By Sham Ali
(Celebrating 44th Anniversary – (Match #1222):- Cosmos journeyed to Staten Island last Saturday for a Memorial Match against Staten Is Cricket Club. For cricketers, the game has been a vehicle for the celebration of many events over the years, and on this Memorial Weekend in the United States where the country pays tribute to fallen heroes of the armed forces, Cosmos members, in addition to the memory of our fallen heroes, wore their black ribbon in memory of lives of the nineteen children who succumbed to the fire at Mahdia Secondary School in Guyana seven days ago.
While this young contingent of Cosmos players, many of whom are teenagers, are not aware of the Memorial events which the club participated in throughout its forty-four year history, it is commendable of the manner in which they have embraced the loss of the nineteen students with words of condolences led by Devindra Balgobin and Antanio Rooplall followed by a minute of silence.
These two clubs have had a long history together, 44 seasons and counting, and knows, all-too-well, the value of honoring the many colleagues who have graced the cricket field and the memories they have left and this match ensured that the journey continues. Staten Island posted a challenging 186 for 9 in their allotted 30 overs after they won the toss and elected to bat. Shafikool Sackroolar and Glen Shangie, two veterans of Staten Island cricket club, had their moments at the crease, but not with any real conviction, while the presence of Clarence Modeste ensured that tea is served. His presence personified vintage in every letter of the word in the cricket fraternity and is undoubtedly the beating heart of the 151 years old Staten Island Cricket Club.
Cosmos in their reply got 150 for 6 in their allotted 30 overs. Antanio Rooplall seems to be maturing as a top order batsman with three half-century so far this season, before he retired on 75. Mikhael Bissoondial had a very brief stay at the wicket, but marked his crease carefully; a sign of things to come. Jaden Ramlakhan repeated the same stroke twice in his two outings that resulted in some dismantled furniture. The veteran, former Guyana National player, Sohan Dass, was in search of some much needed form. Shukradeo Mangru showed good intent, and is a player who will mature into a good all-rounder, while Dooneshwar Dayanand, sporting a new willow, ensured that the edge gets its full use. The pair featured in an exciting partnership in the closing overs with Dayanand checking the not out box yet again.
The day came to an end as both teams acknowledged the tragic loss of the children of Mahdia Secondary School, and celebrated the memories of their fellow cricketers.
Cosmos will play Renegades on Sunday at Whitestone Park.
