Richmond Hill Sports Club’s Corner
Richmond Hill ‘thump’ United

By Darshan Chickery
July 28, 2008
In what is becoming a familiar sight, Richmond Hill Sports Club (RHSC) won again, in the West Indian Softball Association’s 30 Overs Premier Division competition. This time around, they ‘thump’ United by 61 runs to remain unbeaten in preliminary play with one more game to go.

Meeting for the third time this year, Richmond Hill knew that United had revenge in the back of their minds, for their loss in the 25 Over Division I finals to RHSC in June. United wanted this one badly and Richmond Hill knew it. The series was tied at 1-1 but United’s loss to Richmond Hill in the finals was a ‘heart-breaker’.

Knowing the short, but rivaled history between these two teams, one would think that any advantage would be of utmost importance. United did not think so, or, they either still think that Richmond Hill is ‘below them’. They won the toss but asked Richmond Hill to bat.

For the first nine overs of the game United’s decision to put Richmond Hill to bat, made them look like a genius. Richmond Hill was restricted to 39 for 3 after those nine overs. Then all ‘hell’ broke loose in the eyes of United.

The ‘inform’ Ahmad Shazaman (Zaman), was joined by Darshan Chickery and together they put on a fourth wicket partnership of 82 runs in nine overs. Zaman provided all the ‘fire-works’ with some excellent cover drives and pulls to back ward point and mid wicket boundaries.

At 120, Darshan fell for 14. Zaman soon followed for 93 with the score at 129. Zaman’s brilliant inning contained 12 fours and 2 sixes. He will have to start all over again to get that very elusive century in the West Indian Softball Association league.

At 129 for 5 after 18 overs, Richmond Hill knew that runs at Flushing are like runs at Bourda. It is never enough.

Imran Wahab (Vice Capt.) joined Kumar Chickery (Captain) and the two took on United’s bowling attack. They added 75 for the sixth wicket partnership before Imran was caught at the long on boundary for 28 with the score at 204.

Richmond Hill ended up with 245 for 8 off their allotted 30 overs. Kumar was unbeaten on 58. His knock was highlighted with 3 fours and 2 sixes. R. Seegobin and P. Ramcharran took three wickets apiece.

United started their reply disastrously. They lost their first three wickets with less than fifteen runs on the board. Richmond Hill was never threatened by United’s content to occupy the crease and a few runs from spectacular shots. They were bowled out for 185.

A. Ali top scored with 62. He was dropped at least five times making him the designated ‘lucky dog’ of the day. Apart from Ali’s 62, extras chipped in with a healthy 55. Ten of those 55 were byes while there were 35 from wides and no balls.

Richmond Hill’s most successful bowlers were Brian Heeralall with 3 for 24 and Krishna Chickery with 2 for 8.

Richmond Hill’s quest to remain unbeaten will have to come at the expense at Rising Stars in Connecticut on August 3, 2008. Rising Stars is also believed to be unbeaten.

Games ‘Abandoned’ – Not All!
Abandoned, that was the prevalent decision in the West Indian Softball Association League last weekend. It did not matter if your game was scheduled to be played, in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx or Connecticut, lighting and heavy thunderstorms created mayhem for players and umpires.

Ah! Not all the games were abandoned due to rain. Dynasty managed to complete their game against Rebels with a win in the Premier Elite division. So did Cornered Tigers. They beat Majestics to maintain their position a top the points standing.

The only game completed game in the Premier division was a grudge match between Richmond Hill and United. Richmond Hill won that one easily. As a result, they now occupy the points lead ahead of Rising Stars.

In Division I, there were three games abandoned while Tamarind Root, Exquisite Realty, Champions, Lords and Untouchables all won their game.

Queens Village beat Ozone XI by eight wickets in Division II. Ozone XI batted first. They were bowled out for 118. V. Shaw had figures of 4 for 11 while Ravi Parbhudial took 3 for 23. Queens Village replied with 120 for 2. D. Morgan and V. Singh were unbeaten on 63 and 23 respectively.

Looking Ahead!
This week (08/03/2008), point leaders in their respective division will try to maintain their lead to earn that crucial bye to the semi-finals round. Other teams will be fighting it out for that last playoff spot in their division. They will ‘pull out’ all the stops, to get that much needed win, to ensure they live to play another week.

Whatever the scenario, it should be an entertaining week of cricket. Games ‘to watch’ this week;
(Premier Elite) - Cornered Tigers vs. Ocean XI, they are both 5 and 1, (Premier) - Richmond Hill at Rising Stars, both are unbeaten and (Division I) Scramblers vs. Patriots, both are also unbeaten. The other unbeaten team is Legends in Division IV.

Support softball cricket. Bring you friends and family to your neighborhood park and root for you favorite team or player(s).

WALLPAPERS