by Jovin Dsouza
Daijiworld Media Network
Dubai, Feb 12: On a wonderful and cool friday Nafis Cricketers beat Royal Shiroor in the finals of the Pamboor Sevens Cricket Tournament at the Zabeel Park to win the handsome Winnys Trophy. Despite being restricted to 39 runs in their allotted overs with Shabir getting 20 runs they managed to stop Royal Shiroor and win handsomely by 21 runs.
There were 26 teams taking part in the day night tournament that started at 7 am sharp and ended with the prize distribution ceremony at 8 pm. In all, a record 25 matches were played with non stop action throughout the day.
Weekend Warriors started the day’s action with a quick win over Sakath Thottam.
They went till the quarter finals before falling to strong Mogaveers Cricket Club who won by 4 runs. Mogaveers C.C. played exceptionally well but had to bow to the ultimate champions Nafis Cricketers in the semi finals. Runners up Royal Shiroor showed great strength when it mattered. Their star player Wilfred played a prominent role especially in their earlier match against strong outfit Globelink Westar Shipping while hammering 55 unbeaten runs that included seven sixes. Coastal Challengers were almost prominent with a good show before bowing to Royal Shiroor in the semi finals.
Shabbir of Nafis Cricketers was declared as the best batsman and best player of the finals while Farhan of Royal Shiroor was adjudged as the best bowler of the finals.
The tournament was inaugurated by Veronica Alva, president of Pamboor Welfare Association in the presence of Santan Alva, Managing Director of Winnys and other guests that included Walter Nandalike of daijiworld, Alfred D’Souza of Cab Real Estate, Joseph Mathias of Merit Shipping Co., Satish Venkatramana of Chilly Willy Trading, James Mendonca of Reliance Fabricators, Sada Rao of Johnson Arabia, Thomas Saldanha, Noel Almeida, Nelson Rodricks and Micky Castelino apart from others.
The beauty of the entire cricket tournament was there was perfect support and cooperation from all the teams that took part. The players were one in appreciating the arrangement made that included breakfast in the morning, delicious lunch and special team with samosas for the players and spectators through the fine courtesy of Santan Alva of Winnys Restaurant.
Yet another feature of the grand tournament was the attractive prize distribution ceremony where the finalist were give attractive trophies and medals including the prize money. The IPL style setting was difficult to believe and each and everyone appreciated the fine efforts by the Pamboor Welfare Association.
The sevens tournament was held under the superb directions and control of Tournament Director Denzil Fernandes who ensured that everything went as per plan. Arun, Prashant, John, Prem and Anil assisted with the umpiring, scoring and other duties.
A special feature of the tournament was some fine non stop commentary by Vinod Shetty and Micky Castelino which kept the crowd amused throughout the day.
The office bearers of Pamboor Welfare Association deserve all credit for hosting such a brilliant tournament which other organisers will find it hard to match. One of the best tournament ever seen in Dubai without doubt with fine arrangements.