Punjab Lions come out tops

In an exciting match, a lesson in teamwork and talent, the semi finals see victors in the Punjab Lions, SANJIV DUBEY reports.

Community cricket as a sport is the base of a pyramid for communal harmony as well as for mental, emotional and physical well being. All possible measures should be taken to make this pyramid as strong as possible. With ongoing help and support from sponsors and volunteers, the New Australian Sports Association (NASA) is also contributing towards the amazing sport of cricket which is not only played among people of the subcontinent, but is widely accepted as their lifeblood. It is a love, passion, life or religion for many.

The Billu’s 30/30 Parramatta Spring Cup 2010 reached its pinnacle on November 28 when the Punjab Lions and Vibrant Gujarat, two of the most powerful teams of the tournament, competed against each other in the first semi final at the Ollie Web Reserve grounds in Parramatta.

Although the match was played on a ground with no corporate boxes or champagne, the crowd was sparse but genuinely enthusiastic and the action was attention-grabbing. And despite a steady drizzle which continued through the day, the clash was perhaps the most competitive in the tournament, as both teams have played consistent cricket through the league so far.

The match began at 8:30am, and the Punjab Lions were sent out to bat after losing the toss. Their opening batsman Vinod Rehan belted the Vibrant Gujarat bowlers and the team finished with a competitive total of 214/5 in their innings of 30.

Vibrant Gujarat put up a spirited performance in the field, but the Punjab Lions overcame a late surge from Gujarat’s batsmen and won comfortably by 30 runs to reach the finals. Vinod Rehan (Laadi) was rightly named Man of the Match for his superb 104 runs off the bat and for picking up 3 crucial wickets, this contribution being significant in winning the game for Punjab.

The second semi-final between the Afghan Lions and Sydney Supersonic was postponed due to rain, but will be played on December 5. Sydney Supersonic will be hoping to beat the Afghan Lions impressively, using the might of their big match winners like Kannan, Hari and captain Ram. The clash is set to be tricky affair and the match is likely to swing between one team to the other till the very end, as the Afghan Lions are well prepared along with their key players. The team that plays well under pressure and takes those half chances is likely to run away with the match. Fingers crossed for both semi finalists, may the best team win.

Team of the Week: Vibrant Gujarat
Although they succumbed to the pressure of playing in the semi-finals, the Vibrant Gujarat team were very impressive throughout the tournament, captained by the able Jignesh Patel. In fact, the Punjab Lions lost to them in an earlier round, and the semi finals saw a determined team ready to avenge themselves on Vibrant Gujarat. But there is no doubt that Vibrant Gujarat deserved to be declared as Team of the Week.

Vinod Rehan scores an impressive hundred

Player of the Week: Vinod Rehan

Son of Jograj Rehan, Vinod (Laddi) was born in Lambra in Jallandhar, India. The family migrated to Australia in 1996, and have since been living in Manly. Vinod has played most of his cricket for Warringah shire for six years followed by a move to Manly-Warringah grade cricket. Vinod doesn’t just love the game, he idolises it. He is also a true competitor, taking up the challenge in the spirit of the game. This young man is a true hero of community cricket, playing the game almost every weekend. Says Vinod, “After cricket on Saturday I go straight to work for the whole night and after an hour’s sleep on Sunday, I am off to Parramatta to play some more cricket! My father has worked hard all his life for my family and always supports my love for cricket.” Vinod has been playing community cricket for many years and loves the game and his team. He always gives the game his best and would love to win the finals. I wish him success. So far, his scorecard reads at 300 runs in six innings including 51, 94, 105; and he has taken 14 wickets as well…. Well done, Laadi!

Semi-final Results
Punjab Lions (214/5) defeated Vibrant Gujarat (184/all out)
Punjab won by 30 runs.

Semi-final: Sydney Supersonic Vs Afghan Lions (game abandoned)

Finals to be played on 19/11/10

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