Midland Lankans Cricket Fiesta once again provided a day of enthralling and nail biting cricket for the Sri Lankan community in the Midlands area on Monday the 4th June , 2012 at Aston Unity Cricket Club Grounds, Tamworth. This annual event was organized with the purpose of providing a time of fellowship and enjoyment for the Sri Lankan community around the Midlands area whilst providing an opportunity for the cricket enthusiasts to display and hone their cricketing talents. We are delighted to share that we were able to achieve our goal successfully.
The torrential showers pouring down throughout the weekend ceased early Monday morning giving a glimmer of hope to the organizing committee who have been working hard to make this event a success. We were able to start the proceedings without a delay thanks to the ground staff. All present at the Cricket Fiesta had a day of fun and excitement whilst savoring some spicy Sri Lankan food and humming some familiar baila tunes along with the rest of the crowd.
After two hard fought rounds of T20 cricket, Midland Lankans CC (the defending champions) and the Bristol Sri Lankans CC managed to earn their slots in the final. After the team introductions to the eminent panel of guests, Midland Lankans decided to bat first after winning the toss. Midland Lankans failed to get off to a good start as they lost 3 wickets in quick succession. However, the two talented brothers, Navoda (61 n.o) and Dhanushka (21) shouldered the burden of rebuilding the innings against the strong bowling attack of Bristol Sri Lankans. The patient knocks ofNavoda and Danushka and the cameo from Manjula managed to take MLCC to a formidable score of 142. In their pursuit, Naufel and Thisara laid a firm platform for Bristol Lankans before Irfan (23) and Ali (18) started to take it completely away from Midland Lankans. However, an astonishing mid innings spell from Dhanushka managed to peg them backwith a couple of quick wickets which paved the way for a nail biting finish. Bristol Lankans faced their last over with 3 runs to get possessing only 2 wickets. Despite the commendable effort from the MLCC captain with the ball, Bristol Sri Lankans managed to get home with 2 balls to spare.
Champions 2012 Bristol Sri Lankan CC
Runners Up 2012 Midland Lankans CC
Man of the Final Irfan (Bristol Sri Lankans CC)
Man of the Tournament Navoda (Midland Lankans CC)
The eminent panel of special guests included Ven. Keppetiyagoda Gunawansa Thero and many other sponsors and well wishers. There were many prizes and surprises at this event which was graced by a cheerful crowd from midlands who were rewarded with an enjoyable day out. Apart from cricket, this event also included several games for kids.
