A soft ball amateur cricket tournament was contested at Woodpark Cricket grounds earlier this month.
Sixteen teams battled it out in their quest to become champions of the unique Rangers Sports six-a-side 2024 tournament, which has gained popularity every passing year.
This year’s edition had two separate cups to play for – Champions Cup and Rangers Cup.
Teams were divided in groups of four teams each and played three group games before top twelve teams were promoted to the qualifiers and semi-final stages.
The tournament attracted local communities’ attention and about 150+ people turned up and enjoyed a beautiful sunny day of Cricket. The food stall run by the Rangers Ladies group did an excellent job by keeping the hunger in check for the cricketers and visitors with some really delicious breakfast and lunch menu items on display.
After a series of group and terminator games, the four finalists for the two cups were:
Champions Cup: Elite Hunters and Reading Warriors
Rangers Cup: Jhakas Bandey Brahmos and Reading Lions
The two Finals were played in great spirits with sun still shining and bright light enabling perfect cricketing conditions until late in the evening.
Champions Cup: Elite Hunters won the toss and invited Reading Warriors to bat first. Just like the group and knockout games, Reading Warriors got off to a great start posting a total of 113 runs for Elite Hunters to chase.
Elite Hunters looked comfortable to chase down the target with skills on full display in their composed chase which too the game deep amid wickets falling.
Young batsman from Elite Hunters particularly impressed the crowd with their calm yet effective batting style and running between the wickets.
Rangers Cup: This was a nail biting thriller with all three results being possible until the very last over. Jhakkas Bande looked on course to win but exceptional batting from Reading Lions’ Shiva ensured Lions victory with a few balls to spare.
Best Bowler of the Tournament Praveen @Reading Warriors
Best Batsman Shiva @Reading Lions
Player of the Tournament Manav @Elite Hunters
