TORONTO, Canada – In what can only be described as harsh conditions on a cold and sultry day when the sun was never visible, Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) braved the elements to carve out their sixth consecutive Premiere League title when the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) season climaxed here last Saturday.
Led by a match-winning undefeated 103 by former Guyana and West Indies B opener Krishna Arjune, HACC defied what some described as an arctic blast to reach the required target of 203 in 42.4 overs after limiting opponents Scarborough Cricket Club (SCC) to 202 for five in the reduced 45-over affair.

Arjune, who also plays for Brampton Masters in the Toronto and District Elite League, shared a second-wicket partnership of 133 with Azhad Amidon (56) after HACC had lost Mathew Francis (four) with just 13 on the board.
Mixing solid defence with an array of attacking strokes, the experienced right-hander’s flawless knock contained eight fours and a six while Amidon, who hails from Malaysia, struck four fours in an equally responsible performance. Skipper Hemnarine Chattergoon, who joined Arjune with HACC still needing a further 32 for victory, ended on a quick-fire 24 with four fours.
Earlier, SCC were in some bother at 71 for four in the 22nd over following a solid opening stand of 41 before Arjune, in a unaccustomed role as bowler sent back both opening batsmen.
However HACC were made to wait until the final delivery of the last over to claim another wicket, that of top-scorer Arif Malek whose fine knock of 76 was laced with three sixes and four fours as he shared a face-saving partnership of 131 with Suhail Variava (62) for the fifth wicket. The more subdued Variava hit five fours as the HACC bowlers toiled to break the stubborn partnership with a few catches also going a-begging.
Man-of-the-match Arjune ended with the splendid figures of two for 19 from his nine overs while there was one wicket each for Ryiad Sattaur and Chattergoon for 22 and 24 runs respectively.
Despite the weather conditions, enthusiastic HACC supporters still braved the elements to witness their players win an unprecedented sixth championship which was celebrated gleefully at the end in fading light.
After the game, an emotional HACC president Narchand ‘Archie’ Mohan declared that his charges had proved that winning was not a destination but a journey
According to Mohan, HACC could not have gotten to this height without the support and commitment of the diehards. “This championship is a testimony to all of those who have total belief, trust and love for this great club.
Generations to come will be eager to know who really were these guys, that had one common goal to win and had proved that their goal will always be realised once they have the love and cooperation that once bonded them together.”
Mohan also reserved special praise for the sponsors – Iqbal Rahaman of IR Construction, Vishal Mohan of Mohan Construction and 747 Bar and Lounge, Lethem, Prem Punwassie of Jusmatt Inc. Liquidation and Surplus, Roy Singh of R.S Cargo Shipping Services and Tyron Madramootoo of T&S Enterprise.
Mohan also noted that during the six-year reign, HACC had fielded different teams and still came out successful. Among those missing from last year’s winning team were former Guyana wicketkeeper Azib Ali Hanif, openers Harrinarine Chattergoon and Reyaz Prahalad and all-rounder Mahadeo Moonasar while all-rounder Royston Crandon was unavailable because of commitments with Brampton Masters.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago-based Islanders emerged winners of the First Division, defeating Bilal Sports Club in a close encounter. Batting first, Bilal were dismissed for 196 in 40 overs while Islanders reached the target, losing eight wickets in the process.
Skipper Daniel Ramkissoon led the way for the winners with a top score of 71 while Shahroze Shah (four for 28) and Neil Rampersaud (three for 48) were their best bowlers.

By Frederick Halley