Moodubelle: Exciting Cricket Tournament with a social cause on the New Year Day

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 01 January 2012: It was a Cricket Tournament  with a difference. Along with  the excitement of playing and ecstasy of winning, this Dunhill Trophy-2012 tournament  generated certain amount of funds  that was handed over  equally to four needy families which do not have any source of  regular income.  The tournament was organised jointly by Dunhill and Moodubelle Junior Cricketers (MJC) on Sunday, January 1,2012 at the Gudda-bettu Cricket Ground. Twelve  teams from different parts of Belle vied with each other in the five over limited match for the trphy and cash prize. The tournament started at 9.30 am and ended by 4.30 pm.

 

The Dunhill Trophy-2012 tournament  was inaugurated by Ivan Menezes along with other cricket lovers  on the dais by lighting the lamp at 9.15 am. Ivan Menezes  in his message wished well for the tournament and appealed the village youngsters to promote the game among the villagers and develop sportsmanship.

 

 

After the elimination rounds, the MJC of Moodubelle and Geleyara Balaga (B) of Padubelle teams entered the final round for six overs show down. The Geleyara Balaga (B) won the toss and elected fielding. However, the  MJC put up a brilliant show and scored 87 runs, Rajesh alone scoring 66 runs. In reply, the Geleyara Balaga (B) scored only 35  runs, Lionel, bowler of the MJC getting the maximum number of wickets.

 

The prize distribution programme was held at 4.30 pm.  Suresh Shetty and Bhaskar Shetty were special guests. Bhaskar Shetty prvided the much needed water and electricity from his residence to the venue of the tournament.

 

The Winners of the Dunhill Trophy-2012 were the MJC team captained by Herman Castelino who received the trophy and Rs.3456/- cash prize and the Geleyara Balaga (B) team under the captaincy of Vinuth as Runners Up received the trophy and Rs.2345/-in cash prize.

 

In the individual prize category-Rajesh Acharya  of MJC received both coveted Man of the Match and  the Man of the Series prize;  Kirthan of Geleyara Balaga (B) Best Batsman; Lionel of MJC  Best Bowler; Vinuth of Geleyara Balaga (B) as Best Entertainer. Sunder, the Pitch Curator was also honoured  for his service.

 

The commentators of the tournament were: John Mathias in Hindi and Prasanna in English.

 

According to the  organisers of the Dunhill-2012 Tournament, they collected Rs. 33,781/- by way of entry fee and sponsorship out of which they could save Rs.20,000/- after deducting the expenses. The entire amount of  Rs.20,000/- was distributed equally among four needy families in kind or cash as per the condition of the family on the same evening.

 

 

The organisers of the tournament were Herman Castelino, Kenneth Aranha, Avil Lobo, Rakesh Fernandes, Neville D’Souza and Maxon Mathais.  Joel Mathias and Ivan Menezes of Bellevision-UAE also actively supported the tournament. According to Herman, the idea of organising such a tournament to promote village cricket and do something for the economically weak families dawned to him and some of his friends only few days earlier. They worked hard and were successful in organising the tournament and also generating some funds to help four of the needy families in a smaller way. The organisers have expressed their gratitude to all the sponsors and the teams that had participated in the tournament.

 

Youth can do many wonders if they have proper leadership, will power and a good cause. This was amply proved by the young organisers of the Dunhill Trophy-2012.