INTERNATIONAL Royals have gone back to back by winning the Division 1 40 Over crown on Sunday and securing their first 40 Over/T20 League double in the club’s history.
Club founding member, Yezdi Patel expressed his immense pride in his club, saying: “Winning it once was a dream come true – retaining the league title is a statement.”
Needing a convincing win to seal the title, the Royals produced a brutal batting display to thump Walkovers 2s by 158 runs and snatch the title away from Farmers 2s at the final hurdle.
This win seals their second 40 Over title in as many years after winning the league for the first time last season.
In Patel’s words: “This was only possible as a result of the passion and togetherness of the players within the club. We have backed each other through the bad days and the leaders have ensured we played as a team.
“The determination was there to be seen. It was a much harder league win this time round with due credit to all the other clubs for being so competitive.
“Having completed the Division 1 league double (T20 and 40 overs in the same season) for the first time in our history is an unbelievable feeling.
“I am so proud of what our club has achieved, especially being fully self funded. Each and every one of our members is a true champion who has helped us indeed live up to the name of the International Royals.”
After losing the toss and being sent in, the Royals lost wickets steadily early thanks to some impressive efforts from the young Walkovers bowling unit.
Despite some difficulties with extras, they picked up regular wickets, opener Vishal Sancheti’s 32 the only score of note in the top five.
However, the introduction of Tejpal Ambekallu and captain Anosh Thampi with the team in trouble at 97 for 5 proved the game changer.
The pair added 68 for the sixth wicket, before Thampi then combined with Nehal Naik to add a further 97 runs for the seventh wicket.
Thampi was excellent for his 43, but Naik’s unbeaten 75 from 49 balls proved the real game changer.
His outstanding innings from number eight included 8 fours and 3 sixes and completely took the game away from Walkovers.
A useful 25 from Faris Pallaku at the end helped the Royals conclude their innings 309 for 7.
Facing a steep uphill battle, the young Walkovers unit never looked in the chase.
An excellent opening spell from seamers Amin Muhammad and Ambekallu set the Royals on their way.
Spinner Kush Pathak assisted in removing the middle order, alongside some excellent fielding which resulted in the run outs of first opener Theo Vautier, then number three Sonny Derrien for a fighting 22.
David Lundie-Smith dug in and showed some commendable spirit for the home side to make 39.
But regular wickets kept falling, with Aadi Singh, Georon Claasen and Abhishek Hongekar each chipping in with a wicket.
Pathak returned to take the final scalp, finishing with excellent figures of 3 for 34.
Walkovers were bowled out for just 151 inside 37 overs, handing the Royals a thoroughly victory.
Summing up the sentiment of the club, wicketkeeper-batter Vishal Sancheti said: “This has been one of the best seasons yet. What an incredible team effort is has been from everyone within the club and we’re feeling on top of the world right now.”
