… Ajax Ward 2 Councillor lauds SCA for great initiative

THE eagerly anticipated Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) inaugural Winter Season got off to a resounding start recently at the spacious Pickering Soccer Centre with Ajax Ward 2 Councillor, Ashmeed Khan, lauding the executives for the great initiative.

The Guyanese-born Khan told the audience, which included executive members of the SCA and participating players that “playing cricket not only offers health benefits and social skills, but a sense of community and social interaction that is all too important, especially after the isolation we have experienced in the past 20 months.”

According to Khan, the SCA, which was formed some 41 years ago, has provided the necessary values and resources to its players, “so on behalf of the Ajax Council, I congratulate the SCA on your inaugural Winter cricket season launch and wish each team success in their matches.”

Also present at the auspicious occasion was Keith Deonarine, Cricket Development Officer attached to Cricket Canada. Deonarine also praised the SCA for the initiative, pointing out that it will definitely keep the players active during the Winter season.

The former Canadian youth player reminded those present about the importance of committed cricket which he said was very important for the players’ development.
Deonarine pointed out that Cricket Canada is very happy to see cricket can also be played during the winter period which, according to him, is a demonstration of great leadership by the SCA.

SCA president Shiv Persaud, in brief remarks, expressed gratitude to the five participating teams while reminding that registration is still open to other teams. Persaud was very optimistic that the inaugural season will be a success.

Persaud also thanked Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier for the recognition of the first-ever Winter Cricket Season. According to Persaud, “Now more than ever, it is important to keep our communities active and engaged in physical activities. It is beneficial to the health and wellness of our communities by allowing them a place to interact, compete in teams, exercise and be happy socialising with their peers.”

In the two fixtures that follow, Toronto 6ixers’ Jaskaran Singh entered his name in the record books after registering the first century of the tournament as his team made light work of Victoria Park Frank Pollard’s XI in the 15-over affair.

Set 135 for victory, after limiting their opponents to 134 for six in their allotted overs, Toronto 6ixers reached the required target with 16 balls to spare, aided by Singh’s brilliant knock, losing four wickets in the process.
In the other game, which was played simultaneously, Victoria Park Richard Ramlall’s XI registered a comprehensive 102-run victory over United Titans.

Chasing a formidable 172 for victory, after Victoria Park Richard Ramlall’s XI blasted 171 for six in their 15 overs, United Titans were routed for a paltry 69 in nine overs. Mohammed Asif Khan was the only batter to offer any resistance with an undefeated 33.

Rag Shaileshkumar Patel ended with the incredible figures of three wickets for no run from one over while there were two wickets each for Tarun Pothugunta and Abhishek Desai.

Victoria Park Richard Ramlall’s XI were led to their total through consistent performances from Meet Shah (41), Vishnu Pothugunta (38), Shiva Reddy (33) and Tarun Pothugunta (30 not out). Umer Sohail claimed two for 21 from two overs.

The tournament, which runs until April next year, will be played on Saturdays but will see a break for the Christmas and New Year holidays. (Frederick Halley)