Exhibition match unites cricket clubs

Emdad Rahman reports on a friendly match between
Scintilla CC and PJ Hindu Gymkhana.

As part of a newly developing friendship between the two clubs, Scintilla Cricket Club was the host for an exhibition game played at Mayesbrook Park against touring Indian team PJ Hindu Gymkhana of Mumbai.

The P.J. Hindu Gymkhana stands as a monument of progress and singular achievement in Indian sport.  With the passing of generations, the discovery of new stars and a growing awareness of sports, the Hindu Gymkhana has transcended the barriers of communalistic tentacles and is now a home to cricket, tennis, billiards, badminton and table tennis for all.

The visitors showed their mettle to beat their hosts. Joint men of the match were captain Megh Athwariya, who top scored with 57, and Hrithik, who took five wickets. The visitors’ chair, Kayol Athwariya, said: “Today is a special day. We have been overwhelmed by the welcome of our hosts and it has been a pleasure to play at Mayesbrook Park. We wish Scintilla well for the future and hope they retain the Essex County Cricket League Premier Division Championship.”

The exhibition game ended with a presentation from the club and dinner for everyone present. Members of the Camden Abu Dis Friendship Association also attended with three Palestinian youth, who mingled with the players and supporters and gave a short presentation about life in Palestine. Hakam Abu-Hilal from Abu Dis said: “It has been really nice watching everyone play openly, with friendliness and also in a safe environment. Life for young people like me is very different but we are inspired and have learnt lots by being here today.”

His fellow visitor Momen Taha added: “Life in Palestine is very different and sport is one area where we really struggle to participate in, whether it is travelling, training or competing. It is my dream that one day our young people will be able to freely exercise and enjoy recreational activities.”

Scintilla club captain Ahmed Choudhury said: “It has been a pleasure hosting all our visitors today. I would like to thank our vistors, team and volunteers for making this a special day.”