Interfaith cricket tournament returns for an 18th year

An intergenerational cricket event saw a 'great turnout' by faith groups from across the Royal Borough at the weekend.

Windsor & Maidenhead Community Forum (WAMCF) held their 18th annual tournament at the Boyne Hill Cricket Ground on Sunday, August 27.

The WAMCF comprises of nine faith groups, founded in 1981, and the first interfaith cricket tournament was held between All Saints Church and the Maidenhead Gurdwara 18 years ago.

Good weather attracted around 350 attendees on the day and a 'fantastic friendly atmosphere prevailed' said WAMCF chairman, Karnail Pannu.

“The day was wonderful. This was much more successful than the last one. There were more people and new players joined in. We raised £123 for the steeple of the church," Karnail said.

Karnail said it was important to include the youth in interfaith dialogue, and sport was one method of involving them.

From 9.30am, the colt cricket matches commenced with more than 40 youngsters aged between 8-11 years and many parents watching for the first time.

Boys and girls matches were followed by medal presentations by Vicar Jeremy Harris from All Saints Church.

The Co-op, which sponsored the event, also provided shopping bags and water bottles for the young players.

After food and refreshments at midday, the men’s 30-over match commenced between Captain Guni Chahal's Geriatrics and Captain Jai Pannu's Superchargers.

Competing teams were a mix of all ages, faiths and religions.

In a high scoring match, the Geriatrics scored 190-7 in their allocated overs but were overhauled by the Superchargers who romped home with 192-6 in 28.1 overs.

Damian Shepherd was also adjudicated the ‘most valuable player' for his ‘mean’ death bowling.

Medals were presented to the teams by the mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead Councillor Neil Knowles with Captain Jai Pannu of the Superchargers picking up the Winners Team Trophy.