| Under 17 Asia Cup Cricket Tournament [20.04.2004]
The Hong Kong under 17s Asia Cup Team beat the Maldives on Friday but were edged out of the tournament by the stronger Saudis who went through to the second round. Despite this disappointment the side has a great deal to be proud of, not only have they played some magnificent cricket but they've shown the rest of Asia just how far cricket in Hong Kong has developed.
Hong Kong triumphed over the Maldives at Chennai on Friday, batting 274 for 6 in 45 overs before reducing their opponents to 76 all out. Hong Kong played a determined and spirited game with some tight fielding to augment some very strong batting; particularly from Daniel Fullgrabe and Robert Bacon who scored 53 not out.
Despite having lost to Saudi Arabia two days before, the young team clearly gave a hundred and ten percent of themselves, relishing the experience of playing at the premier ground in Madras and keen to make the most of their international appearance. The powerful Saudi Arabian side now faces Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the second round held at Vizag.
Far more important than the result of this tournament however is the impact the Hong Kong team has made on their hosts and the Asian Cricket Council. So impressed with the standard of cricket displayed was the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, who hosted the team at Chennai during their matches, that they have invited Hong Kong to play in their highly prestigious tournament in July. The tournament, which is by invitation only, has a huge following on the sub continent and is closely watched by the Indian national selectors. In addition Hong Kong's Daniel Fullgrabe has caught the eye of the Asian Cricket Council selectors for their team which will tour India next month. Daniel will join a team selected from the best sides in Asia as a left handed batter, having impressed the Council with a powerful performance during the tournament which included a score of 86 runs against The Maldives. In all, the Hong Kong team, captained by Dheeraj Daswani has acquitted itself superbly and taken its standard of cricket to a new level.
The successes of individual players and of the team as a whole, is a result of the tireless work of the clubs, schools and coaches in Hong Kong who have helped promote the sport through out the community. Working with the Hong Kong Cricket Association, these groups are broadening the appeal of the game through school presentations and competitions, while also raising the quality of the play by organizing sponsorships for players and coaches. The aim is help more young players like Nicolas Lau, who joined the HKCA Playground League and has worked his way onto to the Hong Kong under 17s side. Although exam commitments kept him from joining the tour to India, Nicolas, and many other local boys like him, have reached international standard and are now representing Hong Kong at high profile competitions through out the region.
The future it seems, is looking great for Hong Kong Cricket.
This press release is issued by the Hong Kong Cricket Association. For further information, please contact Danny Lai, General Manager, at 25048101 or email hkca@hkabc.net |
