News: Vijai Dcunha (Muscat/G-Kere)
Pics: Pritham Fernandes
Muscat, Oct 3: The Mangalorean Konkani Wing (MKW) of the Indian Social Club Muscat hosted yet another spectacular sporting event, the ‘Tennex Ball Cricket Tournament 2024 – Series 2’ on September 27, at Oman Cricket’s International Cricket Ground in Al Amerat. The event was a resounding success, with 12 men’s teams and 2 women’s teams competing in a festival of cricket, cheered on by an energetic crowd of the Konkani speaking community in Oman. The event attracted a huge gathering of spectators and supporters, who flooded the Oman Cricket Grounds. Mangalorean traditional snacks were served as guests settled in for an exhilarating evening.
The MKW executive committee, consisting of Ajith Walder, convener, Loveline Rego, co-convener, Vijai D’Cunha, treasurer, Ajith D’Costa, sports secretary, Peter Fernandes, entertainment secretary, Lancy Lobo, cultural secretary, Adolf D’Souza, joint treasurer, Silvia Dias, lady co-ordinator, and Olivia Saldanha, children’s wing secretary, took center stage at the indoor stadium for the formal inauguration. Peter Fernandes, serving as the master of ceremonies, invited all the teams to join the proceedings. The national anthems of Oman and India were played, symbolizing the unity and respect shared between the two nations.
Ajith Walder, the Convener, warmly welcomed the gathering and unveiled the impressive trophies for the tournament. He emphasized MKW's commitment to fostering community bonds through sports and similar events. Welcoming the 14 participating cricket teams, including 12 men's teams and 2 women's teams for the Tennex Cricket Tournament Series-2, he wished them all the best. Ajith proudly introduced the innovative concept of this cricket event, the first of its kind within the community matches, featuring a sophisticated setup with international match referees, score analyzers, and live score updates via the Oman Cricket App. He concluded by wishing all the enthusiastic players a fun filled and successful day.
The ceremony was made more memorable with Flossy D’Souza and Halen D’Souza, two elderly guests, invited to perform the symbolic first ball batting and bowling, drawing warm applause from the audience. The sports secretary, Ajith D’Costa, then proceeded to read out the formal rules of the game. Aman Dcosta led a brief warmup exercise for all the teams to energize them for the day ahead.
Outdoor cricket matches:
The lush green lawns and floodlit stadium provided a perfect backdrop for the outdoor cricket matches, offering spectators a worldclass experience. The outdoor tournament began with each match displaying strong performances, showcasing impressive batting, fielding, and fast bowling. The matches were restricted to 5 overs, adding to the fast-paced excitement.
The results of the outdoor matches were as follows:
Dudes XI vs Royal Strikers: Royal Strikers won by 9 wickets.
MCCS Warriors vs Southern Thunders: Southern Thunders won by 10 wickets.
Dudes XI vs South Express: South Express won by 9 wickets.
United Coastal Cricketers vs MCCS Warriors: United Coastal Cricketers clinched the victory by 3 runs.
Royal Strikers vs South Express (Group A League Match): Royal Strikers won by 4 runs, securing a spot in the finals.
Southern Thunders vs United Coastal Cricketers (Group B League Match): United Coastal Cricketers won by 10 wickets, entering the finals.
The final showdown between Royal Strikers and United Coastal Cricketers was a gripping contest, with Royal Strikers won the match by 22 Runs and emerged as champions of the tournament of Series-2. Rajesh from Royal Strikers was declared ‘Player of the Match,’ scoring 33 runs, including 4 sixes and 1 boundary in just 11 deliveries. United Coastal Cricketers secured the runner-up position in a valiant effort.
Indoor cricket matches:
The indoor men’s matches were equally intense, with 6 teams battling fiercely. The final match saw ‘Kudla Titans’ triumph over ‘Surathkal Bashers’ to claim the title. In the women's category, Team ‘Lavender’ faced Team ‘Rose’, with Team Rose securing a well-deserved victory.
Both indoor and outdoor matches ran simultaneously, adding to the event’s excitement. Alongside the matches, children’s games were organized by Peter Fernandes, engaging the younger crowd. The winners of the children’s games were as follows:
Up to 2 years: Pearl Fernandes, Shansi Dias
3 to 6 years: Chris Serrao, Inara D’Souza
7 to 10 years: Tiara D’Cunha, Krizel Lobo
11 to 14 years: Arnel D’Souza
In the general category, Flossy D’Souza and Gracy Castelino won the games.
The teams participated in the tournament were as below:
The Championship team ‘Royal Strikers’ led by Captain Hanson Hancy, Vice-Captain Clinton, and other team members: Glenson, Nelson, Agnel, Rajesh, Henry, Alvitin, Ashish, Rohith, Neelesh, and Advith.
The Runner-up team ‘United Coastal Cricketers’ led by Captain Rajkiran D’souza, Vice-Captain Akshay Baretta Rozario, Noel Machado, Wicket Keeper, other team members: Jostin, Ajay Dsouza, Joystan Lobo, Macline Royan Pinto, Dippal Louis Pereira, Sujith Monis, Savio Sequeira, Dhilan Vaz, Naveen Roni Dcosta, and Sunil Cardoza.
‘South Express’ led by Roshan Colaco, captain, Sanil Dsouza, Vice-Captain, Ruzario Fernandes, Wicket Keeper, Other Team Members: Navaz Rauf, Sunil Dalmeida, Rupert Dsouza, Fayaz Ahmed, Peter Dsouza, Rovil Pinto, Nihal Noronha, and Nikhil Noronha
‘Dudes XI’ led by Captain Norman Joel Corda, Loyson, Vice-Captain, Kisthu, Wicket Keeper, Other Team Members: Joy Herman, Jason, Praveen, Sharan, Alister Pinto, Steven, Ashwin, Arun, Stany, and Ashok
‘MCCS Warriors’ led by Captain Wilson Mark D’souza, Vice-captain Rakesh Fernandes, Shibin Kalapureckel, Wicket Keeper, Other Team Members: Sudhir Rodrigues, Vincent Dsouza, Loyd Dsouza, Deril Dsouza, Allen, Prajwal Dsouza, Kiran Veigas, Rayan Veigas, Wilroy Mendonsa, and Avin Dsouza.
‘Southern Thunders’ led by Captain Rithesh John Crasta, Vice-captain Ronal Sunil Moras, Kishor Victor Tauro, Wicket Keeper, Other Team Members: Roshan Rodrigues, Prakash Norman Dsouza, Pradeep Alexander Michael Dsouza, Daryl Dsouza, Nashwin Cutinha, Franklin John Pereira, Naswil Sydney Pinto, Robin Loyed Lobo, Kishan Victor Tauro, and Naveen Baretto.
The men’s indoor team represented by:
The Winner Team ‘Kudla Titans’ led by Captain: Praveen Pinto, and other team members: Cletus Mathias, Kiran Lopes, Glen Dsouza, Derick Noronha, Praveen Brian Dsouza, Cyril Danthi, and Elson Dias
The Runner-up Team ‘Surthkal Bashers’ led by Captain: Loveline Rego, and other team members: Clement Dcunha, Vincent Dcunha, Anil Pais, Godwin Mascarenhas, Vikas Fernandes, Zibson Lewis, and Prem Colaco
Team ‘Bajpe Bouncers’ led by Captain: Adolf Dsouza, and other team members: Srikanth Coelho, Stalin Dcunha, Ronnie Pereira, Marklin Pinto, Arun Roshan Dsouza, Godwin Rodrigues and Anil Castelino
Team ‘Buntwal Crushers’ led by Captain: Ajith Walder, and other team members: Rajesh Mascarenhas, John M Concesso, Jason, Arun Dsouza, Shane Dsouza, Deepak Misquit, and Aman D'Costa
Team ‘Kundapur Smashers’ led by Captain: Ajith Dcosta, and other team members: Nayan Menezes, Cyril Britto, Prakash Dsouza, Nevil Fernandes, Lendl Lasrado, Wilfred Noronha, and Dolphy Rodrigues
Team ‘Udupi Riders’ led by Captain: Robert Saldanha, and other team members: Rakesh Coelho, Sunil D'Souza, Naveen Sequeira, Owen Lewis, Joseph Dsilva, Deril Kiran Pereira and Sachin Serrao
The indoor women’s team represented by:
The winner Team ‘Rose’ led by Captain: Reshma D'Costa, and other team members: Joyner Priyanka Pais, Jocelyn Pereira, Anita Lobo, Lolita Coelho, Steffi Noronha, Sapna Serrao, Juliet Sequeira, and Jane Fernandes
The Runner-up Team ‘Lavender’ led by Captain: Bryne Sharel Mendonca, and other team members: Silvia Dias, Sonita Lobo, Anisha Dcosta, Preneta Monteiro, Reena Dsouza, Renita Dsouza, Mebal Lobo, Sherleen, and Asuntha Arun
Match officials, special support and sponsors:
The tournament was officiated by a team of experienced umpires, including Samir Sattar, Ajay Sargunar, Sujith Nair, Harsh Bharadwaj, and Kapil V, all of whom bring international cricket experience. The scorers were Sadik Peer and Anil, while Anitha Danthi handled the medical requirements. Masood and Sahid provided crucial technical assistance throughout the event.
The day concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony, with trophies awarded to the champions, runners-up, and individual accolades, such as the ‘Player of the Match.’ All officials, umpires, and volunteers were recognized for their contributions. Treasurer Vijai D’Cunha delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the dedication and efforts of everyone involved in making the tournament a huge success.
Special thanks to: Oman Cricket Ground Staffs and specifically to Anoop Cholath Candy, and event co-sponsor Cham Beauty Saloon (Raj Kiran), South Express Restaurant for Snacks and meals, Zahrat Al Rawdah Trading for Banner Printing.
Entertainment and media:
The event was filled with energy, thanks to DJ Loveline Rego, who kept the atmosphere lively with upbeat music. Commentary in multiple languages added to the excitement, with Praveen Serra providing commentary in Kannada, Peter Fernandes in Konkani, and Larry Rego in English. The event’s special moments were captured by photographer Pritham Fernandes, ensuring that all the action was recorded for posterity.
The MKW Tennex Ball Cricket Tournament 2024 – Series 2 was a celebration of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and community spirit. It provided a platform for players to showcase their skills while fostering stronger bonds within the Mangalurean Konkani community in Oman.
As the day came to a close, the smiles on the faces of the participants and spectators alike were testament to the overwhelming success of the event. MKW successfully demonstrated its ability to create memorable and inclusive sporting event, which marked their second biggest event of the year with huge participation and engaging experience.