Connecticut Cricket League Wins
New England T20 Cricket Tournament
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WOW! Imagine a sunny and crisp Memorial Day afternoon with mouth-watering barbeques, exhilarating music of the Caribbean and the buzz of a huge cheering section. Welcome to the 2011 New England T20 Cricket Tournament that was played at Keney Park, Hartford, Connecticut where Connecticut Cricket League defeated Massachusetts State Cricket League by 10 wickets.
Just within miles of the USA Cricket Hall of Fame, cricket fans throughout the Hartford area enjoyed an electrifying three days of exciting and entertaining cricket during the Third Annual New England T20 Cricket Tournament, sponsored by Cricket Council USA , a sports and entertainment management company and Sam’s Food Stores. At the end of two grueling days of regulation play highlighted with explosive offenses and stingy defenses, The Championship Match pitted the “hometown team”, Connecticut Cricket League, against the 2010 defending champions, Massachusetts State Cricket League. Winning the toss and deciding to field in front of hundreds of screaming supporters, the Massachusetts State Cricket League was dismissed for 72 runs in 18.3 overs. Lakhram Sanichar was the leading batsman with 16, while Donnohue Clarke and Shreenath Rajagopalan scored 15 and 11 respectively. Bowling for Connecticut Cricket League, the opening pair of Munawar Abassi (2 for 8) and Everton Nelson (2 for 23) grabbed the early initiative away from the Massachusetts State Cricket League batsmen. Other useful bowling performance came from A. Husbands (1 for 1), L. Williams (1 for 11) and H. Wilson (1 for 17).
In reply, Connecticut Cricket League opening pair of O’Neil Powell and former USA representative Rohan Alexander entertained the large and screening supporters with some delightful and powerful hitting around the Keney Park. Powell dominated the Massachusetts State Cricket League bowlers, stroking 55 not out with four sixes and three fours. Alexander played the anchor role, scoring 13 not out in an unbeaten opening stand of 73.
O’Neil Powell was named the MVP of the finals and also collected the award for most runs in the tournament. The New England T20 Championship Trophy and the first prize check of $3,000.00 were awarded to the Connecticut Cricket League by Cricket Council USA and Sam’s Food Stores. Massachusetts State Cricket League received runner’s up trophy and second prize check of $1,500.00.
Huen Daley from the North East Regional Under-25 team received the “Most Promising Player” award and Everton Nelson from the Connecticut Cricket League collected the tournament “MVP” trophy. Connecticut Cricket League will represent the North East Region in the prestigious U.S. Cricket Open to be played from December 1 – 4, 2011 at the Central Broward Regional Cricket Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida.
Special thanks to tournament sponsors Sam’s Food Stores, Maq Group, T20 Energy Drink, Sam’s Children, Home of Hope, Inc and T20 Sports. Thanks to the Officers and Members of the North East Region Cricket Board, Connecticut Cricket League, Southern Connecticut Cricket League, Massachusetts State Cricket League and USACA.
