Media update by Joe Andrade
Daijiworld Media Network - Bahrain (GA)
Bahrain, Jun 1: The fourth chapter of Kudlotsava 2009 month-long sports and cultural events took-off with the Kudlotsava Bahrain Ladies Cricket, Seven-a-side Tournament at the Indian Club grounds from 9.00 am on Friday May 29, 2009! The heat and humidity was no deterrent for the sporting ladies to give their best for cricket and they made every effort to enjoy their game in full, winning or losing notwithstanding!
This field event was fun to watch – with ladies spruced in their sporting best on the cricket field! One could see for sure what was to come from the ladies in cricketing action – dropped catches, lofted twos and fours, target hits, no balls, dead balls, run-outs, the clumsy run for the ball, wides wider than one could imagine, bouncers….all in the name game of cricket!
The ladies and the umpires did well knowing that there was no giving out for LBW! You bet a feast for the eyes of masculine gender! Besides there was a high-pitched running live commentary to catch the cricketing ladies whilst in action as they played with bat and ball and the encouragement from the spectators comprising their husbands and well-wishers. A cricket festival much to the likes of IPL termed KPL (K for Kudlotsava) where even Lalit Modi would envy….if only he was here!
The tournament was played on league-basis, each team pitted against the other teams twice, the winning team getting 2 points. The two teams with the highest points would qualify for the finals that will be played in the presence of VVIPs and dignitaries on June 5, 2009. An attractive Kudlotsava Bahrain 2009 trophy is at stake. Besides, each team will have a best hitter, best bowler, best fielder and each match a woman-of-the-match selected by sponsors with sponsored prizes. There was also a special cash prize for the team which presents itself with the best cricketing dress on the field.
The four main ladies teams, with members hailing from the Kudla belt are:
Bunts Bahrain Team
Kannada Sangha Team
Lovely Friends Team
Robecco Team
The two winning teams who had reached the finals with maximum points were:
Bunts Bahrain and Bahrain Kannada Sangha
The grand finale of this tournament will be played between the above two teams at 5.00 pm. at the Indian Club premises on June 5.
The Best dressed Cricket team sponsored prize went to the Lovely Friends Team and the best Fair Play prize was given to the Robecco team.
The most interesting cricket match to watch in the competition was played between the Robecco Team and Bunts Bahrain team, where the Bunts Bahrain won the match in an exciting finish with only 2 balls remaining.
The main coordinator of the Ladies Cricket Tournament D Ramesh, sports secretary of the Mangalore Cultural & Charitable Association, the organizers of the Kudlotsava event, had a hard time coordinating the event with the ladies. Kudlotsava 2009 has gained name and fame on Bahrain’s shores with Anand Lobo as its president and key motivator.
The main sponsor of the event is Bahrain Financing Co. A number of sponsors have come forward to add colour to the game and Kudlotsava, they include Etisalcom, Al Jazira Group of Companies, IPS Trade, Prudential Management & Marketing, Ford, Johnson & Johnson.
This event was a treat for every eye!