Massahood Youth Organisation (MYO) walked away with the inaugural Dr Lackram Bodoe Classic last Saturday at St John’s Trace in Avocat, Fyzabad.
The tournament which took place among three teams also ushered in for the very first time the Maq Cricket59 format and was very popular among players and officials.
The teams that braved the weather to show for this event were MYO, Vijay Sports, and MAQ/Cricket360 All Stars. Member of Parliament for Fyzabad Dr Lackram Bodoe whose brainchild it was to host this tournament was on hand to witness the last playoff and the finals. He brought encouraging words for the players telling them to grasp whatever opportunity they get and do it well. "You guys braved the inclement weather today to come out and play and it shows your commitment to your craft. I want to wish you all the best as you strive to make a career out of cricket. More importantly, I want you guys to use club life to develop holistically and offer your country a wonderful citizen. We need good young men and women to come forward and serve our country and you are on the right path."
In the first match, Maq Cricket360 All Stars including a number of national youth cricketers, narrowly lost by five runs to MYO. The star of the match for Maq Cricket All Stars was Randy Mahase who slammed 55. The second game saw MYO defeating Vijay Sports by 15 runs and this set up a virtual playoff between Maq Cricket360 All Stars and Vijay Sports. In the end, Maq Cricket360 All Stars gave away the game as with eight runs needed off one ball, a no-ball was delivered and it was struck for six.
In the finals, it was an easy walkover for MYO, as they lifted the title. They batted first and scored MYO scored 95 for four in their 59 balls with former West Indies under-19 player Jyd Goolie getting 25 and S Rambaran made 30 and Dominic Nandlal 26.
In response, Vijay Sports could make only 81 for five - losing the match by 14 runs. Neil Samaroo scored 44 to lead the way but in the end, it was not enough.
MAQ CRICKET59 SCORES
FINAL
MYO 99/4 (59 balls) (Jyd Goolie 25, S Rambaran 30, Dominic Nandlal 26) vs Vijay Sports 81/5 (Neil Samaroo 44) - MYO won by 6 wkts.