V.K. SANTOSH KUMAR
With cricket grounds scarce in Singapore, playing the sport on beaches could become an option for the diehards.
Of course, the sand and the sea does not replicate a true green outfield, but they still provide a lot of fun.
This was witnessed last Saturday, when Misfits Cricket Club, a social outfit, held its annual beach cricket tournament at Tanjong Beach on Sentosa.
Fourteen teams participated, including the Singapore Cricket Club and one from across the Causeway.
Players showed their cricketing prowess on a green matting pitch, where the hard tennis ball came on a bit slow after pitching.
“The idea is not to take the games seriously, but to have a laugh while being out in the sun,” said Prash Pandit, captain of Sluggers, a team of rugby coaches. “All of us are from Australia and this is the kind of cricket we enjoy there during weekends.”
It is also an occasion to meet old friends who have a common passion for cricket.
“During the Covid years, it was difficult to meet on the cricket field,” said Ralston Thiedeman, captain of Jolly Wallabies, a side from Johor Bahru. “This tournament offers an opportunity to renew friendships, share news and have beers and good food out in the open while the matches go on.”
According to Ramesh Pandey, a seasoned Misfits player, the tournament was started in 2007 with the intention to bring families together.
“Throughout the year, our wives and children give us permission to play cricket for a full day on weekends. This is an opportunity to also include them in the joy of the sport and say thank you for their support,” he said.
Several family members were among the spectators last Saturday loudly cheering and clapping, including homemaker Sapna Sound and her daughter Vani who were out to support “our dad” Manu.
“It’s really a cheerful atmosphere,” said Sapna. “You enjoy the sun, sea, sand and the camaraderie.”
Bra Boys, a bunch of Aussie guys, won the tournament six times since they joined in 2009. But 2023 was not to be their year.
They lost to eventual winners Yiolio in the semi-final.
“December is celebration time and this is the way to close off the year,” said captain Adam Martin. “This is the best social cricket tournament in Singapore.”
Yiolio beat ANZA in a closely-fought final, with the winners taking home a conch trophy.
“In 2021, we finished second. This year we crossed the line,” said Yiolio skipper Pramodh Raja, a former national player. “It was a great day of cricket, with banter and friends coming together to indulge in a sport they love.”
V.K. Santosh Kumar
