NEW JERSEY WIN INNAUGURAL METLIFE/ WESTERN UNION DESMOND HAYNES TRI-STATE CRICKET CUP 2003

Under overcast conditions at the beautiful Keney Park, New Jersey captain Chintan Patel decided to bat first after winning the toss. Patels decision seemed questionable as New Jersey lost their first wicket in only the third over with the score on 5.

In the end, the New Jersey teams unity and greater consistency saw them win one of the most handsome trophies in US cricket -- the inaugural Metlife/Western Union Desmond Haynes Tri-State Cricket Cup for seniors and a cash award of $5000. The event was promoted by Major League Cricket, Inc. (MLC)

Under overcast conditions at the beautiful Keney Park, New Jersey captain Chintan Patel decided to bat first after winning the toss. Patels decision seemed questionable as New Jersey lost their first wicket in only the third over with the score on 5. Following that hiccup, opener Glen Hall (40) and number 3 batsman Raj Sundaram (16) looked to dominate the Connecticut new ball bowlers and in the process moved the score along quickly inspite of the slow and thick outfield. Hall used his long strides to stroke the ball powerfully and looked as solid and composed as the best in this country.

The Connecticut attack kept to their task of keeping things tight and C.Garrison (3/24) once again stood out with his wily off-spin. New Jersey posted a competitive 147 for 9 in their allotted 40 overs. The middle order continued the good work with the dashing Ketan Patel (39) and the stylish Jignesh Desai (15) doing their bit. The Connecticut team once again committed many fielding lapses costing them valuable runs.

The New Jersey team deployed unusual tactics in opening their bowling with spinner Jignesh Desai who claimed 3 early wickets to have the Connecticut team reeling at 6 for 3 after only 3 overs. His combination with wicketkeeper Bilal Haye caught the attention of the vocal Keney park crowd. As rumors of Hayes eventual return and call-up to the Pakistan national team circled the ground, no-one was left with any doubt that this is more than just mere talk as the glove-man with the lightening hands sent back three batsmen, one caught and two stumped.

Just as hopes of a Connecticut victory appeared a pipedream, Munawar Abassi (29), K.Baugh (20) J. Smith (23) built valuable middle order partnerships. This steered their team back into the match at a potential match winning position of 90 for 7 with 11 overs remaining. Despite support from the tail, they were bowled out with 4 overs remaining, 21 runs shy of victory and the winners check.

The motley crowd of a few hundred witnessed a cricket match played in a very competitive spirit but at the same time full of sportsmanship. The atmosphere was festive with tents, banners, barbeque food and of course calypso and reggae.

In attendance were West Indian legends Desmond Haynes and Joel Garner who mixed with the crowd and made sure every one had a memorable day.

At the end, Desmond Haynes gave away the trophies and spoke briefly yet passionately about the great possibilities that lie ahead of cricketers in this country.

Scorecard -

http://www.mlcus.com/Default09-27-03Scorecard.asp

Venue - Kenney Park, Connecticut

Date -- Saturday September 27, 2003

Umpires -- Steve Kalloo & Sankar Coach" Rampersad

Toss- New Jersey won the toss and elected to bat