Abu Dhabi: Milagreans Lift  Paradela's Sunil D'Mello Memorial Trophy
Report and pictures by : Oswald M. D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi- Nov 13:  Emirates Paradela’s Sunil D’mello Memorial Cricket Tournament turned out to be a runaway success at Abu Dhabi Indian School Grounds on Friday 13 November 2009.

The ADIS Ground came to life with 8 teams participating in the keenly contested cricket tournament and the crowd enjoying to their hilt cheering their favourite teams.

The spectacular inaugural ceremony was held prior to the tournament.  As a symbol peace and celebration, white doves  were released by Richard D’Souza, Chief Guest of the day, who also happens to be the Honorary Treasurer of the School and a well known Mangalorean, also holding a prestigious position in the Abu Dhabi Finance Department.

The audience were welcomed by Harold Lobo – President of Emirates Paradelas.  He fondly remembered Sunil a enthusiastic founder member  of Emirates Paradelas and a keen cricket enthusiast, who passed away abruptly two years ago, and it was paradela’s initiative to conduct this tournament every year in memory of this vibrant soul.  He also thanked all those supported this tournament and the participating teams for their interest.

In his presidential speech Richard praised the efforts of Emirates Paradelas and  their contribution to the society in various fields, conducting sporting, cultural and social activities to fulfill their objectives to help the less fortunate by raising financial help.

During the inaugural ceremony Sunil’s widow Belinda and her son were also present along with distinguished guests V. K. Mathu – Principal of Abu Dhabi Indian School, Ronald Pinto of Hysna, Lavina Rodrigues of Texas Rent A Car, Ned D'Cunha of Pepsi, K. Sabarwal and Dolphy Vaz. and other prominent members of Emirates Paradela.

After the brief inaugural ceremony, the tournament started with Richard D’Souza and Ronald Pinto of Hysna facing first ball of the tournament as a symbolic gesture.  The  first match was played between  Morning Star – Abu Dhabi and Friends – Abu Dhabi and then followed by other teams.

The whole day tournament was exciting as there were nail biting finishes, and electrifying moments along with highs and lows as the participating teams contested  with vigour and  with sportsmen spirit, giving the holiday crowd every moments of thrill.

The team spirit by the participating team was praise worthy as the tournament progressed smoothly without any glitch.

The matches were played on knockout basis. It was six an over match with 7 players in each team.  Only the  semifinals and finals were played 7 overs each.

The semi Finals were played between Evershine Abu Dhabi and Friends – Abu Dhabi and Milagreans – Dubai and United Friends Dubai and finals were played between Evershine – Abu Dhabi and Milagreans – Dubai.  Surprisingly the final was a low scoring one sided  match.  Evershine were all out for 49 runs in 6.2 overs.  In reply Milagreans scored 53 runs without loss in 2.4 overs and ultimately Milagreans – Dubai won the prestigious “Sunil D’Mello Memorial Rolling Trophy, a victory  which they well deserved for their brilliant performance.

The sponsors and the Media  were felicitated before the prize distribution ceremony

The prize distribution was held  at the end of the tournament..  The prizes for various categories were distributed by the Chief Guest Richard D’Souza, Ronald Pinto, and Lavina Rodrigues. 
The event was ably  compered by Vivek Serrao and expert  & witty commentary was given by Jayanth and Cedric.  Jossy D’Mello and Arun D’Souza were the scorers assisted by Raja.

The following are results of the tournament:

The Best Batsman  : Mahesh Shetty
The Best Bowler  : Ajith Nalluraya
Man of the Tournament : Mahesh Shetty
Runners up : Evershine – Abu Dhabi
Winners : Milagreans - Dubai

The following teams participated in the tournament:

1.    Morning Star, Abu Dhabi.
2.    Friends, Abu Dhabi.
3.    Konkan Yuva, Dubai.
4.    United Friends, Dubai.
5.    Hawks, Dubai.
6.    Milagreans, Dubai.
7.    Evershine, Abu Dhabi.
8.    Middle Agers, Abu Dhabi

The event was sponsored by

Noble Marine Metals Company - Abu Dhabi
Wavelength Shipping LLC – Dubai
Urban Sequeira & Family – Dubai
 
Sumptuous lunch was served to all the participating teams as well as the audience during the afternoon break.

Emirates Paradela’s organizational capabilities and unity were showcased throughout the tournament, which has  always been their hallmark  and showed why they are successful in whatever they do..  A job  brilliantly  executed.

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