The Kumar Rampat Cricket Academy (KRCA) did T&T proud after they won the 2019 Under-17 US Open T20 title at the Central Broward Regional Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Monday.
They defeated the Ontario Reds, Canada to wrest the trophy from them. The Ontario Reds were the U-17 Champions in the 2018 US Open.
The tournament is an eleven year old one organized by Maq Qureshi to provide a platform for cricket lovers of North America. The tournament has grown to the point of having teams from all over the Caribbean.
In the final fixture, KRCA scored a patient, meticulously carved 160/5 from 20 overs. Aaron Bankay and Ackeem Auguste both added 60 runs for the first wicket in an even number of balls.
Their innings characterized great patience, high skill levels, huge determination and resilience aided by a mature and clever approach. In their response, the Ontario started with a very aggressive approach scoring at ten and over for the first four overs, but were soon in the dog-hole when they lost a quick four wickets.
The KRCA outfit never faltered in their bowling or fielding. In the final, as throughout the tournament, they appeared a well-oil machine designed to destroy any opposition.
Their approach and execution was clinical and their on-field game analysis and implementation was spot on. Their fielding, catching and throwing left many amazed and confused that such a group of youngsters can be so united in spirit and body.
Led by coach Vasudev Rampat the team was head and shoulders above the rest in the Youth Category. Speaking to Guardian Media Rampat said: “KRCA management salutes all players and the dozens of inductees who comprised several of the other teams participating in both the U-15 and U-17 and Senior categories.
“We also thank the management of the US Open Youth Cricket Tournament for so painstakingly sticking with this programme and bringing it to the point of an international fixture.”
CAPTION: CHAMPIONS! Proud members of the KRCA team celebrate with their US Open Trophy at the Sheraton Hotel in Fort Laudedale. From left – Back row KRCA Manager Ajay Maharaj, Tristan Gray, Sajjid Karim, Anderson Mahase, Adrian Ragoonanan, Ackeem Auguste, Dominic Roberts, Coach Vasudev Rampat
Left from front- Anthony Khan, Shazad Mohammed, Aaron Bankay (Captain), Darren Samlal, Amrit Dass, Ajay Gainda.
