Doha: Tulu Koota wins the 9th MCC Annual Ladies Open Throw Ball Tournament

By Victor DSouza, Doha
Bellevision Media Network

Doha, 30 October 2010: The Prestigious 9th Annual MCC Ladies Open Throw Ball Tournament was organized by Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) Doha Qatar on the weekend 28 and 29 October 2010 at the old Ideal Indian School Grounds (Girls Wing). This year’s four participating teams were Tulu Koota, Konkan Stars, Qatar Tamizhar Sangam, and host team MCC who all played in a friendly ambiance. In the final match Tulu Koota emerged as winners.

 

On Thursday evening the tournament was declared open and the round robin matches were played between the four teams. All the participating teams played exciting games in their encounters vying for the top place.  On Friday 29 October 2010 after the thrilling semifinal matches MCC and Tulu Koota reached the final.

 

Sheldon and Clara compeered the stage program prior to the final match, beginning with the introduction of the guests. President of MCC Richard D’Souza lead the guests to the dias. K.M. Verghese President of Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) was the chief guest of the program. The guests of honour and the dignitaries present were Alfred and Rita Sequeira the main sponsors, Prof. Mohd Aejaz Principal of Ideal Indian School Doha, Allan Currie and Jerald D’mello. Shalini Monthero escorted the four participant teams in the ground march.

 

Richard D’Souza in his welcome speech briefed on the important aspects of this tournament which is being played since 9 years and thanked all the participants. Prof. Mohd Aejaz appreciated MCC on conducting the sport event every year and expressed his support. K.M. Varghese spoke about the game itself and explained how old the game is, as in the ancient time it was played with the skull. He expressed delight on conducting the sport event for women and also appreciated the presence of the gathered large audiences.

 

Alfred Sequeira in his speech thanked for the opportunity given to him to sponsor the event and recommended the gathering to have more and more teams participating in the future tournaments. Sports Secretary of MCC Fredrick D’Souza in his vote of thanks thanked the guests, sponsors, all participants, the audiences and everyone who worked hard to make this event possible and appreciated the participating teams for their fair play and sporting spirit.

 

 

The chief guest and the guests of honour individually met all the team members of all four teams. Colourful balloons and doves were released to sky before the cheering audients. Sports lovers in Qatar were gathered at the venue in huge numbers to be a part of this exciting event and to cheer for their favorite team. The well organized and keenly contested tournament with discipline and sporting spirit by all the participating teams should be commended.

 

In the final match Tulu Koota defeated MCC by 15-8, 17-15 in a well fought straight set match and emerged as winners of this tournament. At one stage in the second set MCC were leading by 14-7 requiring only one point to bag the second set and it seemed as if a third set will have to be played for a decider. But Tulu Koota fought well and came back into the game ultimately winning the second set by 17-15 thus winning the tournament.

 

Samuel Lawrence was the referee for all the matches of the tournament and Wilfred Crasto, Vincent Castelino, Errol D’Cunha and Steven Andrade were the rotation officers. Joyce Alvares, Uday Rosario and Florent D’Souza were the official commentators of the tournament who kept the audience excited with their easy flowing comments on every bit of the action on and off the court.

 

The trophy was awarded to the winning team Tulu Koota. The individual players also received individual trophies, certificates and some fabulous prizes.  The runners up MCC were also awarded trophies and prizes.  All the other participating teams were all awarded certificates and gifts.  The Best Smasher award and also Player of the Tournament were both won by Angela Antony of MCC.