…Skipper Hanif brimming with confidence

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada – Having ruled the roost for six consecutive years in the Premiere League, the transition to the Elite League wasn’t as smooth as Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) hoped for or anticipated. For two years, 2016 and 2017, their title hopes faded but a sense of determination prevailed. First, they lost in the inaugural final and were booted out in the semi-final the following year.

Primed and ready to face Victoria Park Cricket Club (VPCC) in last year’s Elite final, HACC were “given” the title on a platter with the latter conceding the game, reportedly because of other commitments to the Toronto & District League.

Clearly the most sought-after team, following their unprecedented successes over the years, HACC face a daunting task to retain top honours when the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) 2019 season gets underway on May 11.

Skipper Azib Ali Hanif, a former Guyana national player, is, however, brimming with confidence that HACC are capable of coming out tops and cart off a second consecutive Elite League title.

Hanif, who took over the captaincy from another former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 player, Hemnarine Chattergoon, told Chronicle Sport once his charges play to their full potential, the chances of HACC retaining championship honours are extremely good, more so since most, it not all of the players, are returning.

Among those expected to return is former Berbice Under-19 player, Krishnadat Ramoo, who captured the most wickets in his first season and was fittingly voted the Most Valuable Player at the club’s 2018 presentation, dinner and dance.

Ramoo, who claimed 19 wickets from 10 matches, by far the most by a HACC player and third overall in the league which saw two players with 20 each, also tallied 162 runs with a highest score of 71.

Last year’s leading scorer, Azhad Amidon, who totalled 278 runs in the season, is also raring to go, so too is former Canadian wicketkeeper-batsman, Surendra Seeraj, whose 226 runs included a top-score of 93. Seeraj also excelled in the semi-final with six dismissals behind the stumps.

Former Guyana Under-19 fast bowler, Keyron Fraser, also shone. He captured 15 wickets at 9.53 runs apiece, placing eighth overall. His fine effort included a match-winning performance of six for 17 versus defending champions, Highland Creek, in the semi-final.
Creditable performances also came from leg-spinner, Vinood Persaud and left-arm spinner Bhim Bodhoo with 14 and 13 wickets respectively, while Teshawon Castro smashed an incredible 156 in his lone match which also saw former Guyana Under-19 batsman Farook Hussain slamming 106.

Seasoned campaigners Anil Samuel, who cracked a fine half-century in last season’s semi-final versus Highland Creek, former Guyana and West Indies one-day player Royston Crandon and all-rounder Zaheer Allard are also expected to feature prominently this season.

Meanwhile, long-standing president of HACC, Narchand ‘Archie’ Mohan, is excited about the prospects of the players competing this season, since he feels they are adept with the necessary know-how to win championships.

Mohan paid glowing tributes to all the players for their outstanding contributions and commitment to the club over the years. He also commended the sponsors for their continued assistance.