Cricket Finland

The annual Viapori Cricket Cup 2011 in Suomenlinna was played on Saturday the 10th of September. A friendly cricket picnic attracted 20 players from 7 clubs to the sunny island. The organising committee (Juha Harjunpää & Heikki Mahlamäki [MKK-Navy], and Jukka Hyde Hytti [Men’s Thinking Society CC]) formed two teams, which first played a 30 over-a-side match.

Team “Gate” started batting, but Team “Bastion”’s bowlers were on fire. David Agar [Jyväskylä CC] soon got soon four wickets, and all of Gate’s batsmen were out after only 17 overs. During the inning’s break, Team Gate had to come up with some bold tactics to win the match. Intensive fielding, watchful back up and direct bowling gave a result after 16 overs: all out and a win! The best bowler was team captain Gary Watkins [The Old Boys] with his unexpected spin variations.

Also the second match, 15 overs-a-side was dominated by the bowlers. However, Team Bastion won and the best bowler of winning team was Phil Davies [Kerava CC]. The trophy gala was arranged traditionally in Club 20 (Yläkerho) in Suomenlinna. The Spririt of Cricket trophy went to Tuomas Hassi [Metropolitan Helsinki CC] because of his unbelievably spirited boundary saves. The supporting role trophy was given to Dhinakaran Siva Siddarthan [Empire CC], who was the best batsman and had the most positive cricket attitude during the entire day.

Once again a great cricket day in Suomenlinna ground, which is one of the most beautiful places to play, and for sure it is the smallest. Suomenlinna Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many tourist and wedding groups were taking hundreds of photos of fascinating cricket.

Jukka Hyde Hytti

Ready to play // Fahad bowling
 

Spirit-of-cricket trophy to Tuomas // Supporting trophy to Dhina 
 

(Photos: Phil Davies) --- (NB. click to enlarge)

SUOMEKSI

Written by Jukka & Jari on Mon, 19 Sep 2011