CONGRATULATIONS TASF "DECCAN CHALLENGERS" TFC III CHAMPS
some quotes: "Yet Another Supershow
"
Dear TFC,
I sincerely wanted thank TFC team on
behalf of TASF for making this
tournament a great success….
TASF had a great time all thru the
tournament. Every team we played was
a good sport and respected the
Umpire decisions.
There were no controversies even if
there were it was not raised up to
the committee and created a
turbulence
Like everyone said Amitaji and
Vinodji has done a great job. With a
great effort they managed to get
some time of out their busy
schedule. I salute to their
patience.
I think it is time for us youth
(between 30 and 40 years old :)) to
get more involvement for TFC-IV to
make a better one under Amitaji and
Vinodji`s guidance.
We should request other associations
participation/sponsorship and make
TFC as THE TOURNMANET of south
Florida.
Thanks,
Ramesh Rapelly
Captain, DECCAN CHALLENGERS
BELOW
APPEARED AS AN ARTICLE IN PARDES
MAGAZINE !
Dear TFC Members, Supporters
and the larger TFC Family:
I am finally coming up for
air and most of all I want
to write a personal note of
thanks to all of you.
I want to congratulate every
one of you, the players, the
teams, the captains, the
sponsors, the Presidents of
the different Associations,
the faithful supporters,
'Big League USA', Salman,
Nino, Duncan, Ben and a
world of people. I could not
even begin to list all. We
are gifted with an awesome
facility in our backyard. We
are all together the winners
every time there is cricket
being played on our field(s)
& parks here in South
Florida.
The concept of TFC was
originated by Vinod with the
utmost support of a few of
our current members. I am
only a person who does the
extras. Could not even begin
to think, work or organise
details as Vinod does. I
know in some ways he might
be the so called 'Principal
of our school', but he has
found ways to make an idea
come to it's fruition. This
was our THIRD tournament !
Today we are finding "new
ideas" and people are
stepping up to take the TFC
dream forward. The first
year we played an
invitational -
Inter-Association one day
tournament. Over our three
year history, we have had
eight different associations
participate. Then we have a
certain love and partnership
with the Titans, a local
league team with members
ranging from 12 to 60 +,
against whom we play the
'Pinks Series'. Today under
the direction of our Cricket
Counsel Chairperson, Mr.
Chummar Maly we are adding
another series the 'TFC
Corporate Tournament'
hopefully starting in the
very near future. Currently
we have four corporate teams
- all ready to go ! More
Corporate teams are most
welcome to join in.
Watching India lift the
'World Cup' yet again will
be a memory etched in our
minds and hearts forever.
Sports has a very simple way
of uniting a country and
people and generating
millions of new Cricket fans
throughout the world !
I personally would like to
thank everyone who has been
a part of our lives through
'The Friendship Cup'. We
have all made many new
friends. Hope the success
continues as it goes from
strength to strength.
My special thanks to Mr.
Clive Lloyd, who has been a
special friend for almost 33
years and who continues to
support every endeavour I
take on, most of all his
passion - cricket. As the
Chairman of the
International Cricket
Council, his
responsibilities are
greater. We here at TFC are
doing our best to make a
small difference.
Also, thanks to Bombay Grill
for helping out at the very
last minute.
Good luck. Keep the spirit
of cricket alive. Thanks a
ton to all of you out there.
Anyone interested in the
sport of Cricket in any way,
please contact us at:
info@thefriendshipcup.org and/or
do visit with us at:
www.thefriendshipcup.org
Take care,
Amita Singh
Vinod and Amita,
Congratulations on a successful
tournament. It was a pleasure being
part of TFC. Hope to see more from
FriendshipCup in the coming years.
On the same note, one of the things
myself and a few of my friends who
work for different companies wanted
to do was organize a corporate
cricket tournament. Wondering
whether this is something could do
under the Frienshipcup banner.
Obviously, I will lead in the
organizing it.
Also, in the coming years you should
consider getting one or two
associations to be the host(s) for
the cricket friendshipcup. For
one, associations have more
resources and also helps in
collaboration
between associations. This way it
is not just you two doing all the
work.
You should also consider including
other sporting events, which should
involve women and kids.
Yes, all these definitely need more
resources and from what I heard
several people are willing to help.
Another idea is to create a sports
committee to work on the actual
organizing of the tournaments. The
board can work on facilitating the
committee as when needed.
From my part, I'll be more than
happy to be part of the organization
helping promote sports in the Indian
community. Please feel free to
let me know to me if I can be of any
help.
Thanks and Regards,
Chummar Maly
Hi TFC CC members:
With all the hype regards the new BIGLEAGUEUSA management and re-doing of the pitch - it was disappointing to see the ball stay low and skid. The smart bowlers and captains kept the bowling short pitched and reaped the rewards ! Sorry about the score board guys - it was an error on my part to rely on others for such an important issue. The umpiring I feel fell short - with the promised best umpires not showing up.
I have a new bruise just below my ribs and in a way lucky, no rib damage - but I proudly carry them as even at the age 60+ I love to play!
It will be so. I will be soon stepping down as the president - three years is enough. We need new young blood on the board. It is also healthy for the organization ! At this time we are only three on the board - Rajat, Amita & myself. Vashi has stepped down due to his business and travel commitments in 2011. We thank him for his past and continuing support. Thanks "Victor".
Details will follow. Any and all who maybe interested are welcome to call me. Do contact all members on your respective teams.
We do have the "Pinks" series final match on Saturday April 9th at their home grounds - will be looking to form a team - hopefully headed by Rajat Verma as our Captain. More details to follow.
Thanks to SFTS and SCOF for participating and making the tournament exciting.
Congratulations to the "Warriors" on their win !
Congratulations to the "Lions" as runners-up 2011.
Congratulation to the new 2011 CHAMPS - the "Deccan Challengers" ! They hold high "theBIGfriendshipcup" !
Many thanks to all who gave of their time - thank you to the TFC III Cricket Council, and those who sponsored us ! A very special thanks to Ms. Amita Singh.....only I and a few realize & know what she does for TFC behind the scenes generally and for all to see at our TFC III finals ! Thanks "Pinks" !
Many thanks to Mr. Salman Ahmed BIGLEAGUEUSA and the CBRP - Mr. Duncan in particular. We appreciate them for all their help !
The TFC - going forward. Your ideas welcome as always.
Cheers,
Vinod
561-445-4293
Yet Another Supershow
HI Amita,
I just want to thank you for taking time to organize such a wonderful show. The cricket came out as the absolute winner last night. I know you, Vinod and others put in countless hours of hard work behind the event. I think it definitely paid off. It was such a pleasing sight to see the young and old having such a good time.
Enjoy and relax a little before you move to the next.
Thanks.
Raj Rangaswamy
THANKS
Dear Vinod and Amita
I just want to say thank u on behalf of Saf Warriors for all the hard work n effort u both have put in on having this great event.
We know it's a tough job n getting all together is not easy and thank you again
Rgds
Vashi
Saf Warriors Capt
I would like to thank on behalf of SCOF Pirates team to Mr. Vinod Gulati and Mrs. Amita Singh. You both have done an excellent coordination to make the TFC-III successful.
You both worked tirelessly and have been there in every game. This shows that how much you love the game.
We were also a part of the TFC group but we only contributed to limited area.
I would also like to Thank SUPER who has helped in all games.
See you all in TFC-IV
This year all went smoothly.
Best regards
TK Singh
TK and all
the other
members of
the
CC, Thanks
a lot for
your help
through out
the
tournament,
especially
as we worked
through the
few
challenges
we had.
Not sure
whether my
cricket has
improved,
but I do now
have a lot
more
friends than
I had before
the
tournament.
NEW DELHI: Cricket is the
number one sport in India
but its popularity remains restricted to 10 odd nations and the
United States
of America still remains one of the biggest markets in which cricket
finds no real place.
Football,
baseball and basketball are the top draws for Americans with Test
matches and One-day Internationals being alien concepts for them.
But there are exceptions, like the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). It is one of the eight Ivy League
colleges in the US and its relationship with cricket dates to the
19th century.
The Penn Cricket Club was
the first sports club at this premier educational institution,
founded way back in 1842. The club currently comprises approximately
15 to 20 undergraduate students, who together with about eight to 10
graduate students play against various clubs and universities in the
tri-state region of Pennsylvania, Delaware
and New Jersey.
They are now competing in the 3rd American College Cricket Spring
Break Championship which began in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida
on March 15 and ends on Sunday. The teams will be vying for Shiv
Chanderpaul Trophy, named after the West Indies southpaw.
Saksham Karwal, the captain
and president of the club, is an undergraduate student at UPenn.
This Delhi boy is leading the
12-member team which consists of mostly Indians from Ahmedabad,
Chennai and Delhi.
"I can put my hand on my
heart and say that it was the best decision I made four years ago -
to be involved with the club. It has been a great time, an
inseparable part of my college life," Karwal told TOI.
The US is slowly warming up
to cricket with Florida hosting a couple of matches between New
Zealand and Sri Lanka
in May last year. "Chanderapul's involvement has been extremely
inspirational and very important. It is the first time an active
Test star had become involved with helping cricket in the USA," he
added.
The Mighty
"LIONS" seeded # 2 are looking like the
Lion Kings and take on the feisty
"PIRATES" this coming Saturday 10 am at
the CBRP. The fighting "WARRIORS"
are in the battle of their lives - they
face the top seed in the afternoon game
and have a challenge on their hands !
The "DECCAN CHALLENGERS" are top seeded
and play the "Warriors" this coming
Saturday 1:30 - 4:30. The "PIRATES" are
looking to plunder their way thru to the
finals and have only one chance left to
prevent their ship from sinking - see
them take on the "LIONS" this Saturday,
March 19th ! The "Seamers" being the
KINGS last year, lost to the "Pirates"
in an upset this past Sunday to be
knocked out of the final four.
Check out the schedules on our website.
Most exciting matches
so far BAPS vs SFTS - the Lions put up 183
in 20 to win an exciting nail biting finish.
TASF vs SFTS....
the "Seamers" chased down 172 in some 18
overs !
Read more about the games on our website.
What is all this about -
Cricket of course. The exciting - "theBIGfriendshipcup"
TFC III, an Inter-Association Cricket tournament
is ON !
Once again it is that time
of the year & we bring to you 'The Friendship
Cup' - a time to celebrate cricket. The
Friendship Cup (TFC) is a culmination of a great
idea to bring together all Indian Associations
and their families to a fun-in-the-sun (this
time fun in the night) sporting event. Indian
Associations are invited to participate in a
20/20 format Cricket tournament played over a
few weeks.
The finals this year are
being held at in the "Main Stadium" on Saturday,
March 26th 2011 - from noon until
10:00 pm at the Central Broward Regional
Park.
As is usual we are of
course planning a much bigger and grander event,
centre stage. Fun for the whole
family...........clowns, raffles, great Indian
food, cotton candy, children's games.......and
much much more....hope to see you there ! Come
early so you do not miss the half-time
show...HURRICANE BHANGRA by the UM folks, Romeo
"TASSA BOYZ" - a fantastic performance by 5 to
10 year olds. Amrit Boochoon & ACE Dj & Dhol.
A Cricket Mela ! Entrance
to the stadium is FREE!
Looking forward to meeting all of you - come
join us and let's have some good old DESI FUN !
Will it be the "Lions",
the "Pirates", the "Deccan Challengers"' or the
"Warriors"..........come and cheer the teams and
have a fun entertaining evening !
You are invited to view Amita Singh's photo album:
TFC III
Both the teams were
looking forward to this game and this being an evening game made it
more fun and entertaining. Though the pre-game work was a bit little
more than what the players expected on the game day. The field was
used by the soccer players earlier in the day who left the ground as
is and the players from both team, BAPS LIONS and SFTS SEAMERS had
to clear all the goal posts, benches, flags, bottles etc. This took
a little time along with some effort and the game was started at
around 5:40 pm instead of the scheduled time of 5:30 pm.
Rajat,
captain of BAPS LIONS, won his second consecutive toss and the LIONS
decided to bat again, like their first game against SCOF. Sanjay
Paharia and Suresh Patel took the opening slots for the LIONS and
the new ball was in control of Raja Sampath of SFTS SEAMERS. Raja
was very accurate with the new ball and removed LION Suresh Patel in
the first over for a duck. This was not the start which the LIONS
expected, but again the game of cricket never goes as it is planned
on paper. Soon their in form batsman and captain of LIONS, Rajat,
took guard and started carefully against the new ball ballers viz.
Raja & Sarang. LION Sanjay Paharia on the other hand was eager to
get into the runs and was playing aggressively. Sanjay scored
regular boundaries of both the seamers and was not scared to take
the aerial route. Soon LIONS had 50 runs on board. By now Rajat too
was well settled and was hitting regular boundaries. Their
partnership soon crossed 100 runs and soon thereafter Rajat brought
his half century hitting two consecutive sixes one each on square
leg and mid wicket. Both batsmen were looking solid and the
partnership seemed virtually unbreakable but unfortunately then
Sanjay was run out. This was followed by another quick wicket. In
came LION Chirag who started in Yusuf Pathan style hitting a big six
on mid wicket to get off the mark. He tried the same shot again but
got out trying to play across the line of the ball. LION Sulay than
came to bat who again was run out and the SEAMERS were back in the
game. LION Rajat still was scoring fluently getting regular
boundaries and also hit a very massive six on long off to SEAMER
Sarang who immediately struck back with a very smart ball to get the
priced wicket of LION Rajat ending his innings on 75. By then LIONS
had already crossed the 150 mark. There was some brilliant running
from LION Jigar and big hitting from LION Bharat to take the score
of LIONS to 183 in their allotted 20 overs.
SEAMERS started their
reply very aggressively. Their opening assault on LIONS was led by
none other but their Captain Rajesh. Both Rajesh and Rajan
capitalized on any width provided by the new ball ballers of the
LIONS viz Manoj and Suren. There was a flow of boundaries and to add
to the frustration of LIONS were just too many wide balls being
bowled by all their ballers. In no time the SEAMERS had put 73 runs
on board without any wickets in 6 overs. The game seemed to be taken
away from LIONS but just in time came a very sharp fielding from
LION Manan who was substituting for one of the injured LIONS. Manan
collected the ball from Square leg boundary and returned a perfect
throw to the wicket keeper LION Nimesh to get the first wicket for
the LIONS. The LIONS pounced on this opportunity and never allowed
any other batsman to settle down. Their balling took a 360 degree
turn to perfection and accuracy backed by some solid fielding.
Catches were being held, run outs were being created and the result
was regular wickets of SEAMERS. Brijesh (Bunty) from LIONS took lead
in balling backed perfectly by Bharat and Chirag. The 3 ballers
bowled 12 overs between them in no time giving minimal runs, balling
plenty of dot balls, applying solid pressure on the SEAMERS and
getting deserving wickets regularly. From SEAMERS, Chummar and Raja
offered some resistance and were inching closer to the target but
again the fielding of LIONS made the difference. LIONS created a
couple of run outs to get the game completely in their control. The
equation before the last three overs was 36 required in 3 overs with
3 wickets in hand. But the last 3 overs were to be bowled by the
experienced LIONS Manoj Patel and Surendra Pereira, who ensured that
SEAMERS were all out; and so did it happen. The last wicket was a
perfect clean bowled courtesy LION Manoj Patel. Worth noting was a
very good wicket keeping effort from LION Nimesh Patel, who seems so
far to be one of the best wicket keepers in the tournament. LION
Nimesh was involved in 2 brilliant run outs and also took two
outstanding catches behind the wicket in this game too.
It was a very close
contest but in the end the LIONS got the upper hand on SEAMERS. It
was a great team effort from both the teams and overall a very
fantastic game for the spectators. It was a pleasure to see so many
wives and children and guests cheer on their respective teams !
Above by our TFC staff
reporter "Rajat Verma"
The "LIONS" are
looking like the 2011 Kings and are the only
undefeated team so far. They controlled the
"SEAMERS" this Saturday, March 5th, 2011 at the
MIRAMAR grounds. They put up 183 in 20 ! The
"WARRIORS" are in the battle of their lives - they
had a strenuous nets practice this Saturday and have
a challenge on their hands Saturday, 12th March vs
the “Lions”. The "DECCAN CHALLENGERS" are now behind
the Lions as of today. The "PIRATES" are looking to
plunder and have only one chance left to prevent
their ship from sinking - see them take on the
"Seamers" on Sunday, March 13th ! The "Seamers"
being the KINGS last year have a challenge on their
hands having lost two of three - a slow start.
Check out the schedules on our website.
Most exciting matches so far BAPS
vs SFTS - the Lions put up 183 in 20 to win an exciting
nail biting finish. TASF vs SFTS....
the "Seamers" chased down 172 in some 18 overs !
Read more about the games on our website.
What is all this
about - Cricket of course. The exciting -
"theBIGfriendshipcup" TFC III, an Inter-Association Cricket
tournament is ON !
Once again it is
that time of the year & we bring to you 'The Friendship Cup'
- a time to celebrate cricket. The Friendship Cup (TFC) is a
culmination of a great idea to bring together all Indian
Associations and their families to a fun-in-the-sun (this
time fun in the night) sporting event. Indian
Associations are invited to participate in a 20/20 format
Cricket tournament played over a few weeks.
The finals this year are being held
at in the "Main Stadium" on Saturday, March 26th 2011 -
from noon until 10:00 pm at the Central Broward
Regional Park.
As is usual we are
of course planning a much bigger and grander event, centre
stage. Fun for the whole family...........clowns, raffles,
great Indian food, cotton candy, children's games.......and
much much more....hope to see you there ! Come early so you
do not miss the half-time show...HURRICANE BHANGRA by the UM
folks. ACE Dj & Dhol.
A Cricket Mela !
Entrance to the stadium is FREE!
Looking forward to meeting all of you - come join us and
let's have some good old DESI FUN !
Will it be the
"Lions", the "Pirates", the "Deccan Challengers"' the
"Seamers" or the "Warriors"..........come and cheer the
teams and have a fun entertaining evening !
The "LIONS" are
looking to maul the "SEAMERS" this Saturday, March
5th, 2011 at the MIRAMAR grounds, but they may be
rusty – not enough recent match playing experience !
The "WARRIORS" are in the battle of their lives -
they are having net practices this Saturday and have
a challenge on Saturday, 12th March vs the “Lions”.
The "DECCAN CHALLENGERS" are ahead of all as of
today. The "PIRATES" are looking to plunder and have
only one chance left to prevent their ship from
sinking - see them take on the "Seamers" on Sunday,
March 13th ! The "Seamers" being the KINGS last year
have a challenge on their hands having had a slow
start. Check out the schedules on our
website.
Most exciting match so far TASF vs SFTS....
the "Seamers" chased down 172 in some 18 overs !
Read more about it on our website.
What is all this
about - Cricket of course. The exciting -
"theBIGfriendshipcup" TFC III, an Inter-Association Cricket
tournament is ON !
Once again it is
that time of the year & we bring to you 'The Friendship Cup'
- a time to celebrate cricket. The Friendship Cup (TFC) is a
culmination of a great idea to bring together all Indian
Associations and their families to a fun-in-the-sun (this
time fun in the night) sporting event. Indian
Associations are invited to participate in a 20/20 format
Cricket tournament played over a few weeks.
The finals this year are being held
at in the "Main Stadium" on Saturday, March 26th 2011 -
from noon until 10:00 pm at the Central Broward
Regional Park.
As is usual we are
of course planning a much bigger and grander event, centre
stage. Fun for the whole family...........clowns, raffles,
great Indian food, cotton candy, children's games.......and
much much more....hope to see you there ! Come early so you
do not miss the half-time show...HURRICANE BHANGRA by the UM
folks. ACE Dj & Dhol.
A Cricket Mela !
Entrance to the stadium is FREE!
Looking forward to meeting all of you - come join us and
let's have some good old DESI FUN !
Will it be the
"Lions", the "Pirates", the "Deccan Challengers"' the "Seamers"
or the "Warriors"..........come and cheer the teams and have
a fun entertaining evening !
An exciting Match between SFTS and TASF - as reported by
our TFC staff reporter Dr. Kannan
Match started off at 6.20pm with TASF choosing to
bat first.
We missed spectators, it would have been nice if there was more
people to encourage and have fun on the lines. Children would have
learned a lot from the game and enjoyed the nice evening.
I would call the first ten overs from SFTS as
warming up net bowling. Everything that happened on the field showed
we were not practicing before not playing as a group. More than TASF
players scoring runs, we gifted them away. Every bowler missed
line and length, keeper letting few byes, fielding setup was not
matching the batsman's strength. Captain Rajesh fielding at
boundary added some more confusion for bowlers with field setup. He
should be in the circle to control the action. A caught behind and
run out looked clear but were turned down added to the misery. After
10 overs score read something like 87 for 1.
With switching of bowling ends, the fortune got switched and SFTS
bowlers realized need for control, few of tight overs and good catch
wickets rocked TASF scoring rate considerably down. One of the TASF
batsman stood out - a Mr. Varun with scoring some 80 runs. Final
score was 171 for seven in twenty overs.
SFTS started positive with openers Rajesh and
Rajan, both gave a flying start amidst tight bowling and fantastic
fielding by TASF. Rajan was in good nick, except got out
caught behind for a ball that he did not nick. We understood how
difficult it is to umpire under flood lights!! Then Karthik the
wicketkeeper batsman went in kept the score board ticking and
provided support for Rajesh who hit some lovely drives on both sides
of the field for 4 runs. Karthick fell to a nice catch by short
thirdman uppish cutting a wide delivery. The crucial time of the
innings called for crucial batting and what a man that went in
Chummar Marly. Fantastic display like an Dilip Vensarkar /
Rahul dravid innings initially rotating strike and giving Rajesh
further explosive shot making opportunity and then raising the tempo
when needed brought the scoring rate above TASF run-rate by 9th
over. Runs kept flowing with some perfect running between wickets
and well placed boundaries. A stumping appeal looked very close for
Rajesh going for benefit of doubt towards the batsman. Rajesh
got hit on the pads continuously three times and had to require a
runner. Just when it looked like SFTS is cruising along, a
fantastic catch at deep by TASF (with a bit of drama) got Cummar
out. Then it was decided on the lines to send in the
Detroit Lion, the Mumbai wonder - Sarang, with required run-rate
just above 6 per over. The ease with which he picked the line
right away and hit some glorious powerful drives for fours and sixes
made the daunting target of 172 look small. With almost three overs
to spare, SFTS became victorious.
One thing was clear, Rajesh decided to loose only
one thing today, that was the toss!! What an inspiration he set for
the team to play from ball one to winning time and coming out not
out....It was delightful end to wayward start for SFTS and hard to
swallow loss from a delightful start for TASF.
Here are my picks for the match
Best fielding team - TASF
Best batsman award - Rajesh at 67 not out !
Best bowling award - Chummar Maly
Best catch of the match - Chummar Maly's shot caught by TASF
Best shot of the match - The winning six by our Mumbaikar - Sarang
!!
Regards
Dr. Kannan Nagarajan
You are invited to view Amita Singh's photo album:
SFTS-SAF
The TFC III opening ceremony and Match between SCOF and BAPS -
as reported by our TFC staff reporter Capt. Mahajan
BAPS - 160 for 4. Highest scorer their Captain Rajat Verma - 101 not
out !
5 missed catches on our part could have kept the score lower and
manageable for us to chase.
SCOF - 125 for 9.
Notable for mention: highest scorer Mark: 30 followed by Atif: 28,
Neville: 14
My take on this:
The day opened up overcast and slighlty drizzling. All the
SCOF players arrived in time for the match at Central Broward
RegionalPark with full enthusiasm in spite of the rain. Chilling
temperatures and slight breeze did not deter either of the teams
from playing the match.
Capt. Nitin Vaidya was present on behalf of the President, Capt.
Jotinder Rana to boost the morale of the team (and to collect
the uniform for Jotinder !!!!).
The opening ceremony commenced with the lighting of electric diyas
by the captains of both the teams and Capt. Manohar Mahajan offered
prayers to Lord Shri Ganesha by reciting the Ganesha Stotram
to remove any obstacles and make the games an enjoyable experience
for all. This was followed by recitation of a shloka by the
other team BAPS, and prayer Capt. Nevile Dias as team Captain of
SCOF Piratres. Ms. Amita Singh who had organized the opening
ceremony on behalf of the TFC Association, played the 'shanti paath'
on her electrically operated audio device and offered sweets to all
the players in a token of receiving a sweet experience from all
these matches.
After the declaration of 'Let the Games Begin', both the Captains,
the Umpire and the teams met at the pitch and a coin was tossed in a
ceremonious manner. BAPS won the toss for the first time in
the history of TFC tournaments and they made the full use of it by
choosing to bat first in order to take the advantage of wind and
temperature, which were expected to increase and drop respectively
as the day progressed.
The game was played with 7 players from the SCOF membership and 4
from outside recruitment.
SCOF Pirates did a good job of bowling well and tight fielding
except that one catch was dropped, one missed and two not attempted.
There were some good stoppers, good throws and a couple of balls
went through the legs of the fielders. There was good mix
match of what is expected on the field by a group of players, who
due to their profession do not get enough time to practice together.
SCOF Bowlers did a good job bowling two batsmen clean bowled, one
catch out, one run out. The highlight was that, Neeraj Thappar who
was given a chance open up his arm and bowl one over, got a clean
bowled wicket in the only over he bowled.
BAPS team scored a total of 160 runs for 4 wickets (as my memory
serves me) in the twenty assigned overs. Their opening batsman
returned at the end of the game not out and having made a century
with one six and several fours to his credit.
SCOF team took to batting by the time the wind had increased a lot
and temperatures dropped a great deal. Some of the waiting
batsmen went to their cars to keep themselves warm and some were
seen in the men's washroom running the hand dryer over and over
again all over their body to keep themselves warm.
SCOF lost their first wicket in the very first over. There
after there was a good sturdy play for some time. The Pirates
needed an average of 8 runs per over plus one additional run to win
the match. For the first five overs they maintained an average of
over 10 runs per over. BAPS initially paid back the Pirates in the
same
coin in such that they got two clean bowled one catch out and one
run out. They did add another feather to their cap by one LBW as
well. Though there was a controversy about this LBW and one of
the catches which was assumed to be on a no ball which the Umpire
did not call, but all players maintained the decorum of the game and
the spirit of the game and did not question the Umpire's decision
and gracefully walked back to the pavilion. ( I mean the tent).
After about 5 down the wickets went spiraling down and in the end
all the pressure was on tail enders Neeraj Thappar and Manohar
Mahajan. At the time Manohar Mahajan first time held a tournament
cricket bat in his hand and headed towards the batting end of the
pitch, there were only fours balls remaining to end the match with a
requirement of some 32 runs to win the match in the favor of the
Pirates. The immense pressure could be seen on Manohar Mahajan's
face who was planning a strategy to achieve this for his team - 32
runs on 4 balls meaning an average of 8 runs per ball.
He was delighted to think he could get four sixes and four wide
balls. Also some byes on wide balls would do the job. The game ended
with Neeraj Thappar and Manohar Mahajan proudly walking back to the
pavilion as not outs, though no runs to add to their records.
Both the team members exchanged social and sportsman graces with
each other and rushed to the warmth of their cars.
Good luck for the one in the evening today. Go Pirates!
Cheers!
Manohar Mahajan
You are invited to view Amita Singh's photo album:
BAPS vs SCOF
Opening Ceremony and match BAPS vs SCOF.....by
our TFC staff reporter Rajat Verma
Dear All ,
Jai Swaminarayan,
We started TFC 3 2011 with a victory. This
morning started on a very rainy day and we all were in the dilemma
whether the game will be possible but finally the GOD’s were kind
and we had a full 20 over game. The tournament started with a small
puja from all teams and religions. Thereafter the toss and game.
I won the toss after a very very long time
and we decided to bat. Nimesh & I opened the batting but Nimesh did
not last long in this morning’s trying conditions of wind, cold and
enormous swing and pace from the water on the wicket. Nibodh bhai
joined me at 1 down and contributed substantially. We soon had 50
runs on the board in 8 overs and crossed 100 in the 13th
over. Sulay bhai contributed with a quick 10-15 runs and Chirag bhai
did not stay long at the wicket with me getting him run out to a
very very bad call (Gujarati ma je kehvai – BAWAI KHADIYO). Hemant
bhai than joined me in the 17th -18th over and
did an excellent job in running hard and giving me the strike to
enable me to complete my century. I scored 101 not out and we ended
up at 160 in 20 overs for the loss of 4 wickets.
Manoj bhai started the balling as usual
with accuracy getting the batsman clean bowled on the first ball of
the game. Than after Atif (a league player) took crease and he came
hard on the ballers to score some very quick runs hitting regular
boundaries to both Manoj bhai and Manan bhai. They were soon 50 runs
in less than 6 overs. Thereafter Suren bhai (Surendra Perera) and
Hemant bhai bowled a very good spell backed by excellent fielding
and catching by Sulay bhai. Sulay bhai took an extremely low lying
catch in very windy and freezing conditions and immediately in the
next over fielded excellently to get Atif run out. Soon after Chirag
bhai took a couple of good catches to in the balling of Bharat bhai
and Alpesh bhai and the game was completely in our control. Bharat
bhai was about to get a hatrick but missed it closely. Later on we
had some time constraints and we were trying to finish our overs in
quick time and they ended up scoring a few easy runs. They ended up
at 124 in 20 overs. Overall it was a very convincing victory. It was
a great team effort in some very trying conditions.
Jai Swaminarayan.
Regards,
Rajat.
Collection of famous quotes by Navjot Singh Sidhu
You have a choice of laughing or just simply banging your
head against a wall.
**1.** That ball went so high it could have got an air
hostess down with it.
**2.** There is light at the end of the tunnel for India ,
but it's that
of an incoming train which will run them over.
**3.** Experience is like a comb that life gives you when
you are bald.
**4.** This quote was made after Ganguly called Dravid for a
run and midway sent him back and Dravid was run out in the
third test against the West Indies at Barbados .
"Ganguly has thrown a drowning man both ends of the rope."
**5.** Sri Lankan score is running like an Indian taximeter.
**6.** Statistics are like miniskirts, they reveal more than
what they hide.
**7.** Wickets are like wives - you never know which way
they will turn!
**8.** He is like a Indian three- wheeler, which will suck
a lot of diesel but cannot go beyond 30!
**9.** The Indians are going to beat the Kiwis!
Let me tell you, my friend that the Kiwi is the only bird in
the whole world, which does not have wings!
**10.** As uncomfortable as a bum on a porcupine.
**11.** The ball whizzes past like a bumble -bee and the
Indians are in the sea.
**12.**** The Indians are finding the gaps like a pin in a
haystack. **
**13.** The pitch is as dead as a dodo.
**14.** Deep Dasgupta is as confused as a child is in a
topless bar!
**15.** The way Indian wickets are falling reminds of the
cycle stand at Rajendra Talkies in Patiala one falls and
everything else falls!
**16.** Indian team without Sachin is like giving Kiss
without a Squeeze.
**17.** You cannot make Omelets without breaking the eggs.
**18.** Deep Dasgupta is not a Wicket Keeper, he is a
goalkeeper. He must be given a free transfer to Manchester
United.
**19.** He will fight a rattlesnake and give it the first
two bites too.
**20.** One, who doesn't throw the dice, can never expect to
score a six.
**21.** This quote was made after Eddie Nichols, the third
umpire, ruled Shivnarine Chanderpaul 'NOT OUT' in the second
test at Port of Spain T&T
"Eddie Nichols is a man who cannot find his own buttocks
with his two hands."
**22.** Anybody can pilot a ship when the sea is calm
**23.** Nobody travels on the road to success without a
puncture or two.
**24.** You got to choose between tightening your belt or
losing your pants.
**25.** The cat with gloves catches no mice.
**26.** Age has been perfect a fire extinguisher for flaming
youth.
**27.** You may have a heart of gold, but so does a
hard-boiled egg.
**28.** He is like a one-legged man in a bum kicking
competition.
**29.** The third umpires should be changed as often as
nappies and for the same reason.
**30.** Kumble's bowling at the moment is flat as a Dosa.
With the recent TFC III
Cricket hoopla going around here is a good one by Anonymous
! REMEMBER - It's all about having fun!!!
NEVER TRUST A "CRICKETER"
Come all ye fair young maidens, and harken unto me,
Never trust a cricketer, whoever he may be!
Randier than a sailor who's been six months at sea.
Never let a cricketer's hand an inch above your knee.
First let's take the paceman, pure speed from first to last,
My darlings do be careful; his balls are hard and fast.
Then there's the medium pacer, his balls swing either way.
He's really most persistent and can keep it up all day.
So ladies, do be careful - your mothers would agree...
Never trust a cricketer-whoever he may be.
And watch for the off-spinner, girls, another awkward chap,
If you leave him half an opening, he will slip one through the
gap.
Then there's the Wiley 'slowy' pure cunning is his strength,
He'll tempt you, then he'll trap you, with his very subtle
length.
And what about the opening bat, his struggles never cease,
He has only one ambition, to spend all day at the crease.
The number three's a dasher, he seldom prods and pokes,
When he goes into action, he has a fine array of strokes.
So ladies, do be careful - your mothers would agree...
Never trust a cricketer-whoever he may be.
And do beware the slogger - not content with one or two,
When he arrives at the crease then only six will do.
Then there's the real stonewaller, girls, he knows what he's
about,
and if you let him settle in, it's hard to get him out.
We come now to the last man in, I hope this will not shock,
He doesn't mind if he's last man in - as long as he gets a
knock!
So, darlings, do be careful-and be well warned by me,
Never trust a cricketer - whoever he may be.
And watch the wicket keeper, girls; he's full of flair and dash,
And if you raise your heel, he'll whip'em off in a flash.
If you take the field, with the captain, you had better know the
score or he'll have you in positions that you never knew before.
So ladies, do be careful - your mothers would agree...
Never trust a cricketer-whoever he may be.
The cricket commentator is a nasty sort of bloke,
He watches all the action and describes it stroke by stroke.
Even the kindly umpire - though he looks friendly as a pup,
You'll quickly find you've had it, when he puts his finger up.
So, Darlings please remember ~ repeat it after me...
!!!!NEVER TRUST A CRICKETER - WHOEVER HE MAY BE!!!!!
To All TFC Members, TFC Board & Council Members
On behalf of Lakeland Strikers and
KACF we would like to send our heart felt thanks to everyone at
TFC. We thank you for giving us this opportunity to come down
and play in the TFC tournament. It was a very enjoyable and a
valuable learning experience for us. We hope that we can
continue this relationship into future games and tournaments. We
also wish you continued success for the future of TFC, and hope
it becomes bigger and better in the coming years. Special thanks
to Mr Gulati and Mrs Singh for making us feel welcome as it was
our first time playing in this format. All in all it was
wonderful time for all us.
Thank You,
Philan M
Lakeland Strikers
(KACF)
CONGRATULATIONS SFTS - "SEAMERS"..........THE WINNERS OF "THE FRIENDSHIP CUP" ! see pix...
SCOF "Pirates" - runners-up for second year in a row....
KACF "strikers" - 3rd place.BAPS "lions" were finalists but could not play due to a religious conflict on this Sunday that was booked long ago by TFC.Next year TFC will try have the finals on a Saturday to accommodate them.
The Friendship Cup, would sincerely like to thank all the Teams, members, their families, friends and guests. Also, our heartfelt thanks to our many fans who helped make this tournament so successful and enjoyable. Our six cricket teams played hard for the ultimate victory and coveted spoils - 'The Friendship Cup'.
As always, it was our sponsors who helped us host an event of this magnitude. Kingfisher, our Gold sponsor - thank you Viveka ! Also our other sponsors - the TEAMS - South Florida Tamil Sangan, SFTS "seamers", BAPS "lions", Samunder Club of Florida, SCOF "pirates", Kerala Association of Central Florida, KACF "Lakeland strickers", The Sindhi Association of Florida, SAF "warriors", The Punjabi Association of South Florida, PASF "tigers". Cricket Council USA, Indo-US, Citizenshipclinic, Synergy Florida Insoles, Sanjay Paharia, The Goan Association, The Maharashtra Association, BITUSA, Nick Vora, Raj Amarnani, Rohit Puri, Little India, Indo American Store, Misti Bell, our friend AP, Avtar Singh - Busy Bee's, Govinda Rangaswamy, Finance & Technology Consultants, Salma's Jewellery, Joji Singh, Ravenscroft Shipmanagement, Manny Morin Insurance, Bedessee Sports, Citibank, New Asiana Foods, All State, Miami Mumbai, KRAA Security, Incredible India, MAQ - Cricket Council USA, Moore & Associates, Anita Amin - NIPA, Arti Agnelo, Ivor Coutinho - the "pirate", FAU - Nirvana and the Titans & Anita & all the participants for the awesome halftime show. Our gorgeous, energetic Emcee - Preet Sahi - our Desi Kurhi (Clive thought she was a Bollywood film star!), who added just the right masala when and where needed, our official still photographer Bharat who gave from his heart, Photographer Rahman, ACE DJ for the music and dhol, Soye from Madras cafe who made sure he did not go home with a morsel of food, Channa Photography for the video production, Chand Singh of CBRP for his undying support, advise and help and the City of Lauderhill for providing the facility that allows us to play a sport so close to all our hearts. Our fund raisers - Amita & Shamsher Singh, Neville Dias, Vashi Khemlani, Vinod & Manmeet Gulati, Mukesh Kumar & Vivek Swaroop. Lastly our flyer designer Amit Suri of "Seekred" and our website guru Chetan Amin. A big thanks to all who bought the raffle tickets to support our efforts. If we forgot anyone - apologies in advance...
Our very special thanks to the great legend of cricket Mr. Clive LLoyd, who was the Captain of the West Indies, and a winner of two World Cups. We were honoured and grateful by his presence. Thank you Clive !
AND...............one more supreme 'Thank You, Lord' for keeping the rains away !
Once again Congratulations to the "seamers", the "pirates", the "strikers" and thank you to the other teams "warriors", "lions" & "tigers" ! Until next year..........PRACTICE !
Cheers,
"thefriendshipcup"
"PHOTOS BY H.RAHMAN"
A few Glimpse's from Sunday - the toss at the finals with West
Indies Cricketing Legend "Clive Lloyd" ..............sponsors kindly
watch score board.
Many thanks to all our sponsors, friends, guests, supporters,
volunteers, the staff at the CBRP, umpires, commentators, scorers,
the score-board man, Captains and Teams and all members of the "thefriendshipcup".
TFC is proud to announce that $ 500/- was donated to the Haiti
Relief Fund and handed over to Commissioner Holness at the awards
ceremony. Thank you for and much appreciate all your support that
made this happen.
A very special thanks to Amita Singh & her hubby Shamsher Singh
.........for everything and giving us all an opportunity to enjoy
the company of a legend of our sport Mr. Clive Lloyd. Thanks Clive !
cheers,
vinod gulati
thefriendshipcup
Vinod:
Well done. It was a superb event.
Kudos to all organizers and players
regards
Nitin
President Maharashtra Association
TFC 2010 FINALS ON 28TH MAR.2010 - UNAVAILABILITY
OF BAPS LIONS
Dear Rajat Bhai & fellow BAPS Team
Members:
WE at the TFC will most certainly miss
you and so will all our guests !
It is unfortunate that we - TFC had
booked the date of the finals a long
time ago and it is further unfortunate
that the date now clashes with
your Annual Shri Swaminarayan Jayanti
and Shri Ram Navmi Celebrations
scheduled for the very same day as the
TFC 2010 finals.
Yes we will endeavour in future to have
the schedule such that all matches and
the finals do fall on a Saturday. Do
check your BAPS calender for 2011 and
advise - which would be the best
Saturday for our TFC
finals............do give us an option
of two dates. We would like start
planning the 2011 dates as soon as
possible - as these dates are very
difficult to come by.
Adequate coverage will be given on our
website and the days program - regarding
this matter. We will ask all our members
to visit your religious gatherings -
the BAPS Ravi Sabha, held every Sunday
at your BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple at
Boynton Beach. If you have anything
specific you would like to place on our
"thefriendshipcup" website regards your
organisation do kindly send it in.
Are you sure you do not want to or
cannot play in the morning of the 28th ?
It would not be a
final.......but............your
presence would be great !
All the very best wishes for your Annual
Shri Swaminarayan Jayanti and Shri Ram
Navmi Celebrations from all of us here
at TFC.
Jai Swaminarayan,
Vinod Gulati
President, "thefriendshipcup"
on behalf of the TFC Board & TFC CC.
From:Rajat
Verma
To:Vinod
Gulati
Subject:TFC
2010 FINALS ON 28TH MAR.2010 -
UNAVAILABILITY OF BAPS LIONS
Tuesday, 16th March 2010
The Executive Board,
The Friendship Cup,
Florida, USA.
SUB: NON-AVAILABILITY OF BAPS
LIONS ON 28TH MARCH REF: TFC 2010 FINALS ON SUNDAY,
28TH MARCH ' 2010
Respected TFC Board Members,
With reference to the captioned subject,
please refer our ongoing discussions for
the past few days regarding the finals
on Sunday. As we had mentioned at the
very beginning, while registering our
team, we will not be able to play any
games on Sunday, 28th March 2010 due to
certain programmes pre-scheduled on that
specific day at our BAPS Shri
Swaminarayan Temple in Boynton Beach.
As the name of our team says BAPS LIONS
(A Religious Organisation), our primary
activities are religious & cultural and
we cannot sideline those programmes over
any other commitments. Co-incidentally,
we have our annual Shri Swaminarayan
Jayanti and Shri Ram Navmi celeberations
scheduled on the very same day as the
TFC 2010 finals. Please see the
attached programme & invitation for our
festivities to be held at the BAPS Shri
Swaminarayan Temple in Boynton on that
day.
As much we all (BAPS LIONS) would have
loved to play the finals but we are
sorry to say that we shall be
unavailable on 28th March, 2010. We
would also like to mention that should
there be any changes in the schedule of
the finals, say by rains or otherwise,
we will definitely be available to put
on a good cricket show on any other day
but Sunday afternoon.
We request the TFC board to kindly
accept & highlight the fact of our
unavailability on the TFC website and
also announce the same on the game day
in the cricket field.
We are sure that TFC and all others
shall miss the BAPS LIONS on the main
event day as much as we shall miss
playing the finals. Accordingly, we
request you to kindly plan the future
events for Saturday.
Finally, we cordially invite all the TFC
members to attend our cultural programme,
if possible. Also we do have a religious
gathering every sunday, called the BAPS
Ravi Sabha, and all are welcome to
attend the same at our BAPS Shri
Swaminarayan Temple at Boynton Beach.
Article on Sachin Tendulkar - The Master
Blaster. Includes Quotes, his god like
status in India and how is a source of
inspiration for fans all over the country
There
are two kinds of batsmen in the world. One,
Sachin Tendulkar. Two, all other batsmen. - Andy
Flower
If one were to ask what is Indian Cricket
Team’s most prized possession, the answer
would be unanimous – Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.
But he is not just Indian team’s most prized
possession. He’s also Cricket's most prized
possession.
The man has been playing astounding cricket
for the last two decades and is still
nothing short of a blitzkrieg! He refuses to
age or get less aggressive with time. Still
a bowler’s worst nightmare (bowlers like
Shane Warne and Glen McGrath stand in
testimony to this); Sachin is also known for
his sportsmanship and gentlemanliness.
He has emerged as a source of inspiration to
crores of Indians exhorting them to rise
above mediocrity and can single-handedly
elevate the mood of the nation.
Can Sachin Tendulkar Walk on Water?
Not
difficult to make his fans believe that
Sachin can walk on water who might also
probably believe that he has X-Ray
vision and can stop trains. The man has
been elevated to a Godly status in India
and his worshippers can be found almost
everywhere.
Born in Mumbai to Ramesh Tendulkar, a
novelist and Rajni Tendulkar, who worked in
the insurance sector Tendulkar was soon
identified as a cricket prodigy. It didn’t
take him much time to embark on his
cricketing journey and he became a mentee of
Ramakant Achrekar in his early years.
There’s an interesting incident from his
kid-years: When he was young, Tendulkar
would practice for hours on end in the nets.
If he became exhausted, Achrekar would put a
one-Rupee-coin on the top of the stumps, and
the bowler who dismissed Tendulkar would get
the coin.
Young Sachin got thirteen Re 1 coins from
his coach and he considers them his most
prized possession.
Tendulkar started to make his presence felt
as he touched teenage. He was being talked
about in the Mumbai cricketing circles. Many
started predicting that the boy would be the
next big thing in cricket. There’s a legend
which goes around that Sachin would make
bowlers shed tears while he played for his
school, as he would refuse to get out.
The world came to know about Sachin in 1989
when a 16-year old ‘genius-in-making’ put on
his batting gloves for his first
international test match.
Despite a humble start in his first two
series (against Pakistan and New Zealand
respectively) he hit first test ton against
England in 1990 (119 not out) and then there
was no looking back. The little genius now
has a plethora of records in his kitty; some
are the ones which other players can only
dream of achieving.
Sachin, Lord Rama of the world of
Cricket.
As Lord Rama is to his devotees, Sachin
is so to his fans. He’s taken to be an
embodiment of righteousness in cricket.
Known for his high personal integrity
and honesty, every time he ‘walks’, it
becomes ‘A Walk to Remember’.
Even though it took him 70 ODIs to get his
first century in the limited-overs edition
of the game, Sachin is just a hundred short
from making a ‘century of the centuries’ in
the International cricket (tests and ODIs
combined). Sachin’s most memorable ODI
inning (which is also the most memorable
inning in the history of ODI cricket) came
against South Africa.
The master scored an unbeaten 200 on 147 off
147 balls and Indian went on to maul the
Proteas by 153 runs. Sachin’s greatness
touched new heights and so did his humility.
One can safely assume that Sachin is the
greatest batsmen to have ever walked on this
planet.
Over the course of time it has been
Tendulkar's rare combination of mastery and
bravado that has enchanted aficionados and
crowds alike. One of the most striking
aspects of the master is his hunger for
more. He has achieved numerous milestones in
his journey but every time he makes a record
he starts focusing on reaching the next
level.
The master batsman has had his share of
rough form. Several injuries have dotted his
career line. Critics committed the
misdemeanour of wiritng him off. But he
remained undeterred. Like a true gentleman
he let his action speak louder than his
words. The way he regains his form has
gagged the critics on several occasions. One
can only marvel how he continues to march on
against all odds.
Critics and media have tried hard to find
skeletons in his cupboard only to fail
miserably. Tendulkar is a man of impeccable
integrity and would always be one. Few can
match his off-the-field stature, let alone
his on-the-field stature. A mere request
from him on Twitter could generate Rs 1
crore for the ‘Crusade Against Cancer’
foundation he is associated with. For his
fans (the number runs into millions and they
don’t give a damn about the critics and the
media), he’s a demi-god, a colossal figure
capable of pulling of miracles.
Sachin is known to live a cagey life due to
the cult following he has attained. He is
known to put on disguises to move about on
streets, drive his cars in the dead of the
night for the fear of a crowd following him
like mad and take his family to Iceland for
holidaying. As Peter Roebuck observes, “The
runs, the majesty, the thrills, do not
capture his achievement. Reflect upon his
circumstances and then marvel at his feat.
He is a person whose entire adult life has
been lived in the eye of a storm."
There’s something singularly special in the
master blaster. Beneath the helmet, under
the disorderly curly hair, inside the skull,
there’s something beyond our interpretation.
There’s something which enables him to rise
and shine above others and reach those
territories of the sport that, forget us,
even those fortunate enough to play on the
same pitch as him cannot even fathom. The
man is the embodiment of endurance and true
grit.
We fail to fully decipher his recipe for
success. We can’t figure out how a 37-year
old cricketer stays at the top of the game
for 20 years and continues to be a bowler's
worst nightmare. All we know that he is a
man who pulls off a jaw-dropping feat every
now and then.
The entire country is all set for the March
30th’s big game. Cricket mania is touching
new crescendo and jingoism is acquiring new
definitions. Our hopes are pinned on Sachin
and we pray that he smashes his hundredth
ton against Pakistan and leads Team India to
a victory, thereby landing it a spot in the
finals. 1.2 billion people have one dream:
India winning the World Cup with Sachin in
the team.
The team at MensXP extends its heartiest
wishes to Sachin and Team India. It’s time
to “De Ghuma Ke!!!”