Abu Dhabi: Sunshine Cricket Club Celebrates 38th Grand Anniversary

Pics By Ronald D’Souza
- Media Release

Abu Dhabi, 09 Apr 2015: The dawn on a windy Friday morning on 27th February 2015 was witness to celebrations in the form of Sunshine Cricket Club’s annual mega tournament. To commemorate this occasion the Club committee chose the iconic venue of Emirates Palace Cricket Ground in Abu Dhabi to hold this tournament. The club which was founded in 1976 between a group of friends who were cricket enthusiasts has continued in the same vein on every Friday and public holiday during non-summer months where friends became family and created a new avenue for enjoyment and fun for all members.

 

The tournament had 6 participating teams consisting of members old and current who came together irrespective of age and background. The air of excitement and anticipation filled the vicinity with members travelling from as far as Riyadh and Fujairah to be part of this wonderful reunion. The 6 participating teams which were picked prior to the tournament to have fair and balanced composition were called – Ritz Rockers, Falcon Kings, Sunshine Challengers, Sunshine Attackers, The Legends and Blue Panthers. The Teams were ably led by Ritesh, Riyaz, Rafiq, Thoufeeq, Prashanth and Adil.

 

All members - a total 86 young and old gathered at the picturesque Emirates Palace Grounds were welcomed by the Chairperson of the Club, Mr. Umesh Pai and rules and regulations of the tournament were handed out by the head of the disciplinary committee, Mr. Ajmal Jamal. Club founder and veteran member Jerome Pereira fondly known as Jemma Padil was invited to share his experiences of the growth and success of this long standing club. Also in attendance were former chairpersons- Joseph D’mello, Rubert Fernandes, Barakat Ali, Jagadish Prabhu, Edward Lewis, Salim Sheikh, Ajmal Jamal and Ansar Mohammed.

 

 

This fun filled day which was played out with a complete sense of sportsman spirit had all elements of a nail-biting game of cricket, with last ball finishes, hat-tricks and truck load of sixes. The strong cross wind made batting conditions challenging which showed the real class of the participating batsmen. Bowlers too had their share of assistance with the wind and had all fielders testing their arms against the wind. All players were ably egged on by the friends and family who had dropped by to witness some exciting cricket. Members and their families too had their share of fun with impromptu games of cricket and practice sessions outside the field of play. It was heartening to see young children going around trying their hand on cricket a testament to the fact that the future of this club is in good hands. The games even had guests from the hotel who had stopped over during their stroll across the lovely Emirates Palace premises to witness a game played with a lot of passion.

 

Sumptuous lunch was served to all players, their families and numerous supporters who had gathered to witness some breath taking cricket and soak in the festive atmosphere of the tournament.

 

The following are the list of Winners:

Man of the Match (Match 1) - Godwin D’souza

Man of the Match (Match 2) - Richard Klifton

Man of the Match (Match 3) - Salim Sheikh

Man of the Match (Match 4) - Jossy Praveen Pinto

Man of the Match (Match 5) - Mohammed Akram

Man of the Match (Match 6) - Mohammed Taheeb

Man of the Match (1st Semifinal) - Santhosh Shetty

Man of the Match (2nd Semifinal) - Allan D’mello

Man of the Match (Final) - Ritesh Kumar

 

Best Batsman - Jerry Joe

Best All Rounder - Mohammed Riyaz

Most Committed & Disciplined Player - Mohammed Rafiq

Most Committed & Disciplined Player - Jerome Pereira

 

The tournament culminated with an exciting Finale played between Ritz Rockers and Falcon Kings, Ritz Rockers assisted with some incisive and consistent bowling effort won the 28th Anniversary Tournament.

 

 

Family Get-together

As a climax to conclude the 38th glorious Anniversary celebrations, a get-together for the past and present players along with their families and well-wishers was held at Foodland’s Restaurant – Abu Dhabi on Thursday, 19th March 2015.

 

The annual function held to felicitate winners and outstanding performers of the tournament and the current season was an evening full of fun and entertainment with music, dance, games, with raffle draws with lots of prizes to be won. The committee and all members were grateful to the spouses and children of the members for their continuing support.

 

The function ably compered by long time member Colin D’souza – commenced by welcoming the gathering. Umesh Pai & Ansar Mohammed the current and past chairperson respectively along with Mohammed Akram sponsor of the tournament and Jerome Pereira one of the club founders were welcomed on stage to grace the occasion. The Chairperson along with Jerome Pereira addressed the gathering and highlighted the achievements and the strengths of the club which was a prime example for Unity in Diversity. In his address Jerome Pereira took the opportunity to reminiscence the past and go through the journey the Club had come along with wonderful memories of the past - the family bond it had among the members. He also requested to carry on the legacy even if the senior members leave the country.

 

The gathering was entertained by foot tapping music played by DJ Ritu. The guests both young and old were kept occupied with numerous rib tickling games that were organized by Lenin, Valerian and Colin. As a surprise for all members, the committee showcased an attractive and eye-catching presentation on each member who participated in the tournament. The Function ended with Dinner and distribution of the winner’s trophies and various prizes for the tournament and the season. Also many members were honored for their outstanding and unfailing support to the club over the years.

 

It is indeed a Club with a difference, a complete family oriented outfit.  

 

A game of cricket which started as a small friendly pass time hobby has now established itself as a club to nurture young talents and a game played for sheer enjoyment all these   years - the 38 eventful years is a great achievement in itself, which no other private club in the UAE has accomplished and there was every reason to celebrate.