7th PENANG SPORTS CLUB INTERNATIONAL CRICKETS SIXES (14 - 16 September 2001)

What a great event it turned out to be. For those who were involved some way or other, the 7th Penang Sports Club International Cricket Sixes was a fabulous event - the friendship, fun, cricket, drinking, entertainment and many other things combined. Everybody is slowly recuperating from the after effects of a tiring weekend.

Initially, many were worried that we would be stretching our limits to the maximum by agreeing to 26 teams but this was proven wrong. Once again, the section confirmed that it has a great team of people, which includes the very dedicated staff led by Sunny. Together we did a superb show, which is considered as one of the best in cricket. One that will last in the memories of some for a long time.

Already we have some asking when is the next one. The popularity of this event is certainly growing and it is becoming extremely easy to get teams to come down here to this wonderful club of ours.

With the terrorist attack on America at the 11th hour before the tournament, I was actually expecting pullouts and cancellations. But, everybody just continued with life. Though very sad for what has taken place, most felt things just have to move on and cricket also goes on. I had many calling to check whether the event was still on but no one refrained from coming. They were all just too eager to be together at the PSC.

After the officials meeting held on the evening of Thursday 13 Sept to sort out technicalities, the event got off to a flying start the next day with a colorful opening ceremony officiated by SCC Chairman Mohd Junid. Teams were thrilled to a multi racial cultural show and then rushed to the respective grounds (also PFS and USM) to get on with the games. It was just not the players in all the grounds but the volunteers, children, families, supporters, officials, mothers and so many others who came. All here for the common purpose of cricket. Everybody no matter what they were doing was having fun in their own way. Imagine the number of people when you have some 26 teams (some from countries such as United Kingdom, Australia, India, Bangladesh, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia). It was a truly an international event.

Our Club Ladies were simply too good as they looked after the many things associated with running the tournament e.g. food, secretariat, selling t-shirts & coupons, raffles draw, taking care of volunteers plus the added task of looking after the children and husband. They all did their task better than what was asked for by paying a lot of attention to details. It was just wonderful to be part of cricket to see the spirit of working together for a common goal.

Attention was given to all teams. Everyone was made to feel important and welcome. This is another very good plus point that the visitors constantly reminded me. I just kept on telling that it was our way of doing things here.

We also had our very special VIP guest Tunku Imran giving us a surprise by casually dropping without any formalities being arranged. Though he turned down our invitation of coming, Tunku felt that the best place to relax would be at the PSC watching cricket before rushing for the SEA Games prize presentation ceremony. He had a lot of kind words to convey to the PSC President and myself on the good work being done here by the cricket section. He was sad to have given the tournament a miss this year but assured his support whenever required. Tunku also agreed that the dates of the Sixes be maintained during the 3rd week of September.

On the first day (Friday 14 September), some 12 - 14 games were played in each ground and the cricket was just too good to watch. Teams were evenly balanced except for some who decided from the very beginning that they belong to the social category. They didn't mind loosing at all and continued having their own fun.

The Cocktail Party held on Friday 14th Sept. evening was the first official get together event for teams. Everybody was in great spirits meeting and catching up with old friends. The party which lasted till 11 p.m. then continued in the terrace for some entertained by the band and some who decided to freak out at Soho's (another cricketers hideout).

On Saturday (15 September), games started for some e.g. Singapore CC, UWC, SSR XI and PSC Eagles. The situation was pretty much the same as Friday but the mood was a lot different after the 3 teams - SCC, Birmingham and Kelawar combined forces. They got into the celebration and partying gear and then on never stopped.

An editor from the Sun Mr. Nadeswaran, just couldn't believe all that was happening here in Penang cricket. According to him, somehow the basics have been lost in Malaysian cricket. The spirit of volunteerism and doing something without much recognition was a thing of the past. He was very pleased to see it happening in PSC. A special article dedicated to the Section was written in the Sunday Sun (16 September).

PSC Eagles (our first team), I must say did very well despite the fact that most of us had plenty to do and went on hosting till the wee hours in the morning. We got off to a flying start by winning all our 5 games in the preliminary round. In the quarterfinals too, PSC Eagles comfortably beat Royal Bangkok Sports Club. There was good all round performances by team members Khalid Ahmad, Sanjay, Avtar Singh, Jones, Murali, Darvin Murali, Tamila and Rohit. We had to finally concede in the Semifinals by losing to Commonwealth C.C. of Bangladesh. Just did not make enough runs. Jones also did manage to improve his 11 years batting figures to 26 from 20 runs.

The atmosphere at the close of the 3 days was just again fantastic. There was plenty of dancing, songing and celebrations. Jones and Nadeswaran took over the running commentary and livened everyone up. Jones kept on convincing the crowd that he was the coach for the many players who were playing for the finalist Kilat Kelab of KL. Nobody was listening though knowing that there are a lot of things he does very well but it is certainly not cricket. Many informed me that he is a bowler now. He really had a great way of saying all the thanks and keeps the section flag always flying. What a man to have in your team.

The finals came to a close with Kilat Kelab KL beating Commonweatlh CC. Kilat Kelab emerged as the champions of the 7th International Cricket Sixes. Again no team had ever won the Cup twice. Little Masters of Delhi won the Plate competition as they beat Perth AWAS led by our good friend Jeya Kugan. They were also other special awards presented such as the Best Drunken team which was won by Birmingham Eagles, the Best Almost Good Batsman won by John Fitzgerald of Kelawar for scoring 8 runs in 5 overs. Singapore CC also announced that they would sponsor the Cup for the Best Drunken team award starting next year. The President praised the section in his speech and admitted that it was on of the best shows he has seen in the club. He was pleased with the outcome and effort put in by everyone to make this even something special. The curtain drew to a close and everyone rushed home some crawling after a promise to return.

All this statements above sums up what a great Cricket Sixes weekend it was this year. We had more teams, more fun and a very well organized event with the help of all. Cheers to all.

© ICC