United Softball Cricket Club

The SFSCL summer 2012 schedule start date is June 3rd 2012.

I will email the schedule whenever SFSCL staff publish it. It will also be available on this website for download.

Our supporters came out in full fledge as United II racked up another win against Unlimited Cricket Club in a match played at Brentwood Park South, Miami, Florida.

United II won the toss under Skipper Anthony Nokta and elected to take first strike against a surprisingly very good Unlimited team. United open their innings with Jay Mahadeo and Bharat Manohar and in the very first over, Jay struck two fours as it seemed like United was going to get a big innings. But Unlimited had other plans as in the very next over by T. Samad, he struck and struck again. He removed two of United in-form batsman – Buddy Manohar and Harvey Govind in the same over both caught off guard as the ball popped last minute and with both popping the ball up for rather easy catches. Those two dismissals left United reeling at 13 for 2. In came the terror, the flamboyant one – Ravi Ramchal and he immediately when after the bowling. Together, Ravi and Jay set about to repair the early setbacks. In the 7th over, with the score at 50, Ravi lost his wicket attempting another drive to the on-side, this time missing and being clean bowled. In came Balram “Bunny” Pooran and after a few overs Bunny lost this wicket to a very good catch by Adam Sattar. In the meanwhile, Jay was batting steadily at the other end. Sato Manohar joined Jay and with 2 overs to go before the break, the two hoped to stay there, however Unlimited had other thoughts. M. Ali induced Sato into a pull shot, but the ball pounced on him and choked the bat which resulted in an easy pop up for the wicket keeper to take. Skipper Anthony ‘Tony” Nokta came to crease and he and Jay survived the rest the first half without any more trouble as United ended the first half at 90 for 5.

In the second half, Tony and Jay scored freely. Tony was particularly vintage as he stroked two magnificent sixes over the extra cover boundary. In 7 overs after the interval, Tony and Jay put on 71 runs with some glorious drives to all parts of the field. Eventually, Tony was bowled by M. Ali in the 21st over for an excellent score of 36 runs. After that Krish Manohar came in to join Jay. Jay then lost his wicket in the very next over via the run out route for a well played 80 runs. From there on, Krish, Rondel, Ryan and Karan took to United score well past 190 with Krish batting very well and being left not out for 12. United innings finally ended with the score of 191 all out off of 25 overs. T. Samad was Unlimited best bowler with 2/27 of 5 overs.

Unlimited began their innings cautiously as skipper Anthony introduced Ravi Ramchal and Rondel Carpen to open the bowling attack. After 10 overs was bowled, Unlimited only had 47 runs on the board for the lost of one wicket as Rondel, Ryan, Ravi and Krish bowled very well, keeping the batsman in check with a few occasional boundaries. At the break, Unlimited was 71 for 2.

After the break, Unlimited again find runs hard to come by. Unlimited lost their 3rd and 4th wickets and after the 17th over they were 100 for 4 as Bharat Manohar and Sato Manohar bowled steadily with excellent line and length. There after, the Unlimited batting started to crumble as the scoring rate needed was becoming insurmountable. Unlimited lost their 5th wicket in the 18th over and then soon after was eventually bowled out for 128 in the 23rd over. Taarig Yasin (39) and Shahaan Razak (25) batted very well but the pressure was too much as United showed some real team attitude and with excellent leadership from Skipper Tony.

United won convincingly by 63 runs. Congratulations to Skipper Anthony Nokta for Man of the Match as his leadership, his batting (36) and his bowling – 3 overs/10run/2 wickets were outstanding. Congratulation to Jay Mahadeo for his continued consistent batting, Ravi Ramchal (24), Krish (12*) and all of the bowlers – Rondel, Ravi, Sato, Ryan, Krish and Buddy, particularly Rondel who was outstanding. Great victory for United II .

Special thanks to all of our supporters for their continued support – Tony and his family, Par and his family, Buddy and his family, Clement and his family, Sato and his family and the ever present Ms. Mona Manohar and her specialty dishes…

On a cool spring day with lovely breeze blowing across the playing field United defeated the feared Berbice Team in all facets of the game and handed Berbice their first defeat of the season. A defeat that will send them back to the drawing board and one that would make them become more of a gobble, gobble team that they are. No wonder that they have spent several seasons at the top of the charts but has yet to win the championship. Berbice is an excellent team, and have some excellent individuals that play the game the way it should be played, but there are many others on that team that lacks the sportsmanship in the highest regards and for a team that has two executives and 12 superstars for 11 positions, boy they can complain and make unnecessary fuss of absolutely nothing. In my years of playing cricket, I have never met a team that has so many superstars that complains as much as they do. It shows clearly that the captain had/have absolutely no control over that team.

Several of Berbice players arrived at the ground after the 12:30 PM start time. In fact I thought the new start time for the Spring Competition was 12:00 NOON. In any event, United 2 choosing the sportsmanship way did not object nor call Berbice for their tardiness.

Berbice won the toss and elected to send United 2 to take first strike. United opened their innings with the usual two suspects, Jay Mahadeo and Bharat Manohar with K. Baksh and R. Yamraj opening the bowling attack for Berbice. Jay cracked a straight drive for four off the first delivery from K. Baksk. The first set of bowlers from Berbice did not yield any wicket for the visitors as Jay and Buddy ticked the score along. It wasn’t until the 6 over with the United score at 27 did Berbice got their first break through when Bharat Manohar went for an off drive off Bene’s first over, but the ball kept low, knocking his off stumps backwards. In came Ravi Ramchal and with pride and determination set forth in his mind, he began his innings very, very cautiously…too cautious for this own good as this was not his type of game. In the 8th over, Bene’s second, in his delivery stride, Bene overstepped the front line. Ravi saw this but the umpire didn’t as Ravi shouted “NO BALL”. Two runs were taken. The entire Berbice Squad (with a few notable exceptions) made a huge issue about this. In the end, the ball was called a “dead ball” and the runs previously taken were wiped away. Ravi stuck around and lasted until the 10th over when he went for a leg drive off of Uncle Singh’s first over only to be clean bowled as the ball just dive under his bat knocking his leg stump backwards. Skipper Anthony Nokta came to the middle as he and Jay set about to repair the damage. In the 11th over, Rasheed’s second, Jay who had previously hurt his left-groin area in the 3rd over from a mistimed drive, coupled with the pressure that he had arthroscopic surgery back in December on the same left leg…he was beginning to feel some pain and not want to create further harm physically, he asked for a runner. That request was met with some huge disapproval from most of the Berbice team….much argument, much un-sportsmanship. Eventually, the captain somehow got this team under control and allowed the runner much to the dismay of his team. It was a complete lack of sportsmanship for only the captain needed to be consulted and make the decision NOT the entire team. It showed no class whatsoever, particularly since Jay started the game in good order but got hurt during the innings. It further showed that the captain had no control over his players. In the next over, the 12th, bowled by uncle Singh Jay struck a straight drive for six and then a pull for four but in the instincts of a batsman and that of cricket to always run when he hits the ball in the gap, Jay started to run (unconsciously not realizing that he had called for a runner). The ball reached the boundary, but when the Berbice team saw Jay running, they once again renewed their vigilance against having a runner on the field for Jay. It was total chaos. At that moment, Jay had two choices…with this team in dire straights – retire or grind it out without a runner just so that the Un-sportsmanlike Berbice team can have they way. At that moment, Jay decided to send this runner back into the bench. In that same very over, with all the commotion and lost of concentration, Skipper Anthony Nokta lost his wicket, bowled by Uncle Singh. In came Rickey Dyhimendra to the crease and he and Jay saw the rest of the first half out without any further lost. So after 13 overs, United was 63 for 3.

During the interval, Jay was consulted by his captain and other leaders in the United Club regarding his physical status. Jay told them that he will go out and perform under this own power and if at any time, it wasn’t possible anymore, he would advise the Umpire.

The second half started with Joey and Richard opening the bowling attack and bowling was they did. They were both on target and didn’t give an inch away. In the 17th over, Jay once again told the umpire about this hurting leg and the umpire requested a runner. Again this created a huge stir. They were even questions about why does United have to send in the fastest runner on their team…in this case it happened to be Ravi Ramchal again. What was so funny about that was two things – one Ravi was the only other batsman that was OUT with the exception of Anthony Nokta (United’s Captain) and Bharat Manohar, who was the current officiating umpire. Two – Ravi will also have to run with Ricky who is a pretty slow runner in his own rights. After a long discussion and commotion, the runner was once again allowed, but it didn’t last long as Jay lost concentration and was bowled in Joey very next over for a well played and determined 41 runs. There after wicket felled steadily as United was eventually bowled out for 109 very hard tough runs. During United’s second half there was some discussion with the Ruling Umpire about Rasheed Khan’s deliver where it looks like he was pelting at times. He was never called but there was some discussion. In fact, one of Berbice players suggested that Rasheed should be called at times for his pelting.

Berbice began their innings with Abdul Razack. Skipper Anthony Nokta and Ravi Ramchal opening the bowling for United 2. Berbice did not have any NEW BALLS. As a result, United had to bowl with USED Balls through out Berbice’s entire Innings. Berbice thought that getting a 110 runs to win was going to be a walk in the park for them, for a team with so much superstars, who would doubt it, but United had other plans. United were not to be dismayed as they stuck to their plans and immediately Berbice was sent on the heels as Chris was sent packing for a duck in the very first over from Skipper Anthony. Wicket tumbled left, right and center. Razack batted soundly at times and but was lucky on numerous occasions. Both Ravi and Tony bowled exceptionally well and then when the change was made to bring on Balram Pooran and Rondel Carpen, United 2 continued to apply the pressure. Rondel was particularly vintage as he removed two the better Berbice superstars. Bunny was extremely economical. Buddy was marvelous, showing his grit, determination and leadership. Buddy made a magnificent run out with a direct hit running out M. Khan. Bunny took a nice catch to send Mr. Executive, Raj back to the pack. With 8 overs to go and Berbice still needing another 35 runs, Jay called the United Leaders – Tony and Buddy for a strategy chat. Some critical decisions were made and bowlers were changed around to position United for game that was going to go down the wire and that it did. Buddy was place in the position to bowl the final over, if it comes to that. The Berbice batsman continued to be baffled. Jay and Ravi put the run out show on again as they combined to run out Rasheed Khan. It came to point where there were 2 overs to go 12 runs to win. Bane came in and decided to heave the first ball he faced over the top only to miscue it and Jay somehow running on this half leg took a superb running catch to send Bene back to the superstars ditch. The United supporters erupted and fans all around the ground were cheering as the last man for Berbice came to save their grace, but United was up to the task at hand. In the last and final over, 9 runs was needed with Uncle Singh and K. Baksh at the crease. By this time the superstars were about done digging, the hole was large enough for the entire team. On the second ball of last over, Buddy clean bowled K. Baksh sending pandemonium around the world as the United team jumped and hugged each other, jubilant in celebration. United struck and struck mightily putting the superstars in a position that they never found themselves in before, fighting for their lives, wondering how could United do this to them and how dare anybody could do this to them….. YAH UNITED DID….WHO DAT…. UNITED DAT!!!

United 2 won and won comprehensively. Be it by 7 runs or 70 runs, United outplayed the Berbice Superstars in every facet of the game. United batted better, United bowled better, United fielded better, United preparation for the game was better, United mental approach was better and MOST of all United showed the utmost class, professionalism and sportsmanship throughout. In end the two teams shook hands in good gestures. Congratulation and Man-of –the-Match awarded to Anthony Nokta for his excellent leadership and guidance to an unbelievable victory for the United Cricket Club.

It was another day of glorious cricket at Veterans Park. The weather was a bit cold particularly for the United Cricket Club Fans, who strut themselves for the long journey from South Florida to Fort Myers to show their support and dedication to their cricket team. The United Cricket Club did not disappoint as Vice-captain Anthony Nokta took over the reins as our leader and captained the United side to a superb team victory.

United won the toss and elected to take first strike on wicket that looks so inviting, but yet so challenging. United open their innings with Jay Mahadeo and Bharat Manohar against the Lehigh bowling attack which includes four of the top ten wicket takers in division II cricket. In the beginning, runs seemed hard to by come by as the Lehigh bowlers was showing their smarts, being accustom to playing conditions at home, they were bowling a tidy length and line, hugging to ball to the ground. The balls at times were barely bumping an inch or two off the ground. After the first 5 overs the score was 24 without loss as both Buddy and Jay kept taking the singles and ticking the score along with the occasional boundary. After 9 overs, the score was 54 with out loss at a ball-a-run. From then on, the next 4 overs yielded 45 runs as Buddy chanced his arms and struck some huge boundaries. Buddy cover drove for six. Then in the next over he swung a massive six over the mid-on boundary and then another cover drive for 4. At the interval, United were well placed at 99 without lost, with Buddy sporting his best knock of the season at 64. After the interval, United lost their first wicket quickly as Jay Mahadeo was brilliantly stumped by Jason Heerah for a well played 28. Harvey “Sehwag” Govind joined Buddy as Buddy looked in full cry. Buddy cover drive another 6 and then pulled a massive shot over mid-on but just when we felt like this is the day and Buddy was going to get to that century mark, Buddy lost his wicket, bowled by well placed delivery from J. Ramswammy for a entertaining knock of 76 runs. The new batsman was the flamboyant, Ravi Ramchal, and two took the score to 134 before Harvey after stroking a quickfire 16 was caught by a magnificent one handed-three fingers catch by N. Heerah. This was the catch of the day. In came one of United batting heroes of the season thus far, Balram “Bunny” Pooran and as the runs kept flowing, Ravi smacked a four and then two more fours. Bunny drove for four and then an effortless shot over the top for six. With the score at 161 however, Bunny lost his wicket, bowled by a well flighted delivery from the Lehigh skipper, Rick Lilman. In came Ganesh Drepaul but he didn’t last long was was sent back rather quickly for one. United lost another quick wicket when Ravi after hoisting a huge six was caught in boundary for a well played 34 runs. Krish Manohar joined Ryan Munisar at the crease and there was exciting cricket unfolding in the middle as the as Krish, the more experienced of the two with Ryan pushed the score along. Krish drove a beautiful six, Ryan struck a six and then four before he was bowled for a well played 16 runs. Clement Munisar, enjoying his first game of the season, joined Krish with the score at 207 for 7. Clement drove a nice four. Krish eventually was run out for another useful knock of 10. Sato joined Clement at the crease to see the final delivery bowled. At the end of United’s innings, the score was 221 for 8 off their allotted 25. The best bowlers from Lehigh Indians was Narinedh Illasarie with 5 overs 26 runs 0 wicket, Joshua Ramswammy 5 overs 43 runs 3 wickets, Nandkishore Heerah 5 overs 42 runs 3 wickets.

Lehigh opened there innings with Uteshwar Ramrattan and Jason Heerah against the likes of United’s Skipper Anthony Nokta and Ravi Ramchal. Uteshwar Ramrattan, was the first to go as Buddy took a nice catch in the covers off of Tony’s second over. Trevor Singh came to the crease and he and Jason played some sensible cricket. They defended when they had to and use aggression when it was necessary. The two put on 59 runs before Trevor was nicely caught by the finger tips by skipper Tony off of Sato. It seems like Sato has mastered the art of getting wickets with bad balls. This time it was another full toss. Nandkishore Heerah joined Jason in the middle and these two tried their best to be up to the task as Lehigh was falling farther and farther behind the run rate needed. Nevertheless, the two kept turning over the strike as often as possible and putting away the bad ball when required. They batted very well before young Jason Heerah fell to the stump out route, magnificently done by Krish Manohar. Jason made a well played and deserving 50. The youngster played very well and with what he has shown that he can do keeping the wicket for Lehigh, this young man has some talents and it was nice to see. Good luck to you Jason in future. In the end, Lehigh Indians could only muster 139 runs for the lost of 4 wickets off their allotted 25 overs. Nandkishore Heerah was left not out on 38 and Joshua Ramswammy not out 0. United’s best bowlers were Skipper Anthony Nokta 1 for 7, Balram Pooran 2 for 5, Sato 1 for 25, Ganesh Drepaul 0 for 22

United won convincingly by 82 runs. Congratulations to Bharat Manhor for Man of the Match. His innings of 76 runs included some excruciating blows. Congratulations to Anthony Nokta for first victory as captain. Congratulations to Ravi Ramchal, Ryan Munisar, Harvey Govind, Krish Manohar, Clement Munisar, Ganesh Drepaul and Balram Pooran for continuing to play, perform and contribute at a consistent level for that’s what team work is all about.

On a special Note: The Lehigh Indians Cricket Club is to be commended in the highest regards for their hospitality. At the present time, they may not be a team that consistently puts out high class talents, but in my opinion and the opinions of the entire UNITED 2 Cricket Club, they are the class of SFSCL when it comes to being a host. Their hospitality was outstanding.

On a lovely spring day for cricket with blue skies, a few ominous clouds overhead and a strong wind blowing on the batsman face, United won the toss and elected to take first strike against Young Stars.

United open their innings with Anthony Notka and Bharat Manohar against Young Stars best bowler in Omesh Tankishore (Smokey) and he was on target as the first over yielded only one run. In the second over, however Buddy crashed two fours and it looked like United batsmen were going to put some severe punishment on the Young Stars bowling attack. Young Stars however had other plans, as in Smokey’s second over he struck and struck mightily in dismissing both Tony and Buddy in the same over. Tony struck the ball firmly but in the air and the Young Star Skipper gladly accepted the catch. Buddy was caught behind as United find themselves precariously placed at 15 for 2. Harvey Govind and Jay Mahadeo came to the wicket and set about to repairing the damage, and that they did. The two added 65 runs with some sensible batting with occasional mixture of aggression. Harvey showed his power as he struck two huge sixes over the bowler head. The two batted well until the penultimate over before the break when Harvey was clean bowled for a well played 30. Skipper Sato came in a saw the last over without any further loss as United after 13 overs were 75 for 3. After the break runs came freely as Sato crashed a mid-off drive for 4 and took some quick runs between the wicket between him and Tony (Tony was a runner for Jay). Sato lost his wicket in the 16th over on a miscued drive and was caught for a quick 12. In came one of the heroes from United’s first match, Balram Pooran (Bunny). Jay also loss his wicket it the 16th over with the score at 100 for well played 37 runs. With that double blow, all of sudden United find themselves in bit of a hole. With Bunny and Ravi Ramchal at the wicket, United was looking to restore some vigor, but Young Stars had other plans. Ravi was caught in the 17th over and now United realy find themselves in a huge predicament, loosing three wickets in two overs for just 3 runs. Kris Manohar joined Bunny and after some crucial moments, the two slowly began to restore some order. Both Bunny and Krish batted sensible and took some huge changes in running between the wicket, at times confusing the Young Stars fielders. Bunny and Kris put on 37 runs which was punctuated by two nice fours by Krish and some exciting running between the wicket before Krish was bowled for a exciting knock of 16 runs. In came Rickey Dyhimendra, and he showed his stroke making ability as he and Bunny played some real sensible and entertaining cricket. They took the extra run when they had to, they took the short singles, Rickey pulled a superb 4 to square leg boundary and took 2’s when it looks like only a single was there for the taking. In the end Bunny scored 33 not out in 27 balls and Rickey scored 18 not out in 13 balls in real cricketing fashion. At the end of United’s allotted 25 overs, the score was 170 for 7, a far cry from when United precariously placed at 107 for 6. The best bowlers from Young Stars was Omesh Tankishore (Smokey) with 5 overs 16 runs 2 wickets and Ryan Gurudeo 5 overs 35 runs 3 wickets.

Young Stars opened their innings with their two most recognized batsmen – Skipper Ryan Gurudeo and Raj Tankishore and the two started in immaculate fashion. United opened their bowling attack with the ever consistent Anthony Nokta and the flamboyant Ravi Ramchal. Tony first over yield 5 runs but Ravi’s first was expensive as Young Star Skipper took advantage of some loose bowling. After two overs the score was 20 without loss and things were starting to look a bit gloomy for United. Bunny replaced Ravi and immediately the scoring rate dropped. Tony remained consistent. After 6 overs the score was 37 without loss. This was when skipper Sato decided to introduce himself into the attack and first ball paid dividends as Young Stars skipper stuck a full toss like a bullet straight into the hands of Jay Mahadeo. That was the breakthrough that United wanted. In the next over Buddy Manohar strike again this time forcing Raj Tankishore into much pressure as buddy had him so bogged down that he went to hit over the top and bunny took a well judge running catching on the mid-on boundary. From there on it was the beginning of the end for United as both Sato and Buddy bowled at immaculate line and length. Young Stars were having much difficulty in scoring runs. In fact from the 6th over on, Young Stars only scored 5 boundaries. In Sato’s 2nd over he struck two more times. Buddy took another wicket in his 3rd over. Ganesh Drepaul, Ryan Munisar and Krish Manohar then totally devastate the Young Stars middle order and tail enders. Ganesh Drepaul even though he didn’t got into the wicket haul; he bowled steadily and consistently at good length. Krish Manohar was superb in his short spell finishing with figures of 2.4 overs 10 runs 3 wickets. Sato finished with 3 overs 10 runs 3 wickets and Buddy 3 overs 8 runs 2 wickets. Tony was economical as always 5 overs 12 runs 1 wicket. The top score for Young Stars was Ryan Gurudeo with 17 runs.
United won convincingly by 66 runs. Congratulations to Harvey Govind for Man of the Match. His innings of 30 runs at a very crucial time of United’s innings was extremely important. Congratulations to Balram Pooran and Jay Mahadeo for another consistent and sensible innings. Congratulation to Krish Manohar for a good all round performance with both the bath and the ball. Congratulations to Tony, Buddy and Sato for excellent contained bowling.

There was Rain, there was Rain and there was More Rain.
On a day where the cricketing gods were showering its’ disciples with holy water from the sky, United 2 won the toss and elected to take first strike under pouring skies.

United open their innings with Bharat Manohar and Jay Mahadeo and if were an example of things to follow, no one would have been able to guess, as the very first over bowled was maiden. The RED BALL was dropping at a good length and then “SWISH” as it shoots to the wicket aided by the wet grass. Nevertheless, discipline batting by both Buddy and Jay proved to be the key. Buddy open up his arms and belted some huge sixes and made a quick fire 27 before one of those “SWISH” delivery knock his stumps back. In came the young stallion, Harvey Govind and he immediately crashed a cover drive for 4. With the rain still drilling the players from up above, it became overbearing as it was difficult to hold on the bat. Bat and balls were slipping all over the place so play was halted for about twenty minutes. When play resumed, United continue to put the pressure on the Renegades team and by half time the score was 85 runs for the lost of one wicket. After the interval, Harvey was dismisses for a well played 27 in the 16th over. In came Anthony Nokta, but unfortunately, due to the deplorable conditions to bat under, he was dismissed first ball playing too cautious. Then came Balram Pooran and immediately he went after the bowling. By this time, it was quite difficult running between the wickets and slipping and sliding was always the possibility, nevertheless, Bunny took charge. With the score at 138 runs, Jay Mahadeo reached his 50 and immediately opted to retire as his surgically repaired knee was beginning to act up. Ravi Ramchal replaced him. The runs kept flowing. Bunny eventually lost his wicket in the 23rd over for well played quick fire 55 runs. There after, Krish Manohar joined Ravi and two kept after the bowling. At the end, United had scored 185 runs off the their allotted 25 overs for the lost of 4 wickets. Ravi was not out with a brisk 17 and Krish didn’t score. The best bowler for Renegades Cricket team was J. Sookhdeo with 5 overs for 25 runs with 2 wickets.

Renegades began their innings in pretty good fashion as after 5 overs the score was 28 without lost against some of United’s top bowlers. However, United struck in the 6th over in the form of brilliant runout by the up-and-coming Ryan Munesar and from there on, wicket were going down at regular pace. In 7th over, United Skipper Sato Manohar, made a bowling change and brought in Ravi Ramchal and he immediately paid dividens as Renegades number two batsman was clean bowled. At the other end, Krish Manohar also paid dividens as the got into wicket haul as well. Thereafter it was left up to Ganesh Drepaul (doing the googly) and Ryan Munesar (doing the chinaman) to wrapp up the Renegades innings and they both bowled very well. Ryan finished with excellent figures of 3 overs, 1 maiden, 1 run, 3 wickets; Ravi Ramchal was other pick of the bowlers as he finish with figures of 5 overs, 16 runs, 3 wickets.

United won convincingly by 79 runs. Congratulations to Balram Pooran for Man of the Match. Congratulations to Sato Manohar for first victory under his captaincy. Congratulations to Ryan Munesar on his continued growth and success.