champions Cup.

Parkes netted in the 15th and 41st minutes, while Watson scored in the 57th to put the Portland side into their first final.

St George's will face either defending champions Boys' Town or Tivoli Gardens who at press time were engaged in a tense contest in the other semi-final of a double-header.

In the first match-up, St George's coach Geoffrey Maxwell, despite the comfortable victory, was not pleased with his team's overall performance.

"Today (yesterday) we only played 60 minutes, but to my mind towards the end we played a lot of rubbish... so we need to wake up," he said.

The Portlanders settled very early in the contest and it was no surprise when Parkes found space inside the area to fire home a cross from Bobby-Joe Huie, who was finding acres of space on the right.

Sandals Whitehouse's best effort came midway the half, but Dervin Campbell's free-kick was parried wide by goalkeeper Randal Huie.

Parkes had the ball in the net again in the 39th minute, but this time he was ruled offside.

However, Parkes MVP, netted his and St George's second goal of the afternoon when he took a low pass from Danian Reid and slotted past Diego Soloman in goal for the losers from six yards.

Three minutes after the break, Parkes sent a defence-splitting pass through to Girvon Brown, who failed to direct his effort past Soloman who made the save.

But nine minutes later, Watson got his goal when Huie fired the ball across the face of the Sandals Whitehouse's goal and the striker turned up at the far-post to stab home from closerange.

Campbell had another good opportunity to pull a goal back for the Westmoreland-based side in the 71st minute, but he dragged his shot wide of the target from 18 yards.

Sandals Whitehouse coach Aaron Lawrence said "I am proud of the players because nobody expected Sandals to reach this far".

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/St-George-s--Flow--into-final_8684986#ixzz1Jtb68gu3

New HD channel lineup

April 10, 2011

Dear Valued Customer:

Thank you for choosing Flow. We are extremely pleased to announce new and exciting developments in our High Definition (HD) Cable TV offering. Flow is introducing ten (10) new HD channels to our line-up, along with more ways to access HD channels.

New HD Channels:

Effective April 6, 2011, Flow will introduce ten (10) new HD channels to its line-up. This will increase the number of HD channels currently offered by Flow from eleven (11) to twenty one (21). The new HD channels to be added are as follows:

Lifetime HD; Lifetime Movie Network HD; Speed HD; Fox Soccer HD; World Fishing HD; MTV HD; TBN HD; Nickelodeon HD; Concert Channel HD; Rush HD

HD Channel number changes in your TV guide

To help you access the channels easier, we are changing the channel number range for all HD channels. Effective April 6, 2011, you will be able to access the full range of HD channels in the '1000' channel range, making it easier to find your favourite HD channel. Each HD channel will be positioned 1000 higher than its standard definition (SD) channel equivalent. Simply put '1' in front of its SD channel equivalent.

For example, the SD channel for ABC is #108. ABC HD will be changed to #1108.
Please Note: you will be able to continue to view ABC HD on channel # 340 until June 30, 2011.

New High Definition Packaging

In order to better accommodate these exciting new channels, we are also changing the way we offer HD channels in our line-up. For a small 'HD Access Fee' you can turn on the HD channels available in the standard and premium packages, and no longer purchase one large HD package.

i.e. Customers who have the Watch Basic package and want to see the channels available in HD, can now opt for the new Watch Basic HD package, and for an additional $395 per month, we will activate the 13 HD channels available in Watch Basic HD.

As an existing customer with the Watch HD package you can either maintain your existing line up and rates OR choose to upgrade to the new HD channel packages.

We have summarized below the new Watch HD packages and HD channels within each package:

New Base Packages with HD channels: Watch Starter HD, Watch Basic HD, Watch Basic+ HD, Watch Premium HD, Watch Ultimate HD

New Optional Premium Packages with HD channels: Watch Movies HD, Watch Sports HD

New HD Channels now available in Cable Your Way options:

In addition to the Seven (7) new base packages with HD, for Residential customers, the following channels will also be available via HD CYW.

Speed HD, Fox Soccer HD, World Fishing HD, Concert Channel HD, Rush HD, Food TV HD, HGTV HD, National Geographic HD, Wealth TV HD

With HD CYW, customers can purchase any of the nine (9) channels listed above, either individually for $295 + G.C.T./month or as part of a group of ten (10) CYW channels for $1,050 + G.C.T/month.

As an existing customer with the Watch HD package you may subscribe to any of the new base and/or optional HD packages listed above or simply choose to maintain your Watch HD package and add channels from HD CYW line up.

Reduced HD PVR set top box prices

As you are aware, you can only access HD content with a HD or HD PVR Set top box.

Flow is very pleased to announce that we have been able to acquire the HD PVR set top boxes at better rates. As a result, we have passed these savings on to you, our valued customers. The price of the PACE Aspen HD PVR set top box has been reduced from $54,999 + G.C.T. to $40,000 + G.C.T.

In addition to the PACE Aspen HD PVR, Flow has also introduced a new HD only set top box called the PACE Tango. With the PACE Tango set top customers can access HD content although they will not be able to record it. The PACE Tango retails for $15,000.00 + G.C.T.

We hope you enjoy the new way we package and sell our HD channels. If you prefer, you can maintain your existing HD channels and pay no more than you are paying today. The choice is yours!

Thank you once again for choosing Flow. We look forward to continuing to serve you in 2011 and beyond.

For more information, please contact our Customer Care Department toll free at 1-888-303-3000 or visit your nearest Flow store.

Yours Sincerely
Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited, Flow

Sharon Roper
Vice President, Marketing

More HD channels from Flow

Cable television provider, FLow, has increased the range of HD channels available, in a move it says is designed to ensure that more Jamaican's enjoy the High Definition experience.

Flow's vice president of marketing, Sharon Roper explains that Flow has introduced 10 new HD channels to its line-up. This moves Flow's HD offering from 11 to 21.

The new HD channels to be added are, Lifetime HD; Lifetime Movie Network HD; Speed HD; Fox Soccer HD; World Fishing HD; MTV HD; TBN HD; Nickelodeon HD; Concert Channel HD; Rush HD.

Roper further explained, customers can access these HD channels using a HD set top box connected to their HD TV. Due to the dual functionality of HD access, plus the ability to watch live TV programmes while recording on other channels, record and store their favourite programmes and even pause and rewind live TV, these special set top boxes are normally sold at a premium rate.

For customers who only want to view HD channels without the 'Tivo like' functionality, Flow has also introduced a new HD only set top box called the PACE Tango. With the PACE Tango set top customers can access HD content although they will not be able to record it

In order to accommodate the increased HD line up, Flow has also introduced new channel positioning for all of its the HD channels. According to Roper, Flow is changing the channel number range for all HD channels. Customers, will be able to access the full range of HD channels in the '1000' channel range, making it easier to find your favourite HD channel.

High Definition is seen as the closest experience to being at a live event. It allows the viewer to experience picture quality that is extremely lifelike with extreme definition. With the increased availability of affordable HD Television sets in Jamaica, the demand for this new multimedia experience is said to be becoming more popular.

Flow sees Jamaica joining the ranks of HDTV viewers worldwide. International technology trends show that with the rise in the production of Smart TVs, non-HD formatting will be obsolete one day.

Last Eight Battle for Supremacy in Flow Champion Cup

April 4, 2011

The eight remaining teams, including defending champions Boys’ Town will look to continue their journey in the Flow Champions Cup when the quarter finals kicks off on Wednesday, April 6 at four venues across the Kingston metropolitan area and St Catherine.

Defending Champions Boys’ Town, who are looking to three peats, will have a tough assignment if they are to make it into the semi finals, as they square off with neighbors and arch rivals Arnett Gardens at Collie Smith Drive.

The Red Brigade have had a torrid run in the competition this year after almost being eliminated by Humble Lion in the second round.

Despite the close shave, head coach Andrew Price believes these are the things teams have to go through to win championships.

“Our team has a lot of tenacity and fight, we were one nil down against Humble Lion in the final minute of the game but we were able to pull a goal back and eventually go on to win the game, that’s what champions are all about and we intend to bring the same attitude in the quarter final game against Arnett.”

Boys’ Town’s enterprising play has been centered around Captain Michael Campbell and the return of midfielder O’Neil Thompson from Norway. The red brigade will also look to defender Wayne Ellis, Xavian Virgo and last year’s MVP Renae Lloyd to lead their charge.

On the other hand, Arnett Gardens are also in confident mood as they head down the road to play their neighbors. After disposing Seba United and Downs FC at home, Arnett will be making their first trip outside the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in the Flow Champions Cup.

Former National striker Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis is the man in charge of the Junglist.

“This is the kind of matchup that my team relish, the last time we came here and played in the all island knock out we won and we are confident that my team can deliver the goods on the day.”

Arnett’s inspirational play has been credited to an all round team effort lead by captain Kirk Ramsey, striker Newton Sterling, midfielder Nicholas Dodd, who copped the ‘Flow Man of the Match’ of the first round and won for himself a desk top computer from Flow.

The other quarter final fixtures sees perennial contenders Tivoli Gardens travelling to Spanish Town to face newcomers Frazsiers Whip who have been creating waves in the 2011 edition of the Flow Champions Cup.

Frazsiers have already upset one Premier League team, Village United, and the St Catherine based team will be hunting another scalp when Tivoli comes to town. They will be banking on National under 20 player Nico Brett to take the fight to Tivoli.

“We expect anything to happen against Tivoli, one thing for sure my team is not afraid of them, we have done our home work and we are prepared for a hard running game, we will sit back and observe them before we make our move.” said Wayne Gadishaw, Manager of Frazsiers Whip.

His opposite number Brian Rose of Tivoli is also in confident mood as the Premier league team look to book a spot in the semi finals after being eliminated early last season. There key player is National mid fielder Kemar Daley

“I think this is a good draw for us, I hear that they are a spirited team and I believe it is going to be a tough match, but I think our superiority will come to the fore on the day.”

Over in Portmore, another exciting clash loom as home team Portmore United take on St. George’s Sports Club, the team that eliminated them from last year’s competition.

Portmore’s run to the quarter final saw them getting by Sporting Central Academy 4-2 and by the looks of things goals galore could be the order of the day come Wednesday.

Striker Steven Morrissey and Ricardo Cousins both scored twice and they will be expecting more of the same at the Ferdie Neita Park.

“Our squad is a deep one and the guys have been putting in the work so I expect the same kind of intensity at home when we play St. George’s.” said Portmore’s Coach Linval Dixon.

For St. George’s President Everton King, the game will be a tough one, however the team still remembers last season epic performance that eventually saw them going all the way to the semi finals.

Former national Player Donavan Davis is the point man for the Portland based team who are on the verge of their second straight Flow Champions Cup Semi final.

“If you want to win this competition you have to go anywhere and win, our team is in good knick at the moment and I believe the boys want to make it to the semis again.

The other quarter final clash will see giant killers Santos taking on Sandals Whitehouse out of Westmorland. Santos, who dumped Reno and Benfica out of the competition, will look for an easier matchup up against Sandals.

“This probably will be the easiest game for us in this competition but we are not going to underestimate them we are just going to play our game and see what happens.” said Carlton Dennis of Santos.

Former Reggae Boy Aaron Lawrence who is the coach of the Sandals team has a different view on the proceedings. “We are ready to roll with a bang, Sandals will be on everyone’s lips when all is said and done.”

Flow title sponsors of the Champions Cup for the third year running alongside, regional cable giants SportsMax, the championship managers also see first time sponsors Red Stripe and Voltaren coming on board as associate sponsors.

Flow Eyes Opportunities In Jamaica

Source: http://www.allmediaservicesltd.com/seyret/videodirectlink/492-flow-eyes-opportunities-in-jamaica.html

Legends, Knights in big clash

April 3, 2011

An intriguing contest is expected today when former champions Urban Knights oppose Majesty Legends in the feature match of the Flow National Basketball League (NBL) at the University of Technology Auditorium starting at 7 p.m.

In the opening game of the double-header, Waterhouse Blazers will battle Portmore Flames at 5 p.m. Both teams are at the bottom of the table with three wins and seven losses.

The Calvin Martin-coached Knights are third in the table with seven wins and three defeats. The Legends, who have played one less have won six and lost two. Defending champions Tivoli Wizards lead the standings with nine wins and one defeat.

"It is going to be a very difficult game for us because we are coming off two tough loses and Majesty are playing at the top of their game now," said Martin, whose team last won back-to-back titles in 2007 and 2008.

He added that every game from this point onwards is very critical and so it is important that they perform well against the top teams in the competition.

"I am hoping for a good performance from my team because it is going down to the play-offs now and so it is time for us to start improving our game if we are going have any chance of doing well," Martin said.

"Both teams want to win, but I think that the team which executes the best on both ends of the floor will win the game," Martin stated.

Coach very upbeat

Marland Nattie, coach of the Legends, said his team is very upbeat ahead of today's game. "They are confident, but they will have to go out and execute our plan to win the game," said Nattie.

"However, it will be a tough game for us because they (Knights) are one of the top teams in the league," Nattie said.

One of the key matchups in today's game will be that between the Legends' Kemar McLeish and his national teammate Javon Bailey at the point guard position. Both are two of the best players in the league.

In another exciting matchup, the Legends' Baldon Todd will challenge André Murray at the shooting guard while Oneil Mundle of the Knights will go up against the Legends' Maurice Blackwood at centre.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110403/sports/sports9.html

Shawn Storm enters Corporate Jamaica through Flow Champion Cup

An avid lover of football, when upcoming deejay Shawn Storm was approached by Flow and Sportsmax to create a theme song for the Flow Champion Cup (FCC), he jumped at the opportunity to remix his popular “My Life” to help mirror the excitement on what is now considered one of the most exciting football event on the island.  

Approached in February, Storm, who rose to superstar status last year, used his uplifting hit to coin the anthem for this year's FCC. A member of the Portmore Empire, in the theme song Storm deejays, "just in case yuh waan fi know, a Flow Cup/work hard every day/thank God jus to win di mil, yuh know/a Flow Cup." For Storm the opportunity to work with FCC was a great one as he explained, "it feel good to work with them, me is someone who love football, so is a good feeling to partake in something that deals with the sport."