Cricket

Convenor: Lee Slater | Article by: Christian Stobbs

Not since 2008 have we been able to say this: the Club 1st XI, the Lions, are the champions of Singapore. What a moment for the Club to celebrate and, as I write, a ‘victory lap’ festival is scheduled for one Sunday at Stumps. Indeed, as the name of our august institution suggests, cricket is central to our Club and it is only fitting that SCC is once again national champions. The road to victory has been rather a romp, with the Lions having won all seven of their games played so far this season. The final game on Sunday is against SRC Kings and captain Arit’s army are resolutely focused on ensuring a clean sweep. Whilst it has been a team effort, individual highlights have been Aditya Mallik registering 305 runs (the highest total in the league) at an average of 76, and Sachin Banamali and Anish Paraam topping the wickets table with 13 apiece. But it is cricket, in the great majesty of the Padang, that has been the winner in 2022. Not only has the full league season made a comeback after a two-year hiatus, but we have launched a ladies team for the first time. That, rather than a national title for the men, will rightly be considered the greater milestone for Singapore cricket in 2022. Led by national captain Diviya GK, the ladies team held regular training session during the first half of the year, before making their debut on the Padang in a T15 game vs. CSC on 17 July. A goal of the Cricket Section Committee this season has been to get as many people as possible playing cricket this year. At the end of the year, the launch of the ladies team should be deemed the crowning glory of that quest. Across the wider Section, we have fielded six other SCC teams in the men’s league this season. In Division 1, the Tigers remain in charge of their own destiny despite a recent loss as they lead the title chase. The young Cougars squad are also still in the race too. In Division 2, the Cheetahs are riding a five game winning streak and are well in contention for the title. The Panthers and Jaguars have endured mixed seasons in Division 3, but both have had impressive wins in recent games. Our U21 Pumas side have had a fantastic start in Division 5 with just one lost across the first six matches. We’ve also had a regular dollop of Club XI fixtures, which continue to provide plenty of opportunity for those outside the league teams. Lastly, we must also toast the faithful veterans of our Saturday XI side. Week in, week out, they provide huge opportunity for senior cricket participation, tirelessly playing more games than any other SCC team and, equally tirelessly, ensuring they top the table of the Section’s F&B spend. All this, and more, will be celebrated at the Section’s AGM and Dinner on 5 November. Registration is via TeamApp and we look forward to a full house for a very spirited occasion. Majulah Singapore Cricket!