Tri-City Breaks Up United
Waterbury, CT - Tri-City opened their 2010 season with a convincing 5 wicket victory over United Cricket Club in limited 35 over match Saturday May 1st, 2010. United were first to bat, and their openers managed to eke out 33 runs in the first seven overs before the first batsman was clean bowled by Tri-City's Anil "the Hammer" Sahaman. Not long after, Sahaman struck again, with the able assistance of keeper Richie Persaud, who caught the hometown side behind for just 21 runs for the second wicket. The third wicket partnership of Ehtisham Khan and Ravindra Rampdhar finally began to get on track for United, putting on a solid 50 runs before Khan fell to wily Tri-City captain John Persaud, with Sahaman proving he can field as well, taking a terrific catch to break up the partnership in the 19th over.
To their credit, United did not fold, mostly through the heroic efforts of Rampdhar, who resisted every attempt by the Tri-City bowling corps to get him out. Playing strong off both the front and back foot, the United batsman exhibited poise and patience at the crease, punishing the loose balls, and effectively defending the good ones. United were not able to offer much assistance from the middle order on down, with only Sonny Virapin breaking into double figures in support. After Samir Sheikh caught Virapin off of Ray Cecil's spin bowling, wickets began falling in rapid succession. Unfortunately for him, Rampdhar soon found himself without a partner to get through the innings, and United finished on 219 all out in the 34th over. For his part, Rampdhar was terrific, putting on 96 runs, not out, and lacing 9 boundaries and two sixes. A truly remarkable batting performance, especially against an excellent bowling side for Tri-City, which featured Ray Cecil's 3/36 haul, and Anil Sahaman's 2/23 performance. Fielding was also a strong point for the boys from Schenectady, as they took four catches and made two run-outs to boot.
Still, United seemed confident that they could defend their 219 run total. Unfortunately for them, however, Tri-City had other ideas. With openers Kiran Vishnu and Mike Persaud, the visitors patiently began their assault, putting on a solid 29 runs before Vishnu was unceremoniously dismissed LBW off the bowling of Singh in the 7th over. Persaud remained undaunted, however, and continued to play himself in, even as Faizal Hussein fell to Singh soon after Vishnu. Keeper Richie Persaud, the youngest Tri-City member and nephew of Mike Persaud, came on next and proceeded to make his uncle proud, lacing two vicious sixes before getting caught on 17. Next at the crease came Ray Cecil, fresh off his masterful bowling performance earlier. With the elder Persaud, Cecil put on a crucial stand to stake Tri-City to a solid 111 runs after 19 overs. Still, this was only 3 runs better than United had managed at the same juncture.
The difference, however, was Tri-City's middle order. While the hometown side struggled from #7 on down, the visitors countered with Ajay Ishmael and Anil Sahaman at #6 and #7 respectively. Both batsmen played inspired cricket, trading fours and sixes like they were bubblegum cards. Under their patient and confident batting, Tri-City were able to steer their way to the required 220 runs in just 29 overs, with 5 wickets to spare. Ishmael finished on 36 not out, including 2 boundaries and three sixes, while Sahaman countered with 38 not out, four boundaries and two sixes of his own. For his part, opener Mike Persaud contributed 38, with 5 boundaries and 5 well run doubles.
On the bowling side, the only bright light for United was the performance of Singh, who took 2 wickets for just 26 runs. In the end, what proved to be the difference was the balanced attack of Tri-City, who came to town with a solid bowling corps, deep, confident batting and stellar fielding. All around, it was a terrific performance by Tri-City, and a great way to begin the new cricket season. We look forward to United making a visit to Schenectady in July, where they are certain to be looking to exact some measure of sporting revenge on our home ground. It's always fun to play such a gentlemanly and competitive side as United, and July 3rd's match should prove to be another well fought contest.