Birmingham Eagles soar at Penang Sixes

Birmingham Eagles made the long flight more than worthwhile when it took out last month's Penang Sixes. Here V.Murali provides all the details.

"The Penang Sports Club hosted yet another highly successful International Cricket Sixes tournament between 3-5 December, 1999 - this being the fifth successive event.

Among participating teams were Birmingham Eagles (United Kingdom), Singapore Cricket Club "A", Singapore C.C. "B", Virginians (Bombay), Royal Bangkok Sports Club (Thailand), Royal Selangor Club and MANZA [Kuala Lumpur], Royal Ipoh Club, Silver State C.C. (KL), Kilat Kelab (KL), Royal Australian Air Force, Sunday Cricket Club, Mubai and SSR Petaling Jaya (all Malaysia).

The two groups of competition were closely contested.

In the semi-finals, Royal Ipoh Club lost to Birmingham Eagles, while Singapore CC A beat Royal Selangor Club.

In the final, Birmingham Eagles scoring 70 runs, sprang a surprise by beating tournament favourite Singapore CC A (who could only manage 49 runs) to emerge as 1999 Cup champions. Asif Mohamad of Birmingham Eagles, who top scored with 35 runs in the final, also won the Player of the Tournament award.

Kilat Kelab KL won the Plate competition by beating MANZA (KL). MANZA only managed a total of 35 runs against Kilat's 56 runs. Avtar Singh top scored in the finals with 19 runs.

The guest of honor for this year's competition was YAM Tunk Tan Sri Imran (Malaysian Olympic Council President and President of Malaysian Cricket Association). He also consented that the trophy be henceforth called the Tunku Imran Cup.

Darwin Cricket Club who are a regular at the Sixes were unable to make it this year due to their own club celebrations. However they arrived here two weeks earlier to play a 11 a side game with Penang Sports Club.

The tentative date for this year's tournament is 15-17 Dec. However, this is subject to confirmation upon getting feedback from participating teams.

If any sides are also interested in coming here to play friendly games, they may contact me for arrangements. Penang is a popular stop for most of the visiting teams to Malaysia. We just had Pembrooks School from Adelaide stop by for three games.

It is evident that the PSC Sixes continues to gain in strength, stature and popularity and we look forward to inviting more teams this year."