Kumar's Ton help Canje conquer Warriors
By: Chin Singh
May 12, 2009
A swashbuckling century from Thakur Kumar helped Canje CC to defeat Warriors CC by 24 runs. On a perfect day for softball cricket, almost 400 runs were scored between the two teams. Canje once again won the toss and had no hesitation in taking first strike. Javed Hussain and J. Dhanai opened the batting. They started positively, but after 5 overs, with the score at 31, Hussain was bowled by Manoj Balchand for 12. Dhanai would soon join Hussain at the pavilion, with a well played 21, with the score at 41 after 7 overs. Gobin, who came in at number 3, was joined by Thakur Kumar. Later praises not only from the spectators, but also from the Warriors players. Gobin and Kumar would take the score to 85 at the 13 over break.
Shortly after the break, Canje lost Gobin. After hitting Balchand for a 6, he was comprehensively bowled on the next ball for 25. From then on, it was a one man show for Canje, as Kumar took over, hitting the ball to all parts of the boundary. Those who were present at the park saw some beautiful cover drives and some towering sixes. His innings would finally come to an end when he was out in the 21^st over, caught behind for a well played 118 runs. His knock contained thirteen sixes and five fours.
Canje closed their innings at 209 all out in 25 overs. Bowling for the Warriors, T. Moonsammy - 2/16. M.Balchand - 2/25. S. Moonsammy, who was severely punished by Thakur Kumar, had figures of 5 overs for 77 runs. He was struck for 10 sixes by Kumar.
Taking their turn at the wicket, Warriors were not outdone as they started their innings very positively from the get-go. A. Fazal and R. Mohammed opened the innings. They were up for the challenge as they took the score to 75 before Fazal was bowled by Chris Shewbarran, for a knock of 33. Balchand joined Mohammed, and at the break, the score was 81/1.
Warriors needed to get 129 runs from the remaining 12 overs, with 9 wickets in hand. Although it seemed like a big task, Canje knew that they had to be careful, or else they would lose the game. This was what their manager "Pokan" Permaul told them at the break. They had to play their A game to get past the Warriors.
First over after the break, Balchand went, beautifully caught by Dhanai for 1. Canje knew that the game would be easy from there on, but R. Mohammed had other ideas, as he was putting on a batting clinic at the other end. Needing 58 from the last 5 overs, Mohammed was left stranded in the middle, as he was unfortunately run out for a superb 76, an innings that included 5 sixes, and 4 fours.
Warriors would soon find themselves all out for 185 in the 25^th over. Bowling for Canje - T. Sanichar - 2/30. C. Shewbarran 2/44. Canje would finish their season undefeated at 5-0. Canje will play the number four seed in the playoffs, which will start this weekend.  GOOD LUCK CANJE!