Our Correspondent Mokokchung | January 5 The 25th MDCA T20 Cricket Tournament 2016 organized by the Mokokchung District Cricket Association (MDCA) opened here today at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung with twelve teams vying for the coveted trophy. In the first match of the tournament, defending champion Titans CC players overwhelmed Sovran Kings. Electing to bat first, Titans CC put up a huge target of 169 runs from the allotted 20 over. Longsasunep (51 runs) of Titans CC scored the first half century of this year's tournament. Chasing the target, Sovran Kings got off to a brilliant start with their opening batmen reaching the team’s 50 runs mark in just 5 over. But with the introduction of Longsasunep (3/19) into the bowling attack, the Sovran Kings batting order collapsed eventually falling short of the target by 42 runs. Titans won the match comprehensively and started their title defence on a positive note. In the second match of the day, Sovran CC defeated Suzerain CC by 9 wickets. Suzerain batting first could manage to score only 99 runs with Sunep contributing 33 runs for his team. Tiaakum (3/12) was the pick of the bowlers for Sovran CC. Chasing the target Sovran's opener batsman Jonathan R Longkumer (20 runs), Michael (45 not out) and Tejasol (30 not out) made the Suzerain bowling attack look dreary as they chased down the target in just 9 overs. Earlier during the day, the President of the MDCA, Er. Chubatoshi speaking at the brief inaugural programme said that cricket was unlike any other game and maintained it was a game of “patience, temperance, tolerance, discipline, resolute and determination.” He further urged the youngsters, especially the upcoming local cricketers, to take inspiration, take up the game of cricket and convince the world that it is a good game. The programme was chaired by chaired by Merensunep while MDCA Treasurer said the Benediction. The most interesting part would be the participation of renowned cricketers who are playing in the national arena, and expected to dominate the pitch during the ten day tournament. All eyes will be on Jonathan Rongsen, Hokaito Zhimomi and other Ranji Trophy players who would be participating at the tournament as team members of different cricket clubs. The tournament, which is free, is open to all. The MDCA has further invited all cricket lovers and sportsmen of Mokokchung to witness the tournament, which will be one of kind, where even national players, will be at the crease, anticipating for the pace of the fast bowlers. Meanwhile, the Mokokchung District Cricket Association has expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the participating teams and all those involved, in making the inaugural function of the 25th MDCA T20 Cricket Tournament 2016 a grand success. Match Day 2 Fixture on January 6 1st Match - Rolling Ball vs Skylark CC (8 am) 2nd Match - Brotherhood vs Climbers Grip (11:30 am)
