A BRILIANT bowling performance by former Guyana youth player, Raja Pooran, spurred Melbourne Sports Club to an impressive win over Apollo Sports Club in the final of the Canadian Commonwealth Association of Toronto 40-over tournament, which climaxed last Saturday at Keele Top, North York, Toronto, Canada.

Pooran, who hails from Enmore, East Coast Demerara but plies his trade in Canada, grabbed four for 29 from eight overs with his off-spinners as Apollo were shut out for a meagre 88 in 21 overs.
Led by a quick-fire unbeaten 66 from former Barbados and West Indies player Ryan Hurley, Melbourne Sports Club rushed to victory in 12.2 overs, losing one wicket in the process. Hurley’s knock was laced with six fours and five sixes off a mere 36 balls.

Apart from Pooran’s fine bowling display, former Guyana Under-19 skipper Eugene LaFleur also impressed with two for two off five deliveries. Jamaican Powell Joe-Wayne was also among the wickets with two for 33 runs from four overs.

Apollo’s innings never got going after being asked to bat first, losing wickets at regular intervals with extras being the main contributor with 21 while Imtiaz Hosein made 19.
Two former Guyana youth players, Harrienarine Chattergoon and Sharaz Ramcharran, were also part of the Apollo Sports Club side but failed to make any mpression in both departments. Kevin George, another Guyana youth player, turned out for Melbourne Sports Club.
Pooran was deservedly named man-of-the-match and also won the prize for the best bowler.