Kenyan cricketers prepare for 20/20 qualifiers in Rochdale

23/ 7/2008

THE Kenyan Cricket team prepared for their 20/20 International qualifiers by taking part in a community match in Rochdale.

They played against Sports for All's ‘SFA Select XI’ at Rochdale Cricket Club in the weekend as part of their visit to the town.

The SFA select XI was captained by Neuman Hayee of Unique Sports. After wining the toss, he elected to field.

Sports For All restricted Kenya to a credible 161-7 off 20 overs.

Ian Wood for Sports For All took 2-26, whilst the man of the match, Kenya’s captain Steve Tikolo showed his class with a quick fire 44 off only 32 balls. Sports For All team fell 15 runs short, scoring 161-7, notwithstanding Abbas scoring 48 not out off only 24 balls. His innings included six sixes.

The cricket match also coincided with a community event to unite people from different backgrounds and neighbourhoods. Whilst revellers enjoyed a range of activities, sports enthusiasts were able to catch up with England’s match against South Africa on large screens provided for the supporters.

The match was also followed by coaching sessions. The Kenyan players visited Springhill Sports Centre to teach over 40 youngsters cricketing skills.

A reception was also held for the Kenyan team thanks to Sports for All and LINK 4 LIFE. It was held at Touchstones where the players were welcomed by Councillor Mohammed Sharif, the Cabinet Community Cohesion Portfolio Holder.

Chair of Kashmir Youth Project (KYP), Anjam Rashid and Rochdale's Chief Superintendent, Peter Mason, presented Kenya with a gift on behalf of the Rochdale community.

Said spokesperson for Sports for All, Mohammed Nazir: "We wanted the match at our community event to be competitive for people to enjoy the cricket, but we welcomed help from youth worker Mohammed Shiraz, who bought along entertainment in the form of drummers and a DJ, while Councillor Farooq Ahmed arranged for a bouncy castle. We also had Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association providing henna and face painting for the children. There were a range of stalls and activities, which added to the fun. The competitions we ran gave the under-14’s great opportunities to win cricket bats signed by the Kenya team. "

Mohammed added, "It is important to have support from all sections of the community in order to put this type of an event together. To this effect, we wish to thank Cllr Mohammed Sharif’s community cohesion group, Peter Jackson and his Link 4 Life team, KYP, Rochdale Cricket and Football Clubs, Richard Partington from the Rochdale Observer and GM Rochdale Police. Advance Technologies, Vision Twentyone and several other companies from the commercial sector also gave their support. The event bought a lot of people and groups together from across the Borough, and that is why the weekend was such a success."

Chair of Friends of Kenya Cricket UK, Surinder Biant, added: "I know the Kenyans were impressed. They enjoyed the competition and the festival atmosphere. It was wonderful to see families and young children here having a good time"