By Sham Ali
(Celebrating 45th Anniversary – Match #1269 / 20240721):- Cosmos needed to win to carve their own path for a spot in the playoffs instead of leaving themselves wide open, and at the mercy of a few scenarios with only two matches left to be played, and so they returned to Ferry Point Park to battle with Trini Boyz.
There was an extremely disappointing lead up to this match and it got even worse before the match actually got underway. The match was originally scheduled to be played at Canarsie 108th Street, Brooklyn and was switched to Ferry Point Park, Bronx at 10.01a.m. on the morning of the match with a schedule start at 1:30pm. Cosmos was ready on time, and Trini Boyz was not ready, Thereafter, the utter bs that ensued and who communicated with whom about starting time contrary to the information that was posted, does not reflect too kindly on the parties involved. And given that only one umpire was present and the batting team to provide a square leg, the assumption on decisions is not too farfetched. Anyway, given the current state of cricket in this area we have come to tolerate the mediocrity and much of the circus on a Sunday.
Cosmos posted a reasonably good total that was heavily balanced on a superb inning from Antanio Rooplall who batted at #5 in this match instead at the usual #3 position may have found his spot. He dug in at a crucial stage when Cosmos was in a spot of bother on 129 for 6 in 19 overs. Rooplall batted with resilience and appeared to have found his mojo when he shifted to fifth gear in heavy traffic, and unleashed a few sumptuous drives through extra-cover while holding the pose for a camera click. He them pulled with authority through the mid-wicket region to keep the score ticking as he and Sohan Dass (37) stitched together an excellent 70-runs partnership with the senior Dass playing the anchor role. Rooplall made a vital 65 runs as Cosmos posted a competitive 211 for 9 in the allotted 30 overs.
This match eventually turned on its heads after much remnants of the earlier bs were still on display. Cosmos has already moved past this lost with not much of anything to remember. That circus will continue, I think, since this opposition seems to go to any lengths of deception to win a Sunday afternoon cricket match.
While the dust settled fast on this match, there was an air of sadness that engulfed our team as the phones rang and news popped up on the screens that a dear friend and colleague, Irfan, of Strikers Cricket Club had passed away a little while ago while playing in a match at Vancourtland Park in the Bronx. It was heartbreaking news indeed. Sincere condolences to his family. May his soul rests in eternal peace.
Cosmos will play All Nations next Sunday.
