By Morris Seecharan
The 2011 Season would not be completed for Sunrise Cricket Club until their joyful dinner presentation of awards and dance which was held last Saturday 12/17/2011 at their favorite’s Queens Buffet Inc., 9010 Atlantic Avenue. It was fitting to commemorate that night by paying a special tribute to their late founder Mr. Hargobin Singh. Mr. Hargo’s staunched principles which are the beacon that continues to guides Sunrise, and most importantly the foundation that held Sunrise together.
MVP Wahab Hussain receives an award from event sponsor Vidya Bhagwat. Photos by Loretta Cheong
In addition with holidays around and the compassionate personalities of the Sunrise members a toy drive was launched at the award ceremony with the commitment to continue at every award going forward. It was success toy drive and all toys will be handed out to kids at Jacobi Pediatric Medical center on December 27, 2011. It was a triumphant event which attains its objectives as spirited members with their families and friends partied all night enjoying the melodious music by DJ Ryan, the delicious food and the glamorous trophies awarded to them for their distinguished performances during the 2011 cricket season. This band of members with their friends and families who were present at the various matches deserves the superlative merriments offered to them on that exclusive night.
The night started off with Mrs. Loretta Cheong a committed figure and skillful photographer of Sunrise compilation of player video picture clips during all of the 2011 season competitions with added music created a lively atmosphere as players, family, and supporters enjoyed their dinner watching a slide show of defining moments of Sunrise 2011 season. This was followed by the current assistant manager, Selwyn Cheong, welcoming and thanking the gathering to start the ball rolling for an interesting, merry and successful night. The M.C. for the night’s proceeding, Morris Seecharan, Sunrise Manager, reiterated to the audience of the purpose for the celebration.
The drawing of the team’s fund raising raffle was the first item on the agenda. The buzz of winnings filled the air and the serenity that prevailed informed the organizers that the members in the audience wanted to win. The following numbers were winners 0292, 0847, 1152, 1377, 0531, 1988, 0530, and 0552. Some of the numbers drawn belonged to individuals in the audience so the prizes were presented immediately. Thanks to the entire supporter for the 2011 raffle drive for making this a success.
The late Hargobin Singh.
In tribute to Sunrise founder late Mr. Hargo Singh a special picture video slide show was produced by Ms Loretta Cheong. Mr. Hargo was the founder of the Sunrise club, a dignified leader and his contributions had no boundaries. His inspirations and principles continued to be the strength and guiding light for Sunrise members. The special video slides showed fine moments from the Hargo’s memorial cup for Hargobin’s Memorial event, which was launched by Sunrise cricket club on the Memorial weekend of May 2011 and picture of Mr. Hargo with his family along with meaningful power point messages with added appropriate music selection. The video slides were inspirational and had a profound impact to all members, families and friends present. This was followed by the presentation of a plaque Anand Singh, Mr. Hargo’s younger son. Mr. Hargo has gone but will never be forgotten and we know he is still watching over us.
Next on the program was the presentation of trophies to the members of the 2011 Team for their hard work and contribution in making the 2011 Softball season a success for Sunrise. That bunch of players was an incomparable group as they were industrious in attaining their goals and their efforts should be cheered. Most fitting was having Vidya Bhagwat started the handing out the first set of trophies as she sponsored that night award trophies. Vidya’s noble gesture enlightens the heart of many members, and her intuition of giving back to community was a remarkable step in helping to make a difference. Vidya certainly heard applauds vibration and admiration from members and supporters as she was praised for sponsoring Sunrise awards for consecutive years.
The individual 2011 competition awards presentation took center stage next as players significant performances were awarded and celebrated. In the 25 Overs competition the Highest Batting Aggregate went to Roopnarine Dayal with 119 runs, as Harris Khemlall stamped his name to the Best Batting Average 22 and The Highest Individual score with 71. For the 25 over bowling awards category Deryck Basdeo (Sunrise Captain) tied with Stanley Lloyd for Most Wickets with 7; the Best Bowling Average went to Deryck Basdeo with 5.8 Economy Rate, and 19.9 Strike Rate, and Best Bowling Figure in a Match was grabbed by Kemraj Somaru a prominent member and bowler with 3 wickets for 21 against New Horizon.
Ravi Etwaroo with his family.
In the 30 Overs competition Wahab Hussain (Sunrise Vice Captain) dominated the batting awards as he picked up the highest batting Aggregate with 167, Highest Batting Average 33 and the Highest Individual score in a Match of 67. In the 30 Overs Bowler’s awards Stanly Lloyd shared the stage with Ravi Etwaroo as Stanly commandingly walked away with the Most Wickets award with 16, Best Bowling Average with 4.8 Economy, and 9.8 Strike Rate, as Ravi lead with the Best Bowling Figure in a Match with 5 wickets for 17 runs snatching a thriller game from NY All Stars.
For the final 20Twenty competition Wahab Hussain prolific batting dominate the batting awards and with the Highest Batting Aggregate with 148, and Highest Individual Score of 86, as Prataab Seecharan earned the Highest Batting Average with 33. For the bowling awards veteran member Kris Narine was dominating in the 20Twenty and walked away with the award for Most Wicket with 8 and Best Bowling figure in a Match with 4 wickets for 16 against Horizon, as another experience veteran Ravi Etwaroo claimed the Best Bowling Average with 4.5 economy, and 13.5 strike rate.
Sunrise assistant manager Selwyn Cheong (left) and manager Morris Seecharan (right) collects the 15 Over Trophy from Vidya Bhagwat.
A special segment in the program was carved out to recognize Sponsers, Special Category awards to members, and Outstanding Supporter. UNICO was recognized for sponsoring Sunrise 2011 registration; Vidya Bhagwat was presented a plaque in appreciation for the 2011 awards trophies sponsorship and commitment; Mrs. Loretta Cheong received an award in appreciation for her photography/coordinator services and Deryck Basdeo received an award for his untiring efforts and captaincy of 2010 and 2011.
For the special Category awards to member Roopnarine Dayal was award Most Discipline Player for 2011 for his dedication and great sportsmanship in the game. The All Rounder/Leadership award was presented to Selwyn Cheong for his ability to bat and mentoring personality. Most importantly his proactive approach in assisting in managing matters for his club. Ramesh Gopaul, a member and an exceptional individual in the club who transported umpires to the games and provided much needed support to the team was awarded the Most Outstanding Member award for 2011.
To close the curtain on the Special Category award for 2011 Alex Husain was awarded Most Improved Player Award for 2011. Alex is a very young player about 12 year old, and has a serious approach to cricket. Most importantly he improved his game in the batting, fielding, and display promising bowling potential which he is constantly working on. Special Category awards gives player self gratification for their principles, and is an incentive for other members to work hard in achieving next year.
Alex Husain collects the Most Improved Player Award from Derick Basdeo.
Most anticipated was the awards presentation for full 2011 Season. In the Batting category Wahab Hussain won the awards for Highest Aggregate with 430 runs, Best Batting Average with 27 and Highest Individual Score with 87. Wahab batting performance for the 2011 season was superlative and unmatchable by his teammate. In comparison for the 2011 Bowling category Ravi Etwaroo was triumphant as he was awarded the Best Bowling Average with 4.6 economy rate, and 13.3 Strike Rate . However, Stanly Lloyd unanimously was awarded Most Wicket with 27. Both Ravi and Stanly was premium bowlers for their team.
Finally for that night program the long awaited moment of crowning the MVP happened. The night belonged to Wahab Hussain, nominated as the cricketer of the 2011 season for Sunrise. He took charge in the batting scoring 430 runs, lead in the batting average with 27, scored the Highest individual Score 87, lead and set the foundation batting, and excelled in many big games for his team. Also Wahab was the team wicket keeper and took 4 wickets as a part time bowler. Most importantly Wahab esteemed personality of obedience earned him an ambassadorial character for his team, and he is well respected by his fellow teammate. This guy started the 2011 season with the goal of setting standards as promised to his teammates and he delivered. The Sunrise members, family, and friends congratulate Wahab on his top notch performances and best wishes for the 2012 season.
Anand Singh collects a plaque on behalf of his father Hargobin Singh from Selwyn Cheong.
During that night our members, sponsers, and supporter made their way through to the podium to receive awards with convivial enthusiasm. Also one could see the graciousness and heard the appreciation from all presents especially their families were elated for their winnings.
The music mix by DJ Ryan satisfied the crowd. Spirits were high and if this is an indication for the future, Sunrise will return next year strengthened. Of notable mention on that night is the management of the Queens Buffet for hosting us another year, and their cooperation fitted in with our program. The food was excellent and the various dimensions available at the time of the presentation were of extreme importance to the success of the proceedings. Also we are grateful to Cricket Zone and Ravi Etwaroo for producing these exemplified trophies handed at that ceremony. Ravi take paramount pride in his trophies and his exceptional personal service is unmatched by anyone in the Cricket supply business. Congratulations and thanks to all whom helped to make the event a tremendous success.