Siddesh Bodke (Best Bowler), Sudin Kamat (Man of Match) and Prasad Bhende (Best Batter) receiving trophies from Vallabh Pai, Ashutosh Pai Angle and Nagnath Shanbhag.
MARGAO
Antruz Aviators secured their place in the finals with a thrilling win, while Mapusa Dream Crushers' hopes were dashed despite an earlier victory on Day 9 of the Sarsangan Priority Veterans Cricket Tournament, at the Arlem Cricket Ground.
Batting first, Ultracon Madgaon Royals posted a competitive 174-6 in 20 overs, with key contributions from Anish Dharwadkar (37), Vishwesh Kamat (24) and Ashesh Dukle (22).* The Dream Crushers’ bowlers shared wickets, with Kurade, Vernekar, Mahajan and Kudchadkar each taking one.
In reply, Mapusa Dream Crushers cruised to victory in 17.5 overs, finishing at 176-2. Solid batting efforts from Vibhav Pai (35), Avinash Kossambe (36), Laxmikant Kurade (35) and Amith Kamat (21)* ensured a comfortable win. Notably, none of the Royals' bowlers managed a breakthrough.
Individual Awards: Man of the Match: Vibhav Pai (Drogaria Colvalcar); Best Batter: Anish Dharwadkar (Priority Constructions); Best Bowler: Bhushan Pai Vernekar (Wakao)
Needing a win to book a finals spot, Antruz Aviators faced Delite Titans, who posted 141-8 after opting to bat. Sanjay Netravalkar (35) and Amogh Namshiker (20)* were the top scorers. Balkrishna Kamat (2-11) and Gomakant Mahambrey (2-18) led a disciplined bowling effort.
In a tense chase, the Aviators were cruising at 123-3, but a hattrick from Siddesh Bodke (4-12) sparked a collapse. Eventually, Rasik Pai Khot (17)* and Raju Shenai Salgaonkar (5)* held their nerve to seal a 142-6 win with 3 balls to spare.
Individual Awards: Man of the Match: Sudin Kamat (Drogaria Colvalcar); Best Batter: Prasad Bhende (Priority Constructions); Best Bowler: Siddesh Bodke (Wakao)
With this win, Antruz Aviators topped the table with 12 points and a superior net run rate, qualifying for the final on May 4 against Ultracon Madgaon Royals, who also finished with 12 points. Mapusa Dream Crushers (11 points) will now face Delite Titans in the 3rd place playoff.
