On July 11, the Niagara College Knights cricket team celebrated a win on home turf while hosting an Ontario Colleges Recreation tournament at the Niagara Cricket Centre.
The Knights played an impressive tournament going 3-0 in round robin play with wins over St. Lawrence College (65-64), Sheridan College (86-85) and Mohawk College (77-74).
With the finals being cancelled due to the weather, the Knights were declared co-champions with the Sheridan Bruins.
Knights cricket players Sahil Mehta (left) and Akash Shambhudas (middle) compete on July 11
Players of the Match from the day included NC’s Sahil Mehta in Match 1, and Aakash Arora, Knights Captain, in both Matches 2 and 3. Vice-Captain Ishan Patel and Ronan Wijegunaratne from the Knights were among the top bowlers of the tournament. A special mention to Krish Khatra for contributing to the win against Mohawk by hitting a 4- and a 6- in his last two bats of the match.
NC’s extramural cricket team was formed earlier this year in response to a strong demand and interest in the sport from international students. The 15-player team is made up of students representing multiple countries and speaking five different languages and has received support from the Athletics and Student Engagement and International departments.
Staff leads Geoffrey Benoit, Intercollegiate Coordinator with Athletics, and Nattalie Boverhof, International Student Engagement Co-ordinator, have been working together to organize logistics for the team all season. The pair also planned the July 11 tournament event.
“I would like to thank Niagara College who organized this amazing cricket tournament and gave us the opportunity to participate,” said Captain Aakash Arora from Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India. “I am also very thankful to Geoff (Benoit), Ishan (Patel) and the rest of my team for giving me the responsibility to lead the team. The tournament was very exciting and finishing as the table topper was a very good feeling.”
“It is such a proud moment to represent our college and to be involved with a team that is very competitive and that has so much potential to be the best,” said Ronan Wijegunaratne, who was born in Sri Lanka and raised in Dubai, UAE. “The leadership team, and the support staff we have, has always helped us and given us opportunities to grow and develop our game, which has helped us a lot as a team and as individuals. The Niagara T10 (tournament) was a great opportunity to showcase the class of our players and the cricket we play.”
The Knights finished as the table topper (first after the round robin) at NC’s tournament on July 11.
While the team has been enjoying its success on the cricket pitch this summer, the players have appreciated the opportunity for connection just as much.
“Competing in the tournament was a thrilling rollercoaster ride. The energy and camaraderie among our teammates were electric. We faced tough opponents and overcame challenges, which brought us closer together as a unit,” said Dilraj Mohammad from Khanna City, Punjab, India.
“Being a part of this team has given me a sense of belonging and a platform to grow, not only as an athlete but also as an individual. I’m honoured to have worn the Niagara College (cricket) jersey and to contribute to our collective success,” added Mohammad.
“From having 130+ players for trials and being selected was a huge moment, and to create a family atmosphere within the team as well,” said Wijegunaratne. “Huge thanks to Ishan (Patel), Aakash (Arora), Coach Tom (Fisher – former NC Recreation Coordinator), Coach Geoffrey (Benoit) and the entire team for the support and dedication.”
Related:
InsideNC article: Cheer on NC’s cricket team on July 11
June 16 YourTV segment: Watch a segment featuring VP International Sean Coote and team Vice-Captain Ishan Patel
InsideNc article: Taking it to the pitch – NC’s cricket team takes on Brock in championship game June 6
