TORONTO, Canada – Winning has certainly become a habit with the Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC). An unprecedented five consecutive championship titles, highlighted by 17 wins on the trot in the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premiere Division One tournament, tell the relentless story of a club which see the sky as the limit to their achievements.

At the club’s last year’s presentation dinner and dance, long-standing president Narchand ‘Archie’ Mohan had expressed the view that he was extremely proud to be part of the HACC family and while “I have been proud to be raising the five fingers on my right hand, I am eagerly looking forward to start raising those on the left.”
That assertion was a clear indication to the other participating teams that HACC have no intention of sitting on their laurels when the 2015 season gets under way with Mohan also pointing out that “the taste of joy and winning is undoubtedly so sweet”.
The club’s reign of successes in finals started in 2010 when they defeated Panoli Cricket Club and this was followed by triumphs over East West XI in 2011, Victoria Park in 2012, Bawa XI in 2013 and East West in last year’s aborted engagement.
With outdoor training still not possible because of the dampness of most grounds, HACC players are desperately hoping for a quick change in the current weather to “hit the ground” but some are reportedly involved in rigorous indoor exercises and Mohan is extremely happy with their progress and told Chronicle Sports that his charges are raring to go.
The predominant Guyanese squad will once again be led by former National Under-19 batsman Hemnarine Chattergoon and hopefully will be strengthened by the inclusion of former West Indies one-day middle-order batsman Royston Crandon and former Guyana fast bowler Trevon Garraway. However, their absence last season, after previous participation, did not prove all that costly as it seemed to have galvanised the other players.
HACC’s domination was reflected at the SCA’s annual presentation and dinner where former Guyana youth player Harrinarine Chattergoon stole the spotlight. Chattergoon, the younger brother of Hemnarine, had an outstanding season, tallying 548 runs, registering the highest score, a belligerent 268 against Durham Cricket Club and being adjudged Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the aborted final versus East West Cricket Club.
The slim-built opening batsman, however, had to share the headlines with teammates, all-rounder Zaheer Allard, brother Hemnarine and Mahadeo Moonasar as HACC carted off the lion’s share of the Premier Division awards.
The burly and big-hitting Allard had the distinction of recording the second highest aggregate (467), slamming two centuries (122 and 138) and also claiming a hat-trick with his left-arm seamers.
Hemnarine joined his brother as the two double centurions in the tournament, his brilliant 217 versus Bawa XI being an innings of immense class, while Moonasar was outstanding with the ball, capturing two six-wicket hauls for 17 and 27 runs respectively. Two other HACC players who were also in the limelight were former Guyana opening batsman Krishna Arjune for his swashbuckling 169 and Azhad Amidon for a well-complied 102.
Allard was also voted the MVP for his outstanding all-round efforts at the club’s presentation dinner and dance.
An excited Mohan is full of praise for the contributions of his players past and present, pointing out that they must be commended for their sterling efforts both on and off the field.
He pointed out that success has been attained through hard work and determination and once the players maintain the same attitude there’s no reason why they should not continue their winning ways.
HACC was formed some 20 years ago and Mohan stressed that its current achievements are a testimony to the dedication and perseverance shown by the founding members. Mohan also had special praise for vice-president Iqbal Rahaman, secretary/treasurer Eon Gunraj, whom he described as being loyal and dedicated.
“They have been the pillars along with Doodnauth Singh, Rishi Samuel, and Vish Singh, the walls on which this great club has been successful.”

By Frederick Halley