3rd Nagar Cricket Club Tornament at Vadodara
- By Mr. Devanshu Mehta
"Wonderful", "pleasant" and "exciting" are few words that may partly convey the time we spent at Reliance (former IPCL) ground at Vadodara from 23rd to 25th January 2009.
The festive atmosphere cast a spell on one and all. Watching cricket matches played by Nagars from Mumbai, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Bhavnagar and Rajkot.
9 teams competed for the cup. Total number of players = 9 x 13 (including 2 extras) = 117.
The main feature of these teams was that each of them were formed not citywise but were comprising of members different cities in each team.
Age of individuals was determined by a person's spirit and not by the date of birth.
Initial matches were of 12 Overs per team and the Final was a 25 overs affair. A few of the matches had nail-biting last over finishes.
The stadium is a fullscale international standard stadium, still there were number of sixes that took our breath away and flew over our heads into the stands and beyond.
Even than I would like to state that it was not only slog. Bowlers and fielders were also in limelight. One Hat-trick and some excellent stops & catches made the tournament a very exciting event.
There were many notable performances, but the allround performances of Svikar Vaishnav of Mumbai and Jyot Chhaya from Vadodara were the highlight of the tournament.
Shri Prasnvadanbhai Mehta (3 times elected from Bhavnagar as MP) was kind enough to meet the players and witness one match.
The prize distribution function was presided by Shri Dattajirao Gaikwad (Captain of former Indian cricket team in late 50's and early 60's). In his speech he said that for his first Ranji trophy match, he received Rs.3 - Yes, Rupees "THREE" only.
Note has to be taken that apart from normal batsman and bowler of the tournament prizes, a prize for the fielder of the tournament was also given.
Ms. Anushree Mehta daughter of Shri Anand Kishorbhai Mehta gave away a special trophy for most "Passionate Play" trophy in the memory of Shri Kishorbhai V Mehta.
The event was immaculately organised by Shri Prerak Mehta (of phdcomm), Shri Chetan Oza, their family members and number of volunteers. The efforts were supported by financial contributions from many individuals, even though the main contribution of time and money came from these two individuals.
On second day's evening participants and family members had organised a cultural programme, which was a big success.
Excellent arrangements for stay and food deserves a special mention.
Last but not the least it brought about the vibrant spirit of cricket-fairplay in all of us. I will try to send few photographs by email in next couple of days.
With best wishes for bright future of the tournament in years to come.
Our big thanks to Mr. Devanshu Mehta for this wonderful and vivid description of this tournament and to Darshak Mehta for sending it to us.
