Herald clinch Vijay Gad Trophy, outplay Tarun Bharat

Team Herald

sports@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: Herald emerged champions at the inter-media late Vijay Gad Memorial Rolling Trophy as they outplayed Tarun Bharat with a 48-run victory, in the cricket tournament  organised by the Sports Journalists Association of Goa (SJAG), at SAG ground, Campal on Friday. 

Electing to bat after winning the toss, Herald put up a formidable 127/5 in their allotted 15 overs. Shailesh Madkaikar remained unbeaten on 30 runs and was the top-scorer for his team. He struck four boundaries in his 21-ball stay at the crease. 

Earlier, openers Shailesh Zantye (24) and Anil Desai (19) put on 26 runs partnership for the first wicket, setting a solid platform for the middle order. Laxman Gawandi contributed 20 runs to the total. Tarun Bharat's Mahesh Konekar picked up two wickets while Anil Bandiwadekar and Prajyot Naik claimed one wicket each.

In reply, Tarun Bharat were off to a disastrous start as Herald's Laxman Gawandi produced a devastating spell of swing bowling taking wickets of Sagar Karbotkar and Anil Kalekar in quick time. Anil Bandiwadekar also failed with the bat as he was run out off a brilliant piece of fielding by Shailesh Zantye. 

With half the side back in the pavillion at the score of 17, Tarun Bharat could offer no challenge to Herald. Nevertheless, their lower-order battled with Vinod Sawant top-scoring with 26 runs.

Mahesh Konekar scored 12 runs, while Prajyot Naik scored 10 runs. Laxman and Dinesh Redkar took three wickets each. Anil Desai claimed two wickets, while Shailesh Madkaikar took one wicket as Tarun Bharat were bowled out for 79 runs in 11.5 overs.

Deputy-Speaker Michael Lobo was the chief guest and gave away the trophies. He also sponsored spot cash prizes for winners and runners-up. 

Late Vijay Gad's family members, Chandrashekhar Chodankar (nephew) and Sairaj Gad (grandson) were also present. 

SJAG president Niraj Prabhu welcomed the gathering, while SJAG secretary Mahesh Gaonkar proposed the vote of thanks. SJAG treasurer Manguesh R. Borkar compered the prize-distribution ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy-Speaker Lobo assured the gathering that he will pursue the demand to upgrade the facilities at the Campal ground, where most of the cricket tournaments organised by various clubs and institutions from Panjim, are played on poor uneven outfields and matting pitches.