EMCC crowned 2014 UKMCL Champions

Eastham Malayalee Club (EMCC) defeated KCWA by 70 runs in the last league match on Saturday in Croydon to clinch the 2014 title for a 6th time.
EMCC captian Reji Gangadharan won the toss and elected to bat on a sunny day with the match reduced to 30 overs.  EMCC knew they had to win the match to clinch the title. It was evident that anything apart from a win will see them finish second in the league. All the players were determined to win the match for their evergreen captain Reji Gangadharan who has lifted the UKMCL league title more times than any other captain in the history of UKMCL League.
 
Openers Ashish and Sujith proved batting first was the right decision by putting a half century partnership for the first wicket.  Ashish in particular was brutal to the KCWA opening bowlers by karting them for boundaries at will. He raised to 36 within no time. Along with hitting boundaries their running between the wickets was excellent.
In the 9th over with EMCC score on 58 Ashish got caught on the boundary at extra cover trying to loft the bowler out of the park. Sujith was soon joined Jofin at the crease.  They then put on another half century partnership by playing calmly and sensibility to take EMCC score to 118 in 20 overs.
Sujith bought up his 2nd half century of the season.  He was then disastrously run out at 54.This meant EMCC were in a good position to launch an attack in the last 10 overs with plenty of wickets in hand.

But KCWA captain the stuck back by removing Sarath and Riaz in the same over to take EMCC score to 118 for 4. KCWA were confident of restricting EMCC to a low score, but EMCC batsmen had other ideas. Especially Siju, who was in no mood to be dominated by the KCWA bowlers.
He initially steadied the innings and then launched a savage attack on KCWA bowlers with ample support from the lower order batsmen.  Siju scored a quick fire 30 before getting caught going for another extravagant shot.

 Although EMCC were losing wickets the batmen they kept the score board ticking by taking quick singles and hitting boundaries. Richie, Shiya, Aneesh and Amjath chipped in with quick fire scores by blasting KCWA bowlers to all part of the ground.  Richie slapped one of the KCWA bowler for a six to long off with a cross court pull. While Anish and Amjath were finding boundaries at will.
 Emcc were eventually all out for 196 in the final ball of the 30 over innings. EMCC captain was quietly confident of defending the score with the devastating bowling attack he had up his sleeve.
After a 20 minute break EMCC took to the field with one hand on the League title confident they can defend the score. Opening bowlers Sujith and Siju did not disappoint their captain by bowling a mean spell and removing 3 of KCWA’S top order batsmen cheaply. Whist Siju was tormenting the batsmen with pace, Sujith was canny and shrewd using the slope on the pitch to his advantage. Sarath then pulled of a stunning catch at long off, just inches away from the boundary line to see the back of KCWA star batsman. He judged the catch to absolute perfection and showed great composure under pressure.  Sujith completed his spell of 6 overs giving away just 20 runs and took 2 wickets.  
With KCWA batsman struggling to find any rhythm Reji Gangadharan brought Ashish and Shiya in to the attack. Both bowlers produced superb spells of bowling.  Shiya then took his first wicket, courtesy of another stunning and well-judged catch by Aneesh.  Shiya with his excellent line and length gave away just 11 runs in his 6 overs picking up a wicket. Whist Ashish at the other end had KCWA batsman ducking for cover. He was equally effective by only giving away 12 runs in his 5 overs and picked up a wicket.  
With KCWA on the ropes Reji  gangadharan brought himself on to bowl. EMCC players hanging on to every catch coming their way, it was Riaz’s turn to shine. He pulled off another high catch running backwards and sun shining in to his eyes to give the captain his first wicket.
EMCC were running through the KCWA batting line up like knife through butter. With Amjith in to the attack there was no chance of any fight back from the KCWA batsman. He then wrapped up the KCWA innings with 3 wickets in 4 overs giving away just 9 runs. Another Emcc player grabbing the opportunity with both hands given by the EMCC captain. KCWA were all out for 126 giving EMCC victory by 70 runs and thereby the UKMCL league title.
 
It was a clinical performance by EMCC with every single player contributing to the victory equally. Captain Reji Gangadharan praised the team for their professionalism and the unity which enabled them to pull though at difficult times during the season.  Captain also thanked the official sponsors ‘UK Study Link’ and ‘Thattukada’ restaurant for their support during the season
The entire team then proceeded to Thattukada for a celebratory meal, where they were congratulated by the renowned actor and director of the Malayalam film industry Mr Lal.