Guyana Chronicle article.
TORONTO, Canada – Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) celebrated their fifth successive Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premier League title in grand style at the Forum Banquet Hall here on Saturday night, setting sights on maintaining supremacy come 2015.
On a night when all the players and officials received symbolic rings for their outstanding contributions during the 2014 season and others were rewarded for their role with both bat and ball, an emotional HACC president Archie Mohan acknowledged that the current accomplishments will be hard to equal much less emulate in years to come.
Speaking before an appreciative audience which included Guyana’s Consul General in Toronto, Sattie Sawh, and her Trinidad and Tobago’s counterpart Vidhya Gyan Tota Maharaj, Mohan declared that opponents are now looking at HACC with “bloodshot eyes” following their unprecedented five consecutive triumphs.
The long-standing president commended his players for their dedication, commitment and discipline exhibited over the years and reminded them of the motto that the game is always bigger than the player.
According to Mohan, he is extremely proud to be part of the HACC family and while “I have been proud to be raising the five fingers on my right hand, I am eagerly looking forward to start raising those on the left.”
Expressing thanks to skipper Hemnarine Chattergoon for his splendid leadership qualities, Mohan said, “The taste of joy and winning is undoubtedly so sweet.”
Mohan also had special praise for vice-president Iqbal Rahaman, secretary/treasurer Eon Gunraj, whom he described as being loyal and dedicated. “They have been the pillars along with Doodnauth Singh, Rishi Samuel, and Vish Singh – the walls on which this great club has been successful.”
The president also thanked the sponsors for placing their trust in the club and these included IR Construction, Hawaiian Arctic Inc, Axion Millwright and Fabrication Inc, Mohan Contracting and R&R Auto Repairs.
In brief remarks, captain Hemnarine Chattergoon was ecstatic with the performances of his players and also the tremendous efforts of the executives.
Among the messages in the impressive brochure were those from Consul Generals Sawh and Tota Maharaj and West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) director Baldath Mahabir.
According to Sawh, it was a proud moment for all Guyanese in the Diaspora. “The hard work and dedication of the players make you excel year after year and it’s testimony to the good leadership and sportsmanship of the club.”
Tota Maharaj was also impressed with HACC, and according to her, “Yours is an organisation that has persevered over the last 20 years in promoting cricket which is dear to the hearts of all West Indians and continues to be a unifying force in our region.”
Baldath Mahabir, who is also an executive member of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, pointed out that “winning one championship can be difficult, but to dominate as you have done, turning back the opposition year after year is phenomenal.
“As a West Indian, I am extremely proud of your achievements in Toronto, Canada, one of the most cosmopolitan and progressive cities of the world. Cricket, as a sport, is growing at a rapid pace and you are well positioned physically to encourage and nurture growth in this dynamic environment.”
Heading the list of awardees was all-rounder Zaheer ‘Pollard’ Allard, who was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his outstanding all-round efforts. Apart from slamming two hundreds, Allard also had the distinction of taking two six-wicket hauls, including a hat-trick. He also placed second in the overall batting with 467 runs, bettered only by teammate Harrinarine Chattergoon’s 548.
Chattergoon was among the special awardees for his record-breaking 268 and being MVP in the final while brother Hemnarine got his for a scintillating 217 in the semi-final.
Other special prizes went to former Guyana opener Krishna Arjune for his innings of 169, left-arm spinner Mahadeo Moonasar for two six-wicket hauls, Riyad Sattaur for claiming five wickets and Azhad Amidon for scoring 102. Sattaur, a veteran member of the club, was also lauded for his loyalty and dedication over the years.
The SCA also took the opportunity to hand over the Premier League trophy to the HACC since it had arrived from Guyana after its presentation ceremony which took place on October 19. On hand to do the honours were president Deo Samaroo and treasurer Vish Jadunauth. It was acquired through Trophy Stall Guyana.
Journalists Frederick Halley and Ravendra Madholall of Guyana Chronicle and Guyana/Caribbean Times respectively, were commended for the coverage during the season and received tokens of appreciation.
The wives and partners of the players and executives were also recognised for their respective roles in the club.
First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.