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UNN wins the Maiden edition of South East Cricket Championship | (2011-03-01 )

The Maiden edition of the South East Cricket Championship for Barr. Chuma Anosike cup ended on Sunday 27^th February,  at the Government  Secondary School  Owerri, Imo State  with University of Nigeria Nsukka Cricket Club emerging victorious.

The University team defeated Unity Cricket Club of Awka, Anambra State in a highly competed 25 Overs encounter with a run.  Anambra team batted first scoring 97 runs for 9 wickets while the UNN team lead by the Ex-Nigeria International, Rev. Dr. Jacob Onyechi (Teamber) levelled up at 24.2 Overs scoring 98 runs for 5 wickets.

The match which was described by the Chairman of the occasion (who is Traditional Ruler of Owerri and an Ex-Cricketer), His Majesty, Eze (Dr.) E.E. Njemanze (Ozuruigbo V of Owerri  ) as challenging and entertaining was tension soaked as the two teams fought to the last minute. His majesty encouraged the organisers to reach out to other States of the South East and the old Eastern region to make the noble game spread through the nation.

In his opening speech, the sponsor of the Championship, Barr. Chuma Anosike thanked the dignitaries and the participating teams: Unity Cricket Club of Awka (Anambra), Owerri Cricket Club (Imo)and University of Nigeria Cricket Club(Enugu) for their spirit of sportsmanship. He further called on all lovers of Cricket in the country to support the growth of the game in the region. He opined that the game will grow if everybody supports his own quota in this development. He encouraged sponsors to team up as much as possible to make sure the game is kept alive through sponsorship of tournaments.  

While acknowledging the co-sponsorship of Ekulo Group of companies who within the short notice agreed to get interested in the game, the sponsor also praised the UAC Foods for providing snacks during the tournament.    

To qualify for finals, Anambra Team defeated Imo squad 86 against 83 runs in the opening match and lost to UNN in their second match. The final match of the round robby game Owerri team losing to UNN  65 to 63 runs.

Joseph Agada of UNN won the Bowler of the series Award, while Ugochukwu Umehh of Unity won the Fielder of the series Award. Other awards like Wicket Keeper of the series went to  Okey Okeke of UNN while Chisom Adagu and Joseph Agada won the Batsman and Man of the series Awards respectively.

The competition took place 25th-27th Feb 2011.

Emeka Igwilo