Report and pics by P A Hameed Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Dammam (GA)
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Dammam, Feb 9: Blue-Stars Dammam won the exciting JF-MGA Super Cup-2009 trophy cricket tournament held recently at Kanoo ground, Port Road, situated on the bank of Arabian Sea corniche in Dammam. Blue Stars Dammam has kept its excellent track record intact as it won many trophies since its inception in 1995 headed by Mohammad Bellechar (American Express) including the first JF-Trophy.
The tournament was organized by Jamiyathul Falah (JF) Dammam Unit, which is Karnataka State awardee for the best non-profit organization existed since 1989 for the welfare of the under-privileged community people, primarily literacy and education.
A total of 16 teams participated in the tournament. MGA Trading Est.-Dammam was the main sponsor for the Tournament-2009. Mahmood Saad, president of JF-Dammam and its general secretary Mansour Ali Ahmed expressed their gratitude to Gulam Shuja, manager of MGA Trading Establishment, Dammam and other sponsors for making the event very successful.
Having won the flip-coin, Blue Stars chose to field in the final against Crescent Team. The batsmen of Crescent Team had found it hard to open its scores-account initially as Blue Stars cricketers exhibited fantastic bowling and fielding in the midst of a round of applauses from the viewers. Riyaz from Blue Stars bowled a superb spell claiming two wickets, conceding nine runs. However,fast bowler Shamsuddin was the wrecker-in-chief as he claimed 4 wickets for just 5 runs in two overs, which was sufficient to crown him with the "Man of the Match” trophy. Howerver, some useful contributions by the lower order, propelled Crescent to 57 runs after losing 8 wickets in 10 overs. Imran (15) and Aftab (14) showed some resistance and built the Crescent innings.
Though, it was not a target that was beyond Blue Stars' reach. However, they soon found themselves in deep trouble after losing three wickets for just 13 runs in the first four overs. But the middle order batsmen Anwar (18) and Muttalib (17 not out), dug themselves in and rescued the Blue Star innigs with fine cameos. Blue Star finally won “JF-MGA Super Cup 2009”. Blue Stars scored 58 runs after losing 4 wickets in 9 overs. Nabil took 2 for 12 for Crescent. Mohammad Bellechar, who is the founder of Blue Star Cricket Team and manager, congratulated his team members for winning the Super Cup-2009.
Earlier in the first semi-final match between Panorama and Crescent, the latter won the match by 10 runs. Crescent who had scored 82 after losing 6 wickets, with the help of nice little cameos of 23, 15 and 12 each from Shadab, Aftab and Istiaq respectively, managed to bundle out Panorama for 72 runs, with an over to spare. Losing early wickets harmed Panorama's prospects of sealing the match and they finally surrendered their all wickets for 72. Only Nawaz (16), M Hussain (13) and Asif (12) showed some resistance. Nabil and Mannan who bowled a disciplined and hostile spell for Crescent, finished with 2 wickets apiece.
The second semi-final was between the eventual winners Blue Stars and Amaco. The latter began in a hurry. Amaco openers Asif and Shabbir, scored at will, carting the ball to all parts of the ground. They added 28 runs for the opening wicket in just 2 overs. But Asif fell soon after. But Blue Stars' hopes of reining Amaco, went futile as Zubair and Imran, rained fours and sixes, entertaining the crowd. Their superior batting skills laid Blue Stars bowlers bare and Amaco reached 97 for the loss of 4 wickets in the stipulated 10 overs. While Asif scored 23 runs, Zubair smashed 21 and Imran contributed 19. Blue Star bowlers had a bad outing as such. Anwar, Muttalib and Irfan bagged a wicket each.
Replying to the Amaco's mamoth total of 97, Bluse Stars were of to their familiar start and were 28/3 in 4 over at one stage. Howerver all rounder Iqbal (24), in the company of opener Ashraf added 40 runs for the 5 wicket. Ashraf was then joined by leading batsman Muttalib. The duo managed to keep the scoreboard tickling. Yet Blue Stars were in need of 30 runs in the last two overs for an outright win.
They could get only 13 runs from the penultimate over. There was no other way than scoring 17 runs in the final over to move to the final. They scored 13 runs in the first 5 balls. Blue Stars required 4 runs of the last ball. Audience was on their toes as the match went down to the wire. Muttalib who was on the strikers end, lofted Imran's last ball from middle and leg stump over mid-wicket for maximum. Muttalib remained unconquered on 23, helping the Blue Stars to win the match by 6 wickets.
JF Mini Super Cup-2009
The Finals was played between “Corniche Blues” vs. “Bankal Sports Club, Riyadh” for the JF Mini Super Cup-2009.
Corniche Blues played very well by batting first and scored a huge total of 90/5 in allotted 10 overs. Opening Batsman Nizam played a fine knock of 38 and was well-supported by Sachin (14).
Bankal Sports struggled to bat against the fine bowling performance from Cornich Blues Bowlers. Bankal Sports were lost wickets at regular interval and were bowled out for just 34 runs.
Cornich Blues' Santosh took 4 for 14 while Nizam claimed 3 for 5. Cornich Blues won the match by 56 runs. Nizam was named “Man of the Match” for his all-round performance.
The presentation function was held on the grounds. Apart from the Winners and Runners-up, the best individual achievers in the semi-finals and finals were given with individual trophies.
The main sponsor was conferred with JF-Memento and all other sponsors including Jet Airways, Hit, Arms, Falcon, Gulf-West, and SST Fabrication. Redicon Gulf and others were given letters of appreciation.
The function began with the recitation of Qur’aan by Mubeen Abdul Gaffar Sullia, followed by welcome speech by the JF president Mahmood Saad. Brief introduction of JF activities was made by the Ex-President of JF-Dammam unit, Shahul Hameed (AFS). Mustaq Ahmed, a senior member and vice-president of JF-Dammam unit, released the JF-Dammam E-Newsletter on the occasion.
President of JF Dammam Mahmood Saad;, P A HameedPadubidri, Daijiworld Correspondent in Saudi, Gulam Shuja, manager of MGA Trad. Est, Imtiyaz, JF-Dammam treasurer, Abdul Hameed Bajpe, president DKMO Dammam, Ravi Karkera (Nesma) and others were present on the occasion.
Hameed M H, Ahmed Hussain (HIT), Mubeen Sullia, Ibrahim Thumbay, Ex-Presidents of JF-Dammam, were also present on the occasion. Istiaq proposed vote of thanks.
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