… Mohammed adjudged Cricketer-of-the-Year, Chinkoo MVP in 40-over, T30 competitions
DEMERARA Youth player Ushardeva Balgobin walked away with the International Cricketer Award when the Meten-Meer-Zorg (MMZ) Cricket Club New York held their annual Award Ceremony this week in New Jersey.
The overseas-based Guyanese club honoured several Guyanese-born cricketers at the event, but it was Trinidadian Azurdeen Mohammed, who was named Cricketer-of-the-Year.
The 31-year-old, who represented the U.S. at the U19 level, finished with the most runs for the club in the T20 and T30 divisions. The opening batter also registered the best batting average in the club (45.5), while he was also stifling with his left-arm orthodox spin.
Eighteen-year-old Balgobin, who played in the NYNCL for the first time, proved instrumental with both bat and ball. His leg-spin earned him an award, while he also scored T20 and T30 half-centuries for the team.
In an invited comment, the Everest Cricket Club senior cricketer noted that the four-month trip was a learning experience.
“It was hard work against tough players. I’m thankful for the opportunity and the experience.”
Balgobin, who is looking to advance his cricketing career locally, is hoping to have another stint with the club, next season.
MMZ were instrumental this season in the NYNCL. They finished second in the 40-over competition, while they lost the semi-finals of the 20-over and 30-over competitions.
Balgobin’s teammate, former Guyana U19 cricketer Looknauth Chinkoo was also rewarded for his outstanding performances in both the 40-over and T30 competitions. The MVP (in both competitions), registered 1 579 points in the 40-over competition and 2 191 points in the T30 competition for his runs and wickets combined.
Off-spinner Ansaar Yasim, who finished with the most T20 wickets, was adjudged as Youth Cricketer-of-the-Year, while Mark Fredericks finished as Most Improved Cricketer-of-the-Year. Troy Mars and Kevin Shewprasad were named the Most Disciplined Cricketers and Abdulla Khan as the Rising Star.
Several cricketers were also rewarded for their outstanding performances. Keith Edie finished with the most half-centuries in the 40-over tournament; Matthew Lutchena for a five-wicket haul and best bowling figures in the 40-over tournament; Mars with the T20 half-centuries award; Samuel Raghubir for the most T20 wickets and Joe Knights for the Best T20 bowling figures.
Meanwhile, the Manager of the team, former national U19 cricketer, Ajaz Asgarally, his brother Fiaz Asgarally and Ricky Kissoon received honorary plaques for their hard work and services to the club behind the scene.
