Media Release
Pics: Joachim D’Souza
Muscat, Nov 7: The Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP), a renowned Konkani community hosted the much-awaited annual cricket tournament on October 28 with great excitement at Al Hail Cricket Club Ground.
The cricket tournament commenced much to the excitement of all the enthusiasts and cricket lovers. Praveen Serra, a well-known Konkani activist and an enthusiastic committee member, compered the whole day’s event with great zeal. Guests of honours for the event was Rudolf Vaz, who was welcomed by the president, Jessie Vivian Pereira and the core committee member Stanley Fernandes was welcomed by vice-president Monica Fernandes. The executive committee members along with the guests flagged off the event by releasing the balloons in the air. Praveen Serra highlighted that due to the Covid -19, situation for two years were beyond unmeasurable for many and very painful. “As all aware, MCCP could not take up any events as in the past being done due to Covid-19. But thankfully, by the grace and blessings of Almighty, the situation is far better and let us hope and pray that normal life comes soon to all.”
Reshma D’Costa, sports secretary, recited the opening prayer invoking God’s blessings.
Praveen specially requested all the gathering to observe 2 minutes silence to remember and offer special prayers to mourn all the departed souls during the pandemic time. Especially, Praveen remembered MCCP’s core committee member and the strongest pillar and supporter at any given time, Donald Pinto, who had just passed away. He also fondly remembered executive committee member and the internal auditor of Team 28, Sharon Alva, and finally Vivian Pereira (husband of Jessie Vivian Pereira, president of MCCP), who always stood as strong supporters to the community and to EC Team 28 in particular.
The members entered into the ground with full enthusiasm and enrolled their participation at the registration counter managed by Trecilla Menezes and Janet Rodrigues. Dolly Gomes, a well-known sports personality among the Mangalurean community in Muscat, formed the teams and helped to conduct the matches in a very professional manner and within the given time frame. The participants were divided into groups depending on age in each category of Men, women and children. Rudolf Vaz, inaugurated the tournament with batting, while Stanley Fernandes took up the bowling.
Match officials Fredd Lonappan, Jeevan Anna, Aslam Parvez and scorer Rithesh gave a professional touch in running the matches respectively.
Brian Curry made it more entertaining with his lively commentary.
The event defined a platform to showcase the talent and efforts put in by the entire MCCP executive team to make it a successful event. Fun-filled sports were also planned for the kids according to the respective age groups, keeping in mind not only about competition, but also about having fun, being physically active, building coordination and teamwork and hence to give the members and children an opportunity to display their talent, self-confidence, patience, zeal and sportsmanship. Ooredoo Kiosk was also set up and a special offer exclusively for the day was announced for the members.
There were several closely fought matches in all categories generating a lot of interest among the spectators who had gathered in large numbers to witness the tournament. Breakfast and lunch were served at the venue so that the matches continue uninterrupted throughout the day.
The closing ceremony was graced by Fr Stephen Lewis, parish priest of Sts Peter & Paul Church, Ruwi, Srikanth Shetty (Proprietor of Truckline, Ghala) and Rudolph Vaz. Fr Stephen Lewis said a few words addressing the gathering on the importance of the service to the community and to promote sports events to keep oneself healthy and fit. Fr Stephen Lewis, Srikanth Shetty (General Manager – Truck Line Ghala) and Rudolf Vaz, gave away the medals and trophies for all the winners in respective category.
Praveen Serra concluded the event by extending the vote of thanks.
The event was run smoothly and very successfully with the help of the support team. The supporters were:
Sounds: Walter Mendonca
Water: Oasis Oman
Banner Printing: Zahrat Al Rowda, kind courtesy: Raphael Quadros
Banner designing &DJ: Ajay D’Souza,
Photography: Jochim D’Souza
Medical Assistance: Janet Rodrigues
Ground support: Ajith D’Costa
Results:
Senior men’s cricket (Above 40)
Winners: Naveen Barreto (captain), Cyril Danti, Norman D’Souza, Stany Menezes, Canute Cuttino, Roshan, Rudolph Vaz, Harry D’Souza, Jerry Pinto.
Runners-up: Vikas Fernandes (captain), Praveen Lewis, Lancy Barboza, Sandeep Mascarenhas, Rajesh Mascarenhas, Vincent Tellis, Alphonse Rodrigues, Neshwil Pinto, Herald Louis, Naveen Lewis.
The best bowler: Pradeep D’Souza
Best batsman: Neshwil Pinto
Best all-rounder: Vincent Tellis
Below 40 men’s:
Winners: Roshan Colaco (Captain), Preetham Saldanha, Suneel, Sujith Monis, Godwin Rodrigues, Lester Andrade, Nikhil, Maklin Pinto, Lionel, Shawn
Runners-up: Hanson D’Souza (Captain), Loyson, Baptist, Noel Machado, Rolson Cardoza, Ashwin, Chris Alister, Melwin, Jaison, Aman D’ Costa, Lawrence D’Souza
The best bowler: Raphael D’Souza
Best batsman: Baptist
Best all-rounder: Hanson D’Souza
Ladies’ cricket:
Winners: Trecilla Menezes (Captain), Merita Pinto, Flavia D’Souza, Vanita Tellis, Pranitha, Cleona Rodrigues, Mamata Lobo, Lestine Pinto, Nicol Machado, Viona, Reshma Saldanha, Anita Lobo, Priya Menezes, Marey
Runners-up: Monica Fernandis (Captain), Reshma D’Costa, Janet Rodrigues, Sumitha Crasta, Shaila Pinto, Bryna Pinto, Harleen Pinto, Anisha D’Costa, Christin Danthi, Elvira Machado, Antonita Lewis, Michelle, Elizabeth Noronha, Calida Saldanha
Best bowler: Bryna Pinto.
Best batswomen: Merita Pinto
Best all-rounder: Flavia D’Souza.
Children’s spot games:
Below Age 5 Group
Winner: Cheyanne Lewis
Runner-up: Inara D’Souza
6-10 Age Group
Winner: Ashley Tauro and Jessel Pinto
Runner Up: Aman D’Costa
11-15 Age Group
Winner: Michelle Pinto
Runner Up:ChristineDhanthy
Main sponsors of the event:
Areej Oils and Derivatives SAOC (Minara Oil)
Support Sponsors:
Enhance Ooredoo (Courtesy Rudolph Vaz)
Srikanth Shetty – Truck Line, Ghala
Al Ansari Trading Enterprise LLC
Oasis Oman
Photography: Jochim D Souza
The event was meticulously planned and executed by the entire MCCP executive committee – Team 28, led by Jessie Pereira as the president, Monica Fernandis (vice president – sports & finance), Silvia Dias (general secretary), Victoria Trecilla Menezes (honorary treasurer), Reshma D’Costa (sports secretary), Praveen Donald Serra (cultural secretary), Vikas Marshal Fernandes (spiritual secretary), and Merita Pinto (community services secretary).