Wokha, January 7 (MExN): Royal Strikers overcame GAPYOCC (Green) by 5 wickets to be crowned champions of the 21st edition of Winter Cricket Challenge organised by Senior Noble Klan. The final on Saturday at the Local Ground, Wokha, two-time GAPYOCC (Green) won the toss and elected to bat and were off to a solid start with opening batsmen, Ganesh and Yanrenthung scoring 46 and 25 runs. However, the middle and tail-enders collapsed and except for Santsuthung (18 runs) and Debojit (15), none of the others could offer much. The last of the GAPYOCC batsman was bowled out in the last delivery of the inning having set a victory target of 123 runs. Royal’s Sajid and Roshan led the bowling attack with 3 wickets each while Vicky also claimed 2 wickets. Chasing the target at a run rate of just over 6 per over, Royal Strikers reached the target in the 18th over of the match losing 5 wicket. The tournament’s highest run scorer, Hemari Teron made the Royal’s task seem easy with a solid knock of 47 runs. He was assisted by Jubin Doley, who scored 34, and Roshan, who chipped in with 17 runs. Bivakar, Dipankar and Vinato claimed a wicket each for GAPYOCC. The closing ceremony was graced by Orenvungo Ovung, SDO, Electrical who gave away the trophies. It may be noted that from the semifinal onward, all the sixes of the tournament were worth Rs. 500 each sponsored by K N Mhonthung Humtsoe and altogether, 30 sixes were accumulated. The proceeds of this will be donated to HIV/ AIDS Campaign in the district as the tournament was organised with the theme “Bowl out HIV/AIDS”. Individual prizes Man of the Tournament: Hemari Teron (Royal Strikers) Man of the Final Match: Sajid Khan (Royal Strikers) Best Batsman: Renjanthung (LCYO) Best Spinner: Sajid Khan (Royal Striker)
