The Sunday before the opening of a new season often allows players a moment to reflect on the harsh months ahead of sacrifice and hard work with hope of victory bringing about the end of the weekend. However, this Sunday symbolised the celebration of the energy and dedication being put in to the new season by the Chinese Cricketers. 31 players of all levels came together to enjoy the 2^nd Chinese TapeBall Competition in pursuit of beating the Playground Panthers to their second title.

The Playground Panthers, The Launchers, Boundary Blasters, Chilli Kings and Warriors once again took the field and played a truly competitive tournament. The Playground Panthers who played well in the previous edition could not continue their great form with only one win from four. Although they did provide the highlight of the day when young Oscar Wong, a 7 year old leg spinner, not only made up numbers for his dad’s team but took several key wickets and important runs contributing to his Men’s Player of the Tournament award.

Both the Warriors and the Launchers kept up the good fight in the competition but inconsistent performances meant they fell behind the two finalists of the day, the Boundary Bashers and Chilli Kings. Recognition is duly deserved for Kary Chan who won the Women’s Player of the Tournament award as she executed well with the bat and took crucial wickets with her mix of left arm seam and spin.

Ka U Lynn’s Boundary Bashers hit the ground running with 3 wins in a row with star batsman Ming Li retiring on 15 regularly and Skipper Ka U, who racked up wickets and dot balls for fun, contributing heavily to those wins. The Chilli Kings, led by Danny Lee, had a less than satisfactory start. After being bowled out for 15 in their first game, the Kings fought to win big for the next three games. The final between the two proved to be an express affair with the Blasters being bowled out for 23 and the Chilli Kings winning their 4^th game in a row with ease.

The next competition represents a “cherry on top” to what promises to be an exciting end to the 2018-19.