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THE first-ever ‘Bowl for a Mo’ seven-a-side tournament was played at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club (BRFC), with the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) team emerging victorious.
The tournament, which raised awareness about men’s physical and mental health as part of the global Movember commemoration, drew eight teams playing in a knockout format last Saturday.
Started in 2003 by Australians Travis Farone and Luke Slattery, Movember has grown into a worldwide movement.
Although initially the main hallmark of the month was growing out a moustache during November, the initiative now supports men’s prostate cancer research and awareness, as well as mental health initiatives geared specifically to men.
Many of BRFC’s male members have been growing out their moustaches during the month and the tournament gave them an opportunity to show them off, while expressing solidarity for the cause.
In addition to the EDB squad, seven other teams including St Christopher’s School, BRFC Sevens, British School of Bahrain and Middlesex Schools also played in the tournament.
The final saw EDB face off against the St Christopher’s team. Winning the toss and electing to bat, EDB Captain Ali Murtaza led from the front. Although initially cautious, Murtaza quickly turned aggressive, bludgeoning 26 off 11 balls.
The batters’ offensive helped the EDB reach an imposing total of 92 runs for two wickets from the allotted six overs.
Despite the efforts of star batsman Ayaan Khan, St Christopher’s were always behind the required run rate, thanks to Shan and Ubaid, the latter taking two wickets in his single over.
The defeated finalists had the consolation of having players awarded top prizes as best batsman, Ayaan Khan, and best bowler, Leon Mauer.
Despite showing tremendous consistency throughout the competition, St Christopher’s and EDB came into their own in their respective semi-finals. With the scores tied on 61-2, the match went to a super-over that helped the school secure victory.
Ayaan Khan blitzed 16 runs from the first four balls to help St Christopher’s set a target of 18 before Mauer turned supernova and took two wickets from the first two balls to end the contest, matching the double he took during the regulation game.
Brad Worrall scooped the award for best fielder, thanks to his lightning-fast hands and cat-like reflexes.
The Plate Competition was won by the BRFC Sevens’ squad. Showing no side effect from their opening-round defeat to the EDB, the team easily outclassed the Golden Oldies in the semi-final.
In the Plate Competition final against the British School of Bahrain, powerful hitting from Brad Worrall (30 off 10 balls) and Martin Prinsloo (31 off 11) saw the BRFC team set an imposing target of 92 from six overs.
Tight bowling from captain Cobus Grierson, with a stunning double-wicket maiden with Tian Jacobs, kept the BSB batters on the defensive. Ben Poole put up the only resistance to the BRFC Sevens with a stylish 20 off 9 balls.
The competition also witnessed the return to cricket of visiting England rugby international player Delon Armitage, who played at wing or fullback for French rugby union team Lyon Olympique Universitaire, before retiring.
Demonstrating the skills that saw him represent Middlesex Schools, he used his 1.91m height to generate pace and bounce along while his safe hands under a high ball ensured a fine catch.
Unfortunately for his adoring fans he was unable to help his team past the all-conquering EDB team in the semi-final. Club President Michael Stapleton was present to hand out the awards and thank the sponsors.
The BRFC Red Crickets squad will be in Dubai this weekend competing and will hope to again bring home some silverware.
