The Melbourne Konkan Community (MKC) cricket and throwball tournament was as much about friendship as it was about the game
Nothing like cricket to bring a community together. And that’s what happened on 28 April, the last Sunday of the month, as teams got together at the crack of dawn for the Melbourne Konkan Community’s (MKC) Sports Day 2019.
Both the men’s cricket tournament and the ladies’ throwball tournament were held that day at the picturesque Footscray Park.
The fluctuating Melbourne weather played a bit of hide and seek, with the rains there were a few interruptions in between the games, but it did not dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of the players and the spectators around. It was not only a spectacular day of cricket and throwball but also a platform for families from the Konkan community to spend a day together under the open skies.
A resolution to host a cricket and throwball tournament was tabled at the beginning of the year and unanimously passed by the MKC committee. Once the official announcements were made on the association’s Facebook page, the response from all quarters was so tremendous that the organisers had to advance the closing dates of registration, testament to the immense talent and interest in sports within the community.
The event began with an opening ceremony with players and well-wishers in attendance. Fr Prakash Cutinha, Parish Priest of Bell Park Parish, Geelong, led the prayers in Konkani and prayed for the success of the event. This was followed by team draws for men’s cricket and ladies throwball and the event was declared ‘open.’
The cricket teams in the alphabetical order were Cranbourne Stars led by Lawrence Lobo in orange jerseys; Northern Stars led by Arun Vas in white and blue; Northern Tigers led by Roshan Sequeira in red; Old Monks led by Dyson D’Souza in black; Royal Challengers led by Wilson D’Souza in dotted navy blue and white jerseys; Western Warriors led by Peter Pircado in pink and red; Westside Bulls led by Oswald D’Costa in blue and orange and Thunder Strikers led by Vinil D’Souza in blue.
The best batsman trophy was won by Glevin Aranha from Westside Bulls, while the best bowler trophy went to Christopher Pinto from Old Monk for returning impressive figures
The cricket matches were played in a knockout format in which the losing team in each round was eliminated. The teams that could not qualify gave a tough fight to each other before bowing out, with a few matches going down to the wire. The final was between the two teams from the West—Western Warriors and Westside Bull. The former lifted the trophy in style, thanks to some brilliant batting from skipper Peter who led from front.
The best batsman trophy was won by Glevin Aranha from Westside Bulls, while the best bowler trophy went to Christopher Pinto from Old Monk for returning impressive figures.
There were five entries under the ladies throwball category which were played in league format where each team had to play against the other four. The teams were Cranbourne Stars led by Jennifer Pais in orange jerseys; Eastern Belles led by Susan Aranha in blue and white; Gully Girls led by Anita Valder in green; Net Ninjas led by Meena Sequeira in blue jerseys and Westside Firebirds led by Larissa D’Silva in orange and blue.
All the games saw intense competition between the teams with the players sweating it out giving their all thereby stretching many matches to three sets. In the end, the Gully Girls took on the Cranbourne Stars in the finals.
With the tiny tot cheerleaders singing and supporters encouraging their respective teams from the sidelines, the Cranbourne Stars finally lifted the trophy. Captain Jennifer with her superb serves was unstoppable.
In addition to this, each individual player from the winning team were given miniature trophies as well. The competitive spirit and the will to win between the teams were incredible and they deserved this felicitation.
The Sports Committee comprising of MKC Vice-President Rony Roshan Valder, and MKC Working Committee members Manoj D’Silva, Joe Sequeira and Agnel Vaz put in tremendous planning and effort, which resulted in the successful culmination of first MKC Sports Day. Jane D’Souza, the President, thanked the sports committee for their untiring efforts in hosting the event and commended the players for their participation and the winners for their performance.
The event was supported by Diamond Sponsor—PDN Homes, Platinum Sponsor – Ash Financial Services, Silver sponsors—Harcourts Caroline Springs, Gymnastics Unlimited Australia, Western Sports Centre, Priston Photography, Tarneit Motor Service and Joe Sequeira.
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