THE Hawaiian Arctic Youth Cricket Club is once again functioning, thanks to the untiring efforts of its parent body, based in Toronto, Canada.
Amidst much pomp and ceremony, long-standing Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) president Narchand “Archie” Mohan made the resuscitation a reality at the C-3 Park, Cotton Tree, West Bank Berebice on Saturday after the club, which was formed some 22 years ago, simultaneously with the one in Canada, went dormant.
The occasion, graced by hundreds, featured a four-team Under-19 tournament which saw Blairmont Raiders emerging as champions with a hard-fought 11-run victory over archrivals and neighbours DeEdwaard, thereby capturing the Mohan Memorial Trophy, played in honour in observance of the fifth death anniversary of Mohan’s late mom, Kuntie Mohan.
Led by a five-wicket haul by man-of-the-match Javed Karim, whose three overs cost a mere 14 runs, DeEdwaard were restricted to 100 for nine in the reduced 15 overs, chasing a challenging 111for nine, also in 14. The main contributors were I. Wilson (30 not out with a six and a four) and C. Budhu who struck three fours in his 23.
Blairmont were led to their total by a fine knock of 31 from Shimar Flatts who struck two fours and a six. Dellon Phillips claimed four for 19 from his three overs while A. Budhu supported with two for 19.
Earlier, DeEdwaard had spoiled the debut of the HACC Youth team with an easy five-wicket victory after limiting the hosts to 87 in 19.1 overs with A. Blackman being the main destroyer with three for 12 in his four allotted overs in the 20-over affair. Blairmont reached the final after getting past West Berbice Achievers.
Phillips was again among the runs for the victors, hitting a top-score of 30 as his team cruise to victory in 15.4 overs. A. Hemraj was the best bowler with two for 11.
At the presentation ceremony, an emotional Mohan praised the efforts of all those involved in making the resuscitation of the youth club a possibility, lauding the efforts of the sponsors, which included his nephew Vishal and wife Rema of Mohan Contracting firm of Toronto, Canada and 747 Bar & Lounge, Lethem, Trophy Stall and HACC among others. The Mohans also provided cash incentives for the winning and runner-up teams.
Mohan also recalled when the club was formed more than two decades ago and felt aggrieved over its non-functioning over the years. He however pledged that he would make every effort to sustain it this time around and also told the gathering that the unprecedented success of the HACC team in Toronto, which has captured the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premiere League title for the past six consecutive years, has been the main driving force behind the efforts.
The tournament was originally slated to be played on Mash Day but was rained out.