SAB Warriors crowned as first ever T20 Champions in ERCA

Syed Danish Irfan
December 12, 2018

At last, the moment that long awaited has arrived, the moment for which all the member of ERCA committee and ERCA cricketing community, the Grand Finale of 1st ever T20 Championship, sponsored by Al Tuwairqi. 

Before I move on towards the complete story of our highly spirited and balanced game of Finale, first, I would like to put some light on the efforts of whole ERCA executive committee, who has worked day and night, to lift the level of cricket to its heights now. No matter where we will end up from here, but I can surely say onething for sure, that one day we all will rejoice the moments spent together, on or off the field. I would name out some of the persons, without whom we could not have been able to reach the point, where we are today. Mr. Ashraf Shaikh the curator of grounds and pitches and along his side, Mr. Imran Rasheed (Vice President) ERCA and Mr. Jibran Butt, the jack of all trades, these people ensured that on the day, when it matters the most, cricket is outstanding. Our spectators not only witnessed an outstanding final but they also witnessed an amazing prize distribution ceremony at the end. It reminded us of our earlier days when we used to play in a different region and have witnessed some similar prize distribution ceremonies. That trend has come back now for the cricketing fraternity. 

I would also like to name out the voluntarily efforts of Mr. Anfin, who has been true supporter of ERCA and now our committee member as well. I would also like to mention the name of Mr. Aftab Magre, who has made sure that we all are updated with the complete individual players performance at the end of the day, as he did a wonderful job in creating the players data base, which can be viewed under each player or team’s profile on CRICCLUBS app. 

Now coming towards the marvelous story of our finals, it was a clear, bright and shiny day, and our Grand Finale was played at ERCA’s Eden Garden between so far unbeaten Blue Star C.C & SAB Warriors C.C. Blue Star C.C unexpectedly opted to bowl first after winning the toss. SAB Warriors sent in their finest batsmen, but unfotunately they lost their opener Muhammad Fayyaz early in the very first over, without scoring a run. It led to the arrival of Balu Biju George on the crease. Balu Biju, was coming in strong from his performance of Semi Finals and his stay on the wicket was cruicial for his team to put up a good total on the board. And boy, he did that beautifully. Although he gave a chance while he was playing on 29, when he was dropped by Abdul Naseer on long on, but after that he made sure that he stays at the crease as much as he could. SAB Warriors were going strong with the loss of one wicket and 90 runs were put on the board, when Muhammad Muthalif was caught by Salman on the delivery of Mohammad Ashraf. He scored 35(30) runs, and gave a solid partnership to SAB Warriors, which was well required after the loss of an early wicket. Soon afterwards, SAB Warriors lost their 3rd wicket at the total of 103 runs and this time it was the cruicial wicket of Balu Biju George. Who once again scored a beautiful knock of 61 runs on just 38 deliveries. He was also bagged by Mohammad Ashraf. After that SAB Warriors were unable to put up a solid partnership, though later down the order a small cameo was seen from Asif who scored 17 useful runs on just 8 deliveries, helping SAB Warriors setting up a considerably fighting total of 161 runs on the board for Blue Star C.C to chase down and achieve glory. The intensity was increasing in the spectators as everyone was eager to see, which team will hold up its nerves, and be crowned the champions.

In reply, the start from Blue Star C.C was not as good as they too lost their first wicket of Haider Ali in the very first over on a swinging delivery of Umar Farooq. In walked the in form Abdul Naseer, who had to face some swing bowling from Umar Farooq. He too was unable to judge the superb bowling from the experienced Umar Farooq and was bowled out just for 2 runs. They were now 10/2 and in walked their Captain, Javed Akhtar, who also had been carrying a superb form from the last pool matches and the Semis. And surely he started showing some brilliant shots, there was a point when he also hit 3 consecutive fours to Ashfaq Shaikh. He was looking solid at 17 runs before he too fell a victim to some superb swing bowling from Umar Farooq, who managed to make him miscue an inswinger straight up in the air, which was brilliantly held on by Balu and Blue Star C.C was now in deep trouble at 31/3 and 5 overs of powerplay were already gone. 

Muhammad Nazeem, was still at crease but little he could do to watch his team getting out on some beautiful piece of bowling from Umar Farooq who baged another important wicket of Mohammad Ashraf and completed his four overs for 17 runs and 4 wickets. Later on some resistance was shown down the order by Nasir and Salman, but it was too late and the run rate had gone up. They were eventually bowled out by SAB Warriors C.C on 131 runs to achieve the glory. Abdul Muthalif & Umar Farooq bowled superbly and bagged 4 wickets each for their team. Mohammad Nazeem was the top scorer from Blue Star C.C  innings with 28 runs on 26 deliveries. Moinuddin Nasir also chipped in with a little small cameo of 23 runs on 17 balls. Who knew that the team participating in any seasoned ball tournament for the first time would play so beautifully to be crowned the CHAMPIONS. What a moment, for SAB Warriors C.C, there were joyous cheers all around their camp. The match was so intense that it put the umpires under a lot pressure to decide for the man of the match. There were two nominees for sure, Abdul Muthalif and Balu Biju and it was a long debate between the umpires and the match referee for the man of the match,  and it was decided to be awarded to Umar Farooq for his swinging spell, which definitely made the difference and took the game away from the oponents, the spell of 4 wickets for 17 runs in 4 overs. 

ERCA had come up with solid planning, each and everything seemed as if we have watched this previously on our televisions, and indeed the whole ceremony was like a dejavu of the ceremonies we have witnessed on our screens. ERCA had called up dignitaries including our CEO Mr. Abdullatif, Jarnail Singh from Al Tuwairqi, Mr. Shoaib Niazi from INAT, Mr. Irfan Zafar Syed who is a former player and founding member of Yanbu Cricket Association and Mr. Awais Nazim from Saudigulf airlines to give away the prizes. Each person present was a winner that day, and I would really like to thank our dignitaries and chief guests for taking out time from their busyness and coming over to the grounds, witnessing and creating history. 

Man of the tournament and best bowler was awarded to Kiran Gorizilla from Kites C.C for his 17 wickets throughout the tournament. Best Batsmen was awarded to non other than Balu Biju George for his 303 runs in total of 7 matches with 4 marvellous fifties. It was also seen for the first time in this region, that the outstanding performers of a tournament were awarded with many prizes including air tickets to their homelands. The air tickets were given to best batsmen, bowler and man of the tournament. 

Champions were awarded with their medalions and a cash reward of 2,500 Saudi Riyals as well. Mr. Ashraf Shaikh was also given a momento for his outstanding, untiring efforts, and contribution for in making the ERCA grounds, what they are today.

At the end I would say that ERCA, has given us all a lot in a span of just under a year, and the finals we witnessed along with the prize distribution ceremony, its memories will always cherish in the minds of people who worked hard, day and night to make it successful and look as colorful as it seemed, for their entire lives. ERCA has already announced the upcoming tournament called as “One Day Championship”, and its just time that we should see another team be crowned as champions in the longer format of the game. Till we get on with our next tournament, I will leave you with some marvellous memories of the below.

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Media Release
February 13,2020

On Friday, February 7, 2020 Tulu Koota Kuwait under the leadership of Dynamic President Ramesh S Bhandary and coordination of Sports Secretary Roshan Quadras  held its annual picnic at Mishref Garden, Kuwait.  Although slight drizzling on the   previous night had caused great concern amongst committee members , yet the  windy and dusty weather did not lessen the enthusiasm and excitement of Tulu Koota Kuwait members.  Over 1000 members enjoyed the fun filled day.

MC of the occasion Mr. Manoj Shetty & Ms. Priya Devadiga welcomed the audience and Chief guests for the event Dr Jeshna Rajan- Badr Al Samaa Clinic, Dr. S.M.Hyther Ali- Chairman of TVS Hyder Group, Mr. John Simon- Group Manager for Corporate Sales and Event Marketing ,  Al Mulla Exchange, Mr Pradeep, owner of Geetherb medicine and Mr. Lokesh & Team from NH Assets.  The program kicked off with Kuwait & Indian National anthem. The guests in their address to audience, praised Tulu Koota Kuwait unwavering efforts to unite people through language, and also the solid philanthropy and charity work being carried by the association was applauded. The presidents  of different South Canara  association in Kuwait were also amongst invited dignitaries for the event, and were welcomed with flower bouquet. This was followed by the release of “ Tulu Nada Jathre flyer”.

Tulu Koota Kuwait President, Ramesh S Bhandary in his speech welcomed the dignitaries and emphasized the significance of the annual picnic gathering. He further elaborated on the innovative concept of “Tulunada Jathre ” being initiated this year, and requested fervent support and participation from all members in  this wonderful program scheduled to be held on Friday,  March 27, 2020 at Indian Central School Indoor Ground Abbasiya. 

As part of days celebration TKK’s Flag hosting  was done  by President , Ramesh Bhandary. “Go Green Global concept” by Tulu Koota members   was the highlight of the inaugural ceremony.  This act was directed by talented committee member Mr. Suresh Salian.

The act beautifully conveyed the message of sustainability, and climate change and raised awareness on how to fight it, how to live green.  The traditional inaugural of the sports event was done by breaking of coconut by Sports Secretary Mr. Roshan Quadras.  TKK First Lady Mrs Anitha Ramesh Bhandary led the sports march holding the traditional torch followed by the  Go Green Global team holding different country flags with plant pots, followed by President, committee members and Sponsors of TKK. The president officially inaugurated the Sports Event by officially lighting the Sports Lamp.

After the inauguration ceremony, the members and kids actively participated in day long sports games and activities meticulously planned out by the Sports committee  for different age groups.  Passing the parcel, Veggies collection, ball bucket, veg shopping , macroni race, hockey, kutti donne, sack race, lagori,  breaking the pot , tyre race, slow cycling, water ballon race, musical chair , kabbadi, volley ball, throw  ball , tug of war, housie housie, kept the members and their families  engaged and entertained. The winners for the competitions were awarded with trophies towards the end of the exciting day.

Delicious and authentic Mangalorean lunch for the event was served by Oriental Restaurant Kuwait.  Sounds and lights support for the event was provided by Anand, while the beautiful moments were captured in camera by Mr.Blen Dsouza and Mr.Rajesh Devadiga

Tulu Koota Kuwait takes this opportunity to thank its committee members, members and volunteers for their dedicated efforts and team spirit and active participation that eventually lead to the huge success of Family Picnic 2020. The Event Sponsors were Al Ahleia Insurance Company SAKP, Al Mulla Exchange, Khain Properties Udupi, Badr Al-Samaa Clinic, TVS Hyder Group and Geetherb.

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Media Release
July 25,2020

In a humanitarian gesture to help fellow citizens in distress, the first in the series of chartered 
flights arranged by Thumbay Group, UAE and the Bearys Cultural Forum (BCF) Trust, 
Mangalore to repatriate stranded Kannadigas in the UAE took off from Ras Al Khaimah 
International Airport in the wee hours of 21st July 2020. The flight was fully occupied, with 186 passengers, all of them desperate to fly back to India for various reasons.

The initiative was conceived and implemented under the leadership of Dr. Thumbay Moideen - Founder President of Thumbay Group & Founder Patron of BCF and Dr. B K Yusuf, the 
President of BCF. The flight was organized on a purely charitable basis, with all necessary 
steps and precautions in place to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. Thumbay Group assigned its fleet of buses to transport the passengers free of charge from their residences in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman to the airport. The organizers also provided free meals and refreshments to the passengers, in addition to PPE kits and face-shields distributed free of 
charges.

The passengers on the first flight included many elderly individuals, people with serious 
illnesses like heart-related health issues and diabetes, pregnant ladies and little children as well as people who had lost their jobs and those with expired visas. Dr. B K Yusuf – BCF President, Dr. Kaup Mohammed - BCF General Secretary, other office bearers of BCF, as well as Thumbay Group’s representatives Mr. Farhad C – Director of the Hospitality Division of 
Thumbay Group and Engr. Farwaz P. C. – COO of the Construction Division were present at 
the airport to see off the first group of passengers.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Thumbay Moideen said, “This joint initiative of Thumbay 
Group and BCF is to support our fellow Kannadigas desperate to fly back home. We are happy that we have been able to reach out to many of them, to help them fly home to their families. We thank the Governments of the UAE and India, and the Indian Consulate, Dubai, for their support in making this happen. In the coming days, many more stranded Kannadigas would be repatriated under this joint initiative.”
Dr. B K Yusuf thanked Dr. Thumbay Moideen and the office-bearers and members of BCF for 
their efforts to make the initiative a success.

“We are proud that this initiative has brought relief to many Kannadigas and their families today. BCF is grateful to Thumbay Group for its support and partnership for all our humanitarian programs for the support of the needy.”

Dr. Kaup Mohammed said that it was a matter of pride that the much-awaited Thumbay-BCF 
repatriation flight had been carried out successfully. “Measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the flight and its passengers throughout the journey,” he said. He also thanked all the social organizations including Bhatkal Jamath, BCCI, BWF, KCF, DKSC, Kodagu Kannadigas, 
Kannadiga Help Line, Dubai Konkans and KSS, for their support. He specially thanked Mr. 
Syed Hassan Razeen, the owner of ARISTOCRAT Travels for his support in the ticketing, 
boarding and related processes. On behalf of Milano Optics Group and Maxcare, free gift 
hampers were distributed to selected passengers.

The passengers were received at Mangalore airport under the leadership of Mr. Mumtaz Ali - patron of BCF and other distinguished personalities of Mangalore including Mr. Moidin Bava - former MLA, Mr U. T. Ifthikhar, Mr. S. M. R Rashid - President of BCCI central committee and many others. The passengers were transferred to the hotels where they had registered for the mandatory quarantine.

The second flight under this joint initiative is scheduled to take-off from Ras Al Khaimah airport to Mangalore on 24th July 2020. A few more similar repatriation flights are to soon follow, in the coming weeks.

 

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Media Release
March 2,2020

MOGAVEERS ASSOCIATION Affiliated KUWAIT, to Indian embassy Kuwait, the community welfare association of non-resident Mogaveeras, based in Kuwait Fo the fourth time MAK organised, National level Volleybal & Throw Ball Tournament under the title of “MAK Champion Trophy 2020 “on 25th February 2020. The tournament was held at American Internation Schoo Maidan Hawally,Kuwait.

The tournament coincided with the National day of Kuwait celebration The weather was pleasant, the participants & the MAK members were all geared up for the tournament. 

The day long tournament commenced at 7.30 am with a parade of all the participating Teams the MAK Managemen Committee Volunteers & th guests. The grand opening was led by talented committee member Mr.Suresh Salian.On behalf of MAK Management Committee Mrs Poonam Mendon & Mr.Nishanth Salian, the host for the day welcomed the gathering. This was followed by Kuwait & Indian National Anthem.

The chief Guests of the day were Mr.Anant Kapadia who is the chairman o Indian Bussiness & professionl Counil Kuwait & Mr.P.K Venkat De Chief operating Office of Art of livingTheother guest for the day was Mr.Suresh Shyam Raowho is a Freelance Press reporter fo web new portals & print media. The guests were presented with a flore Bouquet Mr.Ramesh Kidiyoor Convenor & Founder President of MAK was honou for his excellent service & contribution towards MAK Mrs Monika Cornelio Co-ordinator of Kuwait Konkan (Throw Ball)& Mr Noel Cutniha Manage of Boubyan Stikers(Volle Ba were honoured for their excellent contribution towards sports in Kuwait & also for their outstanding support for MAK.

Mr.Chennara MK Senior member of MAK was honoured with a momemto bouquet for his excellent service & contribution towards MAK ,as he was leaving Kuwait for good.

Mr.Rajesh Mendon, President of MAK in his speech welcomed the gathering and stressed the importance of playing with true sportsman spirit and thanked all the teams for their support as this event is done for MAK welfare projects. The guests in their speech encouraged the players & conveyed their best wishes and good luck to the participating teams and organizers.

The president of MAK Mr.Rajesh Mendon ,Convenor Mr.Ramesh Kidiyoor along with the chief guest inaugurated the Volley Ball & Throw Ball tournament by cutting the ribbon .The Medals & trophies of the tournament were unveiled by sports Secretary Mr.Arun Mendon and PRO & Welfare officer Mr.Jaya Kotian.

Mrs Geetha Suvarna Committee member of MAK Along with Mrs Monika Cornelio inaugurated the Throw ball Court & Mr.Sachidananda Suvarna Vice president of MAK along with Guests ianugrated the Volley ball Court by servicing the ball.

The other guests for the day Mr.Wilson Dsouza-Expresident Tulukoota, Mr.Tharendra Shettigar Expresident Tulukoota, Mr.Vijay Wilson Gen Secretary Tulukoota, Mr.Roshan Quadras Sports Secretary Tulukoota ,Mr.Lional Mascarenhas Welfare Officer Tulukoota , Mr.Manoj Bangera-Advisor Billava Sangha, Mrs Sushma Manoj Vice President of Billava Sangha, Mr.Lawrence Pinto,Mr.Ganesh Hegde, Mr.Vakas Khan & Mr.Sudakar Shetty Convenor of Tulukoota. All of them were honoured with a bouquet.

The participating Volley Ball Teams were as below

Bayan Salmiya, Boubyan Strikers, Riggae Volley, Kunjal Friends,Salmiya Spikers, KSAC, MKV stikers

The participating Throw Ball Teams were as below

Canara Eleven, Dragon Sorpions Queens,Warriors, Kuwait Konkans A,Alfa, Kuwait Konkans B & Scorpions

The volleyball inaugural first round match started between Bayan Salmiya & Salmiya Spikers & the first round of throw ball inaugural match was between Canara Eleven & Warriors. The teams played with full enthusiasm and viewers enjoyed and experienced the spectacular show. As the day progressed matches kept rolling one after another.

The Event Sponsors were TVS Travels & Cargo Co. WLL
Gold Sponsor were Oriental Restaurant Kuwait,Silver Sponsor Badar Al Samah Medical center 

Bestwishes from Vision Direct logistics, Mr.Wilson D'Souza & family & Mrs Monika Cornelia 

Printing of Raffle was sponsored By Turmeric Restaurant

The referees for Volley Ball were Mr.Alexander Mathew & Mr.Sajan Samuel

The referees for Throw Ball were Mr.Ivan Dsouza & Mr.Arun Mendon.

The scorers for Throw Ball Team were Mrs.Geetha Suvarna, Mr.Rakshith Suvarna & Mr.Ganesh Hegde

The scorers for Volley ball team were Mr.Kishore Kotian, Mr.Nithin Suvarna & Mr.Santhosh Kunder

The announcements was done by Mr.Girish Mehta & Mr.Kishore Kotian

Sumptuous Breakfast, Lunch & snacks was provided by Bollywood Restaurant

Beautiful moments of the day was captured by the Mr.Rajesh Devadiga

Design of Brochure & Banner by Mr.Sachidanada Suvarna.

Wonderful Back ground Music By DJ Mr.Ronald D'Souza Mulky

Sound System was provided by Anand Sounds

Winners

The Volley Ball ended with a finale of Final matches between MKV Strikers & Team Boubyan Strikers After a tough Battle between the two strong teams, Team Boubyan Strikers bagged the Winners Trophy & Team MKV Strikers were declared the First Runner up.The second runners up trophy was won by Reggai Volley. MAK Player of the tournament for Volley Ball was secured by Mr.Rahul of Team Boubyan Strikers.

On the other hand, throw ball tournament ended with League matches. Team Dragon Scorpion Queens defeated the opponents and became the winners for the Fourth Consecutive year. 1st Runners up was won by Kuwait Konkans A and Team Alfa stood up as the 2nd Runners. MAK Player of the tournament for throw ball was secured by Ms. Hancil Pinto of Team Dragon Scorpion Queens. 

Prize distribution ceremony

Mr.Firoz Manager of TVS Cargo & Travels Co,Mr.Sathischandra Shetty Owner of Oriental restaurant, Mr.Chandrahas Shetty- PRO & Expresident Tulukoota Graced the prize distribution ceremony As a token of respect they were presented with a floret Bouquet

President Mr.Rajesh Mendon, Convenor Mr. Ramesh Kidiyoor along with the guest awarded the trophies and medals to winners, whereas the MAK members gave away the trophies & medals to runners up team & the individual achievers. 

A Raffle Draw was conducted by MAK & the winners are as below

1st Prize : Mr.Muruganathan
2nd Prize : Mrs.Lancy Fernandes
3rd Prize : Mr.Ganesh Kotian 

The 10 consolation prize winners were Yadav Reggai, Athaulla, Imtiyaz, Irin Dsouza, Arif, Prakash Poojary, Pranavi Laksh, Ajith Kumar & Sudesh

In her vote of Thanks Mrs.Poonam Mendon thanked each and everyone who were responsible for the success of the tournament, Participants,sponsor's, organisers, MAK Vounteers, MAK management Committee & Executive Committee. Finally a special thanks was given to the Management & Staff of American International School Maidan Hawally for the awesome venue. 

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