Winter is fast approaching — but the cricketing spirit of the International Royals Cricket Club will live long in the memory after a historic 2025 season.
As the 2025 campaign reached its climax back in early September, within the International Royals CC, the anticipation was high.
Having already secured the top spot in DFDS Weekend Division 1 40-overs league title with a game to spare and the DFDS Division 2 T20 title, the focus shifted to the Division 2 35 overs finals, where all eyes were on the decisive match against a young and promising Old Victorians CC 3rd XI — a game that could seal a third title for the Royals in a remarkable season.
DFDS Division 2 Final
Despite having clinched the Division 2 title in both 2023 and 2024, the Royals knew past victories wouldn’t guarantee success — they needed to bring their best game against a strong OV’s. On a bright, summer-like September morning at the National Cricket Centre at Grainville, a ground familiar with high stakes cricket, the Royals won the toss and opted to bat first, setting the stage for what promised to be a thrilling contest.
The Royals didn’t get off to the best start however, losing two early wickets within the first four overs with just 26 runs on the scoreboard. The middle order attempted to stabilize the innings but were consistently disrupted by OV’s disciplined bowling attack.
The lower order tried to rebuild, but the team was eventually bowled out for 151 in the 31st over, Vishal Sancheti top scoring with 27 while the impressive young OV paceman James Wiseman claimed 4 wickets for just 24 runs with the ball.
Defending a modest total, the Royals needed something extraordinary with the ball — and their opening bowlers had to deliver. The pace duo of Mark Queree and Tayyab Ali rolled their sleeves up and got to work, tearing through the young OV’s top order, reducing them to 27 for 7 by the 10th over. The collapse continued, and OV’s were soon struggling at 37 for 9 by the 13th over.
The Old Victorians showed some fight, as the final wicket pairing of Brandon Le Brock (24*) and Tristan Yagambaram (16) added a courageous partnership of 48 runs. However, the innings wrapped up in the 19th over., Queree claiming the final wicket to seal a brilliant five-wicket haul, while Tayyab took four and was named Player of the Match.
The Royals 2nds team fielding was inspired, providing three one handed catches to contribute to the win. What began with nervous anticipation ended in triumph — the Royals Division 2 team not only defended their title but celebrated a third consecutive championship win.
DFDS Division 1 Final
In the DFDS Division 1 – 40 overs fixture, although the result wouldn’t impact the standings, the Royals International CC 1st Xl faced Old Victorians CC 2nd Xl at FB Fields on Sunday afternoon in a rain-affected encounter.
The match turned into a showcase of impressive batting from both sides. After winning the toss, the Royals chose to bat first, and a superb unbeaten 128 from Abhishek Hongekar powered them to a competitive total of 232 for 5 in a reduced 35-over game.
In response, the OV’s openers began steadily. Island fast bowler Theo Pullman was promoted to open the batting and he anchored the innings expertly to reach his maiden century (101). Supported by valuable contributions from other batters, the team successfully chased down the target in the 34th over and won the match by 8 wickets.
A historic moment
The defeat didn’t dampen the Royals’ spirit — in fact, the championship titles marked a historic moment for the club. Since its founding in 2011, the Royals had long aspired to lift the Division 1 40 over trophy, and now, that dream has finally become a reality. A milestone achievement that will be remembered for years to come.
Reflecting on the occasion, the Club’s founder member, secretary, and a key player, Yezdi Patel said: “ It is a Dream come true, thanks to the belief and manifestation of the players and senior members of the club who believed and played for this day to come.”
With three trophies secured this season, the Royals teams had every reason to feel proud. Their performances embodied the spirit of their name — “Royals” — living up to it in every sense, even if it is just for the moment. It was a season marked by achievement, unity, and well-earned celebration.
