Moodubelle: Gudabettu Dunhill Cricket Tournament

Report by Victor D’Souza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 04 January 2010: On the beautiful sunny Sunday morning of 3rd January 2010, the much awaited Annual Dunhill Trophy 2010 Cricket tournament was organized by Dunhill Cricketers, Gudabettu, Moodubelle at Gudabettu grounds. The 14 participating teams in this year’s tournament were Youngster Pamboor, A.K. Friends, Mattar Friends, Marne Friends, Gelayara Balaga, M.J.C., College Friends, Dunhill Knights, Thokoli, Kunthalanagara Friends, Kattingeri Friends, Edmer Friends, United Tigers and Dunhill Cricketers.

Over the years Dunhill Cricketers have been very successfully organizing the cricket tournament and this year was no exception. The ground itself is situated in the heart of Gudabettu, surrounded by thick forest providing shade as pavilion. The organizers arranged to clean the ground and pitch preparing for the event. Mr. Vinod Lobo was the main sponsor. And Mr. William Mathias, Mr. Wilfred Menezes, Mr. Richard Menezes, Mr. Avinash Mathias, Mr. Edward D’Souza, Mr. Victor Jesintha D’Souza, Mr. Jerald Fernandes, Mr. Clement Castelino and Mr. Victor D’Souza  were the co sponsors of this event.

Mr. Wilfred Menezes along with Mr. William Mathias, Mr. Richard Menezes, Mr. Anil Mathias and Mr. Baskhar Shetty, inaugurated the tournament. In his opening speech Mr. Wilfred Menezes conveyed his wishes to the participating teams and urged everyone to play the matches in a friendly and a healthy spirit and declared the event open. The spectators witnessed the unique and thrilling matches. It was a day to be remembered with full of fun and entertainment not only for the teams but for the spectators as well.

Mr. Jerald Fernandes, Ex-President of Udupi Jilla Panchayath arrived to the ground to watch the match. His presence in the ground boosted the confidence of the players. He has been a great supporter of cricket.

The teams were divided into two pools A and B and the matches were played on knock-out basis. Youngster Pamboor, Geleyara Balaga, Dunhill Cricketers and Thokoli were qualified for the semifinals. In the first semifinal, Geleyara Balaga (40-7) beat Youngster Pamboor (39-4) in a tight match. In the second semifinal, Thokoli (35-6) beat Dunhill Cricketers (22-7). 

The final match was played between Gelayara Balaga and Thokoli who both were really good. The highlight of Cricket Tournament was some fine performances by Gelayara Balaga. After winning the toss Gelayara Balaga elected to field, while Thokoli managed a moderate score 37-5. Gelayara Balaga scored 40-1 in 3 overs and emerged as winners of the tournament. Unbeaten 17 runs (1, 1, 1, 2, 6, 6) by Mr. Sudharshan, and also 17 runs (1, 4, 6, 6) by Mr. Atul and unbeaten 6 runs (2, 2, 1, 1) by Mr. Chandu made it look easy to win. Mr. Atul who also bagged 11 wickets in the series was declared man of the series.

Mr. Pradeep Kumar conducted the prize distribution ceremony. Mr. Alwyn Mathias gave away the prizes. The winning team received Trophy and Rs. 3,001.00 cash prize. The runner up team received Trophy and Rs. 2,001.00 cash prize. 

The umpires were Mr. Anil Mathias, Mr. Ravi Poojary, Mr. Santhosh Mascarenhas, Mr. Alwyn D’Souza and Mr. William Mathias, who had done a fabulous job by being supportive and fair in their judgments. Mr. Pradeep Kumar, Mr. Rupesh, Mr. Ronald D’mello and Mr. Melwyn Menezes were the MC’s and official commentator of the tournament with their easy flowing comments on every action on and off the field. Mr. Akilesh Shetty and Mr. Avinash D’Souza were the official scorers.

Kudos to the members of Dunhill Cricketers, Gudabettu for organizing the event that fosters a spirit of unity  among the cricket lovers in the neighborhood.