Creditwest Cricket League
Semi-Finalist Decided
It’s said, that cream always rises to the top. In the final round of Creditwest Cricket League pool games last Sunday 8th November, that’s exactly what happened, as the pre-tournament favourites won through to the semi-finals.
The morning game at the Alsancak Stadium between the 18th century sounding Gentlemen of Girne and the students from the Near East University was comfortably won by the city boys. Captain Danish Afridi explained, winning the toss and asking the NEU to bat on a difficult low bouncing pitch had been crucial. They could offer little resistance to the outstanding bowling of Jan-Walli 7 runs for 4 wickets and a hat trick from Shahzad Kamel which left Girne only a very modest 49 for victory.
Girne got 30 winning points and ended unbeaten Pool B winners with 60. NEU’s 3 points left them 2nd in the pool with a total of 33 points. It didn’t seem likely this would prove enough for the best runners-up semi-final place, but that wouldn’t be decided until the outcome of the afternoon game.
After lunch, it was the final Pool C game. With the tournament favourites Cyprus All Stars from Karaoğlanoğlu taking on the Eastern Mediterranean University based in Famagusta. Again the game followed the script, with the All Stars smashing 187 for 7, led by an aggressive 73 from Mohsin and 58 by Bajwa. In reply, the university side attacked from the first ball, but were bowled out for only 51.
The win gave the Cyprus All Stars 30 points to top Pool C and EMU 5 points leaving them last.
Chairman Nigel Holman said whilst the 3 pools were won convincingly by North Cyprus’s strongest sides, the real excitement surrounded who would be the best runner-up to claim the last semi-final place. The Middle East Technical University victory over EMU in mid-October coupled with important bonus points against the Cyprus All Stars meant they grabbed the remaining last 4 place ahead of Doğanköy by 4 points.
The next semi-finals will be at the TRNC Cricket’s home – Alsancak Stadium on the 15th November:
10.00 Lefkoşa Fighters v METU
13.30 Gentlemen of Girne v Cyprus All Stars
For further information, please visit the TRNC Cricket Association’s Facebook page click here or call 0533 8248999.
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TRNC Ladies are in Good Shape
20 budding lady cricketers have put themselves up to be selected for the first ever North Cyprus Ladies Cricket tournament on 22nd November.
After last Saturday’s first practice at the Pia Bella Stadium on the 7th November, team Manager Lynn Holman said she was delighted by not only the turnout but the skills demonstrated. At the end of an intense 2 hour session practicing batting, bowling and fielding the girls were exhausted but still smiling said Cricket Association photographer Mike Turner.
