Toronto & District Cricket Association
By Ravendra Madholall in Toronto
Former Guyana Under-19 captain Eugene LaFleur said he is pleased with another outing for Victoria Park Cricket Club in this year’s Toronto and District Cricket Association (T&DCA) Premier Division tournament.
Eugene Lafleur of Victoria Park CC struck an important knock of 70 and took 5 for 27 as they beat Mississauga Ramblers Sports Club last Sunday.
Adding to his gratifying and excellent performances, Victoria Park defeated Mississauga Ramblers Sports Club last Sunday to win the championship with LaFleur producing a fine all-round display.
He hit a responsible 70 in his team’s respectable 234-8 off the allotted 50-overs and then returned with his left-arm spin to claim five wickets for 27 runs from 9 overs as Victoria Park won by a comprehensive 71-run margin at King City venue.
Victoria Park was tottering at 50-5 in the 20th over when LaFleur arrived at the crease and then participated in a marvelous 131-run seventh-wicket stand with former Guyana fast-bowler Trevon Garraway, who scored 54 valuable runs.
Playing in his second consecutive year, the Berbician is delighted to complete on a winning note after his side also featured in the final last year but lost to Brampton Masters Tranzac Sports Club at the same venue.
“I [am] totally satisfied with my performances again this year and also I enjoyed the season with my club; is my second year and I really like the competitive cricket in North America and also to be in the champion side,” LaFleur declared.
His appreciation went out to several individuals, team-members and executives of Victoria Park for their various contributions to make his stint a success in Canada.
“I just want to thank my fellow players for the support on the field and make me comfortable here in Canada; the executives of the club were also supportive while I want to thank Carl Moore in Guyana for his steady encouragement,” LaFleur, who captained Guyana at the 2008 regional youth tournament in Barbados, mentioned.
His total aggregate of 443 runs from 18 innings and 20 wickets with a highest score of 82 not out also gave LaFleur greater motivation to continue plying his trade in Canada next year as he set his goals to represent his native country at the highest level in two years as well.
He strongly believes in discipline and determination to succeed and once he can maintain his focus, getting into the Golden Arrowhead colors is very realistic in the near future.
“I think it is about hard work and determination; I still want to represent my country but I know I have got to make runs and take wickets consistently whether I am playing in Canada, T&T or Guyana,” the 24-year-old cricketer, related.
Meanwhile, speaking with the president of the club Richard Ramlall, who was very willing to share some comments on the tidy and positive cricketer, LaFleur, for his professional approach to the game.
“I think he is a very disciplined and determined cricketer; this year he was excellent with the bat, excellent with the ball and he is undoubtedly a great talent and I am very confident he will make us proud in the future,” Ramlall expressed.
Team’s manager Shiv Persaud also took the opportunity to laud the talented LaFleur on his accomplishment this year and admired the youngster ability and his execution on the field.
“After seeing LaFleur for the past two years I am impressed with his cricketing skills; he is just a superb cricketer and I wish him well as he aspires to play for his country now at the senior level and I know he will do it soon,” Persaud stated.
