HELENA 1&2 were crowned the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) President’s Cup Champions when they won the final against Strathavon at the Fairfield Community Centre ground on Sunday.

Helena won the toss and gave the opposition first strike. They reached 193-8 in 40 overs but the eventual champions knocked off the target with the loss of five wickets.
On a good batting surface, Helena 1&2 started badly as they lost two wickets for eight runs which brought together Rohit Dutchin to the middle. Dutchin exploded much to the excitement of the huge crowd and made an unbeaten 110 which included six fours and five sixes.
The only other batsman to make a substantial contribution was Davendra Singh (22). The wicket-takers for Strathavon were Steven Singh (3-29) and Alphonso (2-49).
Dutchin was adjudged man-of-the-match and received a trophy for his outstanding performance.
Earlier in the day, Strathavon lost early wickets but Daniram Hemraj along with his son Ganesh Hemraj built a partnership of 41 to improve the innings. Ganesh eventually went for 31 (3×4) and his father 17 (2×4).
Other contributors were Yaseer Bacchus (17), Scott Mohamed (20), Prakash Chowti (21) and Nandram Persaud (20). The wicket-takers for Strathavon were Charlie Pitt (2-41) and Shazad Ali (3-36).
At the presentation ceremony president of the ECCB, Bissoondyal Singh, congratulated both teams for reaching the final and expressed his delight in seeing them there after having a torrid time in the earlier rounds.
He said, “I am extremely happy with way the competition was run. Although Strathavon have reached finals several times, Helena 1 & 2 not only got to the final but won it. It shows when you work hard, success is inevitable and certainly this is what happened today.”.
He also expressed gratitude to all those who would have contributed in making the competition a success.