PANAJI
Vernekar Warriors, Bicholim, emerged champions of the Rainy Cricket Tournament organised by All Goa Daivadnya Rising Youth, Bardez, at Cunchelim Ground on August 22 and 23.
The eight-team hard-ball tournament, played in an eight-over format on a round-robin basis, culminated in an exciting final between Vernekar Warriors and Sai Warriors, Margao.
Batting first, Vernekar Warriors posted 66 for seven in eight overs, with Rakesh Shirodkar and Siddhesh Vernekar scoring 17 runs apiece. Gajanan Pattar claimed two wickets for 14 runs for Sai Warriors.
In reply, Sai Warriors were restricted to 52 for six in their allotted eight overs. Pattar top-scored with 14, while Chandrakant Raikar returned figures of two for 13 as Vernekar Warriors secured a 14-run victory.
Vernekar Warriors had earlier defeated Shree Bodgeshwar, Bardez, by 30 runs in the first semifinal. Batting first, they scored 96 for four, with Siddhesh Vernekar making 33 off 13 balls and Chandrakant Raikar contributing 27 off 15. Vindesh Nagvekar took four wickets for nine runs for Shree Bodgeshwar.
Shree Bodgeshwar managed 66 for six in reply, with Amrut Verlekar scoring 29 off nine balls. Siddhesh Vernekar took two wickets for 25 runs to help his side reach the final.
In the second semifinal, Sai Warriors defeated Dynamic Cricketers, Mapusa, by eight wickets. Dynamic Cricketers were bowled out for 50, with Gajanan Pattar claiming three wickets for seven runs. Sai Warriors chased down the target in seven overs, reaching 54 for two, with Mahendra Karekar unbeaten on 23. Prajot Revonkar took two wickets for nine runs.
Dynamic Cricketers were awarded the third-place trophy.
Siddhesh Vernekar was adjudged Man of the Tournament as well as Man of the Final. Rakesh Shirodkar was named Best Batter, Gajanan Pattar Best Bowler and Balkrishna Vernekar Best Fielder.
Chief guest Lata Nagvekar and guest of honour Sunil Narvekar distributed the trophies to the winners and runners-up.
The tournament was sponsored by Lata Nagvekar and Lata Jewellers, Mapusa, Nagvekar Jewellers, Mapusa, and Nagvekar Jewellers, Bicholim.
