By Chin Singh
A superb innings of 74 not out by Tejpaul Gobin helped Canje to defeat Corriverton in the 1st Arjoona Rangasammy memorial softball cricket match that was played last Sunday at Dr. Charles Drew park in Queens.
Tejpaul Gobin stroked an unbeaten 74.
On a beautiful day for cricket, Corriverton won the toss and elected to bat first in front of hundreds of cricket fans who came out to watch the game and also to pay tribute to the late Rangasammy. The idea of Corriverton taking first strike did not look as good as their opener and captain Zaman was bowled by Nizam Latif in the 1st. over of the day. Zaman was replaced by Raja and together with Hux they kept the scoring moving until Hux went bowled by Bacchus for 7 with the score on 28 in the 7th over. Jitten and Feiaz came and went in quick succession.
At the end of the 13th over, Corriverton were 77 for the loss of 4 wickets. During the break Canje had a brief meeting led by their manager “Pokan”. Whatever he said to them seemed to really work because Corriverton would soon find themselves all out for 131 in the 21st.over. Raja top scored with a masterful 44, John Hussain chipped in with 19, R. Gopaul 10, Vin 10. Bowling for Canje, Nizam Latif had figures of 4 wickets for 8 runs, he was well supported by Z. Bacchus with 3 for 25.
Canje started their innings disastrously as Javed Hussain was run out in the 1st over for a duck. Tejpaul Gobin then joined Jumadeen. They added 38 for the 2nd.wicket before Jumadeen who had earlier struck the dependable Asif Ali for 3 consecutive 4s went caught off the bowling of Ravi for 21. At the end of the half way mark Canje were in deep trouble with the score reading 62 for the loss of 4 wickets as Khemraj Narine and “rice”Jaikarran also went cheaply. After the break things went downhill for Canje as Kumar, Mahipal and Jr. Mohan were all sent back to the pavilion cheaply as the score would read 87 for 7 after 19 overs.
Needing 45 off 6 overs, Gobin was joined by Bacchus and together the pair batted sensibly, Bacchus was getting the single, giving most of the strike to Gobin who was seeing the ball as a football at that time. Together they brought Canje home .Gobin remained unbeaten with a glorious innings of 74 and Bacchus on 11.The fans who were had the opportunity to see some excellent stroke play to all parts of the field from Gobin. Bowling for Corriverton, Ravi had 3 for 23.
After the completion of the game, there was a presentation ceremony with Gobin winning the man of the match award. He also picked up a trophy for the highest score in the game. Raja won the award for most runs for Corriverton. Nizam Latif and Ravi took home the best bowling award for their respective team.
The Arjoona`s family would like to thank both teams and also the fans for coming out and supporting this special moment with them. Also a special thank you to both umpires, Anil Jaikisson and L P Singh for rendering their services for this game. Special mention to our commentator Dave Singh.