Annual Cricket match between the Sydney OBAs of Jaffna Hindu and Hartley was played today, Monday, 3rd October 2011. As usual, two matches were played; one was for over 40 age group and the other was an open match. In both the matches, Jaffna Hindu OBA sealed a comfortable win. The Jaffna Hindu cricket team played under the patronage of Mr.K.Jeyakanthan, President of Sydney OBA.
This was a happy moment for Mr.Jeyakanthan and his committee that was congratulated only last month for making Geethavani Awards 2011 a grand success.
The match started at 9.30 AM. Winning the toss, the Jaffna Hindu Open team, captained by Niranjan, opted to bat first. They scored 129 runs. In reply, Hartley was able to score only 99 runs. They were all out for 99 runs in 36 overs. It was an easy win for Jaffna Hindu. Superb fielding and bowling of the JHC team led to the amazing victory.
Gobi from Hartley College was named as the Best Bowler. Best Batsman was Ranjithan, the sports secretary of JHC OBA. Best Fielder was the Jaffna Hindu team Captain Niranjan, and the Man of the Match was Muralee from JHC. Mr. Varathakeyan and Mr.Peter Singham were the umpires of the first match.
In the Over 40 match, again the JHC Over 40 team won the toss, but decided to field first. Hartley went in to bat first and scored 178 runs losing all wickets. JHC came next to bat with a determination to win. They played well and scored 179 runs for the lose of 7 wickets, winning the second game too.
The Man of the Match was Mainthan from JHC. All the other three awards went to Hartley College; Best Fielder was Baskaran, Best Batsman was Kugan, and Best Bowler was Ragavan. Mr. Pathmasri and Mr.Karunakaran umpired the match.
It was a full day event. The presentation was held at 6 PM. Both Mr.Jeyakanthan, President JHC OBA and Mr.Yohanathan, President HC OBA addressed the gathering. "Excellent Jewellers", Sydney was the sponsors of the event.
It was encouraging to see around 100 people at the match and blue and white flag everywhere. It brought back the old memories of JHC vs. Hartely match played in Jaffna.
A Thiruketheeswaran
JHC OBA (UK)