By Emdad Rahman
On a day of drama Scintilla CC added another fairytale chapter to their history to be crowned champions of the National Cricket League (NCL) Division 2.
The Barking & Dagenham outfit faced relegation threatened London Tigers 2 at Hackney Marshes with both teams going all out for a must win victory.
Scintilla were without the gargantuan Juwel Roy who suffered a fracture in the previous day's Essex County Cricket League clash against Aztecs CC and was unable to take his place in the team for this vital fixture.
The home side won the toss and batted first to reach 218/9 from 40 overs. Zisan Abedin top scored with 45, vice captain Sajal Rahman (37), Aminul Shihan (35), Abul Hasib (27), Rishad Haque (22). Salman Ahmed, Giasuddin Tutul, Jamil Ahmed and Jamil Chowdhury took two wickets apiece.
London Tigers were in no mood to roll over and had former Bangladesh Cricket Board coach Shahidul Alam Ratan on the sidelines to offer support and encouragement. It inspired the team as they defied the form book to reach 220/6 from 39 overs to record an impressive win. Top scorers were Giasuddin Tutul (45) and Salman Ahmed (30).
London Tigers celebrated with great gusto as Scintilla, who received 8 points from the game, waited on official confirmation of the league standings.
In the other match of the day, second placed Kothi 3 CC played Ishaque Shawn's Supernova and were bowled out for 191 in 27 overs. Supernova took 22.3 overs to reach 192 and win the game by 6 wickets thus confirming Scintilla were crowned Division 2 champions by 6 points. Also promoted from the 14 team league are Kothi 3 and Redbridge 3. Despite an impressive win against the champions, the relegation fate of London Tigers 2 was also confirmed.
The National Cricket League management congratulated both teams (Scintilla and Kothi) Co Founders of the National Cricket League Nahed Patel (League Chairman) and Sajid Patel (League Secretary) said, 'congratulations to Scintilla and Kothi for playing their part in an incredible season in such a challenging Division Two. You both will be excellent additions to next years Division One.'
With sunset on the horizon Scintilla celebrated, but as the heavens opened and the rain showered down over Hackney Marshes, each man beat a retreat to the sanctuary of the club house, whilst others headed home as the groundsman signalled he was ready to lock the carpark. It was enough - In the year of their tenth anniversary Scintilla had created another piece of golden history.
Club captain Ahmed Choudhury said, 'It's a meteoric rise for our club and this is another fantastic memory and fairytale chapter in our scrapbook. Congratulations to everyone - It's time to enjoy this success and come come back fitter and sharper for future challenges. Huge thanks go to our sponsors Right Call App and Apex Mortgage Advice Ltd for their support. The backing has been invaluable.'
First team skipper Ayaz Karim, who has lead from the front all season added, 'We lost today and that was really disappointing. But I'm not going to say anything else on that matter. Everyone who has worn the Scintilla shirt has played like a lion this season and it is befitting that we have been crowned champions. The hard work begins as we look forward to the next campaign but for now we will reflect and enjoy our achievements.'
Club chairman Emdad Rahman MBE concluded, 'This is the stuff of dreams. It's been a rigorous season and the competition has been immense. All the players have shown heart, enthusiasm and spirit throughout this tough season. Well done to everyone involved in achieving another monumental milestone in our history. Juwel Roy has been a giant for us this season and although he is not here today his impact throughout has been monumental.'
Scintilla Cricket Club have an ethos of community engagement. The champions took a Running Down Dementia #RDDSweatySelfie to support and highlight the work of Alzheimer's Research UK - www.alzheimersresearchuk.org
Scintilla Squad - 21 08 16
National Cricket League (NCL)
Hackney Marshes
Ahmed Choudhury - Ayaz Karim - Sajal Rahman - Shaha Riadh - Ashish Morankar - Mohammad Badrul Alom Chowdhury - Abul Hasib - Rishad Haque - Aminul Shihan -Ahmad Norharif Hamidon - Zisan Abedin - Ashfaqur Rahaman Nobel - Emdad Rahman
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