Kerala Cultural And Welfare Association

KCWA Wins UK Malayalee Cricket League Cup 2010

LONDON: KCWA Cricket Club from Croydon has won the UK Malayalee Cricket League Cup 2010. KCWA lifted the League Cup title by beating EastHam Malayalee Cricket Club (EMCC) in the finals by 6 wickets. KCWA earlier beat Griffins CC and Phoenix CC in the semi-finals AND quarterfinals respectively.

KCWA captain Sunny Janardanan has expressed his satisfaction for ending the season on a high note. Once a formidable team in UK for years,KCWA failed to live up to its expectations since the UKMCL has started. Mr Varun Satheesh’s consistent batting performances were the key to KCWA success this year. Bowling has always been KCWA strength with Sunny,Suni and Sham finding wickets regularly and they had been well supported by Shaiju,Ashish and Binu.

By winning the toss EMCC decided to bat first in overcast conditions,but soon found playing shots difficult. KCWA makeshift opening bowlers Ashish and Sham made early breakthroughs in the absence of their regular opening bowlers Sunny and Suni. Shaiju took two wickets in his opening over,and then Arun and Varun restricted the EMCC batsmen finding runs with tight line and length. EMCC innings finished when Jeemon clean bowled EMCC last batsman.

Rain delayed the start of KCWA innings but play resumed once the sun started shining again. KCWA openers Dr Hari and Thomas played a sensible innings and made a partnership of 48 in steady pace on a tricky wicket.

Thomas continued his personal tally to 36 with Varun who played some splendid shots off Kutty,UKMCL fastest bowler. But Thomas failed to hit a six off Kutty and ended up a yard short on the safe hands of Vijay.

EMCC veteran bowler Reji took two wickets in one over,but it was too late for them. Arun sealed KCWA victory by square cutting Kutty to the fence with ease. KCWA CC thanked all its supporters and well wishers with gratitude and praised UKMCL organisers and participants for a wonderful tournament.