Report: Rakesh D'Souza, Dubai
Pics: Loyan Rodrigues, Dubai
Dubai, Feb 25: In an exciting final match in the Easter Cup Cricket Tournament 2012, Taccode Friends emerged as champions by defeating Choice Cricketers in 7 runs on Friday February 24 at the Safa Ground, Al Quoz, Dubai.
After winning the toss, Taccode Friends elected to bat first and scored 48 runs in the allotted 6 overs by losing 4 wickets and in reply Choice Cricketers struggled for runs against the full-powered bowling attack from Taccode Friends and managed to score 41 runs by losing 7 wickets, though Choice Cricketers captain Melwin showed some resistance along with Pramith. The duo went for big hits, but it was too late.
Earlier, both teams had a long journey to the final as Taccode Friends defeated Eagles Shirva (Champions of Easter Cup 2011) in a close semi-final match where it required 6 runs in the last ball to enter finals. Choice Cricketers defeated Milagrians in the other semi-final.
The tournament was played on the basis of knock-out. Among the four teams that emerged at the end for semi-finals were: Choice Cricketers and Milagrians from Group-A and Eagles Shirva and Taccode Friends from Group-B.
Altogether, there were sixteen teams that participated wholeheartedly in the tournament and were divided into two groups A and B. The teams that participated in league matches are: Parabbas Friends, New Mark, Choice Cricketers, Little Flower, Milagrians, Royal Challengers, Coastal Cricketers, Surathkal Friends, Ocean Front, Jumeirah Friends, Taccode Friends, Hospet Friends, Eagles Shirva, Konkan Dubai, Moodbelle Friends, and Katpady Friends
Following the success of Easter Cup 2010 and 2011, Rajesh Alvares and Wilson Dmello once again organized this tournament in to bring the Konkani speaking youth from South Canara -Udupi and to provide an opportunity for them to manifest their talents. It is also to be noted that all the teams and players have shown a great spirit of Cricket though out the day.
The outstanding performance of individual cricket players was recognized in the entire tournament beginning from the league, quarter finals, and semi-finals and in the final matches and was honored with the “Man of the Match” and “Man of the Series” awards respectively.
At the concluding ceremony, Reckon Pinto proposed the vote of thanks and the trophies were distributed to the winning teams by Tobin and Valerian.
Altogether it was a successful and well-organized tournament which was appreciated by the participating teams along with the spectators.