Date:26/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/26/stories/2008022660721800.htm

Sport - Cricket

Metro CC retains The Hindu Trophy

Special Correspondent

— Photo: K.R. Deepak

THE CHAMPIONS: Metro CC cricket team, winner of The Hindu Trophy cricket tournament in Visakhapatnam on Monday.

VISAKHAPATNAM: Metro CC retained The Hindu Trophy cricket title defeating East Coast Railway Sports Association (E.Co.R. SA) by 145 runs in the final of the 15th edition of the annual prize money tournament at the ACA-VDCA Stadium here on Monday.

Metro CC skipper and off-spinner K. Naga Gangadhar turned the match his team’s way by claiming five wickets for 13 runs. Earlier, Metro CC was given a good start after opting to bat first. P. Chandrasekhar made a fine half-century (58, 6x4) and put on 69 with the other opener K. Harikrishna (27, 3x4) and 43 for the next wicket with S. Kranti Kumar (40, 3x4).

Later on, S. Ramesh stayed till the end with an unbeaten 43 (5x4) to push the score along. K. Naga Gangadhar was adjudged the Man of the Match and received a cash award of Rs. 750. Metro CC received prize money of Rs. 10,000, while E.Co.R. SA was given Rs. 5,000. Former Rector of Andhra University and sports writer and commentator, A. Prasanna Kumar, gave away the trophies and prizes.

The scores: Metro CC 226 in 49.5 overs (P. Chandrasekhar 58, S. Ramesh 43 n.o., S. Kranti Kumar 40) bt E.Co. R. SA 81 in 33.3 overs (K. Naga Gangadhar five for 13). Man of the Match: K. Naga Gangadhar.

The following received special awards and a cash award of Rs. 500 each: D. Narendra Kumar (best batsman), M.N. Vikram Varma (best bowler), H. Vatekar (Visakhapatnam Port Sports Council) (best all-rounder).

Sportstar Player of the Tournament (prize money of Rs. 1,000): B. Sumanth (Metro CC).