Fun in the Sun –Great Cricket in Muscat
Report and Photo : Dolly Sequeira
Muscat, Nov 8: Muscat Sports Club Grounds - the ground at the foot of a huge mountain of Al Wadi Al Kabir was filled with the cricket lovers of the Mangalorean community. The bright sun complimented by few puffs of cold breeze was a treat to all. It was a great fun time for the members of the Mangalorean community in Muscat and enjoyable cricket for the game enthusiasts of the community. The men, women and children came together in record numbers to participate in this annual event.
The Annual Cricket Tournament organized by the Mangalorean Catholic Center of the Parish, MCCP (Sts. Peter & Paul Church – Ruwi) for its members and their families was held on Friday, 7th November 2008 from 10:30 a.m. onwards at Muscat Sports Club grounds – Al Wadi Al Kabir.
The inauguration of the Annual Cricket tournament commenced with a welcome speech by Samuel D’Silva, main coordinator of Finance and Sports Committee following by a prayer by Nirmala Goveas, main coordinator of Culutural, Spiritual and Community Services Committees. The inaugural function was anchored by Dolly Sequeira, Sports Secretary, with her unique style and smile. Clarence Pinto, President of MCCP was present.
Leo Mascarenhas, Ignatious Rodrigues, Alice Sequeira, Henry Mascarenhas and Benadicta Mascarenhas were the guests of honor during the Inaugural function and were honored with the presentation of floral tributes by members’ children. The tournament was declared open by Ignatious Rodrigues.
Donald Fenandes, sports secretary of the MCCP read the rules of the tournament.
The tournament was controlled by Suraj Rebello and Dolly Gomes, two eminent and versatile sports personalities of the community. The referees of the tournament were Cyprian Misquith and Adrian Saldhana
There was record number of participants in the tournament in all categories. The crowd was overflowing the sitting gallery. It was a great experience for the organizers too.
Vincent and Precilla Machado - Shirva were the major sponsors of this annual event. They were honored and presented floral bouquet during the tournament by Clarence Pinto.
The other sponsors were Oman Marketing & Services Co. (OMASCO), Vincent & Ivy Fernandes – Dubai, National Mineral Water SAOG (Salsabeel Water), Mumtaz Tea, Al Mudhish – Oman Foodstuff Factory
Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) is the Main Sponsor all MCCP Cultural and Sports events for the year 2008 – 2009
The score keepers were Richard Mascarenhas and Henry Rodrigues.
During the prize distribution ceremony, the vote of thanks proposed by Arun D Souza, current Treasure of MCCP. Guests of honor to present the winners and runners up trophies to various categories were Henry Rodrigues, Lancy Lobo, Lancy Sequeira, Shanti D Souza, Nora Vaz, Victor Baptist Pais, Joachim D Souza, Jane Castelino, Stanley T H Fernandes and Apolinaris D Souza. All these members are the constant supporters of the Mangalorean community of Muscat and have been actively involved in the activities of the community development and unity. It was indeed a tribute of appreciation offered by the MCCP officials to these community activists.
The Mangalorean community enjoyed this event and took back with them sweet memories of enjoyable cricket.
The game consisted of 4 groups and the winners are as follows:
The Best Batsman above 40 : Dolphy Vaz
Best Bowler above 40 : Joseph Rodrigues
Best All rounder : Vincent Machado
The Best Batsman below 40 : Shailesh Coutinho
Best Bowler below 40 : Rohit Lobo
Best All rounder : Longines Fernandes
The best batswoman : Hilda Fernandes
Best Bowler : Nancy D’Souza
Best All-rounder : Dolly Gomes
The best batsman – Children : Royston Fernandes
Best All-rounder : Sherwin D’ Silva