Vagabonds and Willow Wielders triumph at 2009 Private Capital Hong Kong Cricket Festival

Another glorious day of sunshine drenched the cricketers on Finals Day of the Private Capital Hong Kong Cricket Festival 2009 being played at Mission Road, Kowloon.

Twenty teams were competing in Men's and Women's competitions in this eighth edition of the annual international, inter club tournament.

Play remarkably got underway on time in the morning following a night of superb food and great company at a packed Festival Gala Dinner held at Spice Restaurant. Carlsberg and Thirsty Horse wines were free flowing and a great night was had by all, which for many continued into the small hours.

The early start clearly agreed with the CBB SKs who were drawn in the first match of the day versus Frenz CC, and though they were perhaps more subdued than usual they got up to defeat the keen HK side in a low scoring match by defending their score of 45 by restricting the Frenz batsmen to just 40. Wally Pohl had batted flamboyantly reaching 23 not out, though Abishek and Vicky of Frenz only went for 3 runs each.

It was the start of a good day for the CBB SKs who made the Plate final following an exceptional win over a strong Kai Tak team when Bully and Cat bowled their overs for just 7 and 5 runs respectively to defend their modest total of 59 with 5 runs to spare.

Lamma CC 2 also earned a berth in the Plate Final with an entertaining with over the Bashers. Lamma posted a challenging 74 runs, Mark Burns leading the way with a breezy 29. Despite a spirited effort, which included 33 not out from Kevin 'Cassius' Wright, the Shanghai outfit fell 7 runs short of their target.

HKCC Willow Wielders had a comfortable win over the Singapore Slingers, to confirm their place in the Womens Final. Lamma CC had the tightest of victories over Custom Cockatoos when a late charge by the Adelaide girls saw them tie scores with the Lamma side, only to go down on wicket countback.

So two former festival champions, HKCC and Lamma CC lined up in the Womens Division final. Lamma, without skipper Neisha Pratt who was missing due to injury, put on a reasonable 49 runs with Emma Philipps top scoring on 22 not out. Mariko Hill was the pick of the bowlers taking 1 wicket for just 5 runs. Despite losing Natasha for just 4 the Willow Wielders dug deep and tied the scores with a frantic 3 runs off the last ball and they took the final and the Women's Division title on wicket countback. Chan Sau Ha top scored with 22 not out and earned the Player of the Final award.

In the Cup, Vagabonds had a good win over the Shanghai Dragons which propelled them into the Cup Final. Joining them were the CBB SCs who'd earlier registered a good win over an enthusiastic GAC Blades team.

Bowl action saw a gritty final match between HKCC Taverners and Custom Cockatoos, both teams determined to do well. Taverners put on a respectable 66 runs, Ian 'Ginge' Farrar retiring on 30, despite a remarkable over from Hollywood of the 'Toos who took 3 wickets for 2 runs in his over. The Australians lifted the Bowl title in their first Festival appearance by chasing down the target with 3 balls to spare Hollywood impressing with the bat with 24 not out and Tuk Bok doing damage in his innings of 26.

CBB SK's arguable upset the form guide by beating Lamma CC 2 in the Plate final by again turning in a solid bowling performance after having posted 64 in their innings. Wally Pohl took 2 wickets for 9 runs in the first over to put Lamma 2 on the backfoot and they never recovered despite a valiant 24 from Ravi Chopra. It was a popular win for the CBBers who played throughout the tournament in retro World Series Aussie shirts and musical Santa hats.

The Cup final turned out to be a little one sided with the impressive Vags putting on 79 runs, Babar being pick of the batsmen with 34 not out off just 6 balls. The Vags bowling was too strong for the CBBers who lost both openers early and despite fightbacks by Reds and Jim Chaudry could only muster 51 in reply, for Vagabonds to lift the Cup for the first time.

It was a fantastic 8th annual Private Capital Hong Kong Cricket Festival 2009 which enjoyed glorious weather over 3 days and excellent cricket conditions. The tournament saw the welcome return of the women's division which proved a big hit, and 15 mens teams enjoyed the camaraderie and positive spirit.

The Custom Cockatoos were presented with the Spirit of Cricket award for their general, all round contribution to the good cheer. Rizwan Sattar earned the Player of the Tournament trophy in the mens competition and Renee Montgomery was Player of the Tournament in the Women's Division.

We look forward to another fantastic Festival in 2010! Don't miss it!

Official Website: www.hkcricketfestival.com

The first Festival was held at Hong Kong Cricket Club in 2002.

The 2004 Hong Kong Festival won a prestigious award from the International Cricket Council for helping to develop women's cricket in the region.

The Festival is part of the Asian Cricket Sixes Tour circuit of quality club cricket events which includes tournaments in Phuket, the Philippines, China, Australia, Singapore and Vietnam.