New home and new kit for Scintilla Cricket Club

Ismael Rahman

Scintilla Cricket Club have launched their new kit and held a press day ahead of the new Essex County Cricket League and the Essex Sunday League.

The occasion was held at the clubs new home at Goodmayes Park which became a reality with support from Essex Cricket.

A mixture of first and second XI players along with club sponsors, officials and supporters cane together for the press day. There was a briefing with club chairman Emdad Rahman MBE, club captains Adil Ejaz and Moin Arefin.

Also in attendance were committee members S M Zakir Hossain and Abdul Hamid, who’s Study Buddies Tuition Centres are sponsoring the club along with ATM Load and Simple Call.

Hamid said: “I’m inspired everyday by my colleagues and the cricketers. Even though there was no onus to do so I really wanted to make a contribution to this club. There are individuals here who are the exact role models we are trying to promote to our students and I’m excited with this excellent partnership.”

An entertaining and exhilarating not so friendly game saw Scintilla seconds reach 175/9. With the first XI needing 1 run from two balls they lost the final wicket to ensure the match was drawn.

First XI skipper Ishaq Shawn commented: “It was a very good practice game and we have taken many plus points from the get together today.”

Moin Arefin added: “We will incorporate extra training to ensure we are match fit and match sharp. It’s a long season ahead and it’s vital we remain in top physical and mental conditions.”

Club chairman Emdad Rahman concluded: “Today we welcome both old and new faces ahead of what promises to be another golden year for our club.

“Our club captain Ahmed Choudhury was a notable absence today as he is abroad. A sign of our commitment was summed up by first team skipper Adil making an appearance at the kit launch with his son Azlan. The family had been awake at the hospital since 3 am and as a result we celebrated the joyous news of the arrival and birth of little Ayat who becomes our clubs youngest member.

“I’d like to thank Essex Cricket for the unstinting faith and the ongoing expert support they continue to provide a small club like us. This has helped us secure our first permanent base. We will work three times harder to repay that faith with success both in and off the pitch.”

Scintillating Scintilla are ECCL Cup Champions 2017

By Emdad Rahman

A five wicket haul from Rokan Arafat Mashuk and another superb batting display from Junaed Rahman Tanin were the turning points as Barking & Dagenham outfit Scintilla CC wrapped up the season by lifting the Essex County Cricket League Cup.

The 2017 Essex County Cricket League season closed at Loughton Cricket Club where Scintilla and Aztecs played out a thriller for the traditional season ending finale.

Scintilla won the toss at the start of play. Captain Adil Ejaz Bhatti considered the dry sunny conditions with an almost perfect batting wicket and opted to bat first.

The decision paid immediate dividends as Mohammed Badrul Alam Chowdhury (Bappy) and Ashraful Islam struck up an 83 run partnership to lay down the gauntlet. Both the wickets of the openers were claimed by SN Naqi.

Bhatti scored 28 from 17 balls with one mammoth six flying out of the ground and breaking a car window. Nevertheless the game continued as an annoyed local resident discussed the damage with officials.

Scintilla upped a gear after Ishaq Shawn was dismissed by U Raja on 13, who also bowled Juwel Roy (15), but Junaed Rahman Tanin (Nanna) added a spectacular 62 off 54 balls before being bowled by SN Naqi. Mashuk added a useful 19 before Rishad Haque, Yesin Arafat, Ayaz Karim and Rifat Mahmud finished off the remaining overs at the crease to leave Scintilla on 263.

With rain affecting play the run chase was reduced 231 in 35 overs.

After tea Usman Raja racked up a quick fire 38 with six 4’s and a huge 6 but a moment of indecision proved fatal as the Aztecs star lost concentration and Scintilla claimed the prize scalp. The opener was caught by Bappy off the bowling of Ishaq Shawn.

The dismissal of Raja was crucial and soon after Islam claimed two magnificent catches at cover from balls by Mashuk for the dismissals of S Singh and Happy Singh.

Juwel Roy was not to be outdone and the Scintillian took another outstanding catch to save a certain six but more importantly send N Kumar back to the clubhouse.

Shawn’s economical bowling reduced the run rate and in between Tanin took the wicket of A Ali. The wicket of SAN Naqi was claimed by Bappy for 4 and with Dhaliwal on 22 and Aztecs requiring 18 from 10 balls a last gasp rearguard action saw Bhatti throw the ball 20 yards to Mashuk at the stumps. It seemed like an eternity as the accomplished all rounder paused to survey the field before making no mistake to run out SN Naqi and hand Scintilla the game.

5 wickets and the vital at the death run out saw Mashuk earn the man of the match award.

Essex County Cricket League chairman Nadim Ishaq handed the trophy to Bhatti as jubilant celebrations began.

After the win club captain Ahmed Choudhury said, “What a performance today from start to finish. Every single player showed great faith and energy to make sure we finished as winners. We may have no home, no training, no facilities, but we have an unwavering addiction to winning. I’m so proud of my team.

Thank you to our sponsors Apex Mortgage Advice, Apex Accountants, East End Logistics and Right Call. Your fantastic support drives us.”

An ecstatic Scintilla captain Bhatti analysed the final, “Every man today gave 100%. Whether it was with the bat or the ball we were hungry, energetic and most importantly we were patient throughout. The game teetered from us being in a winning position to the scales tipping towards Aztecs. But we held our nerve and I’m honoured to join a list of captains who have delivered silverware for this special club.”

Club chairman Emdad Rahman concluded, “Its been an amazing day for us on the field. No matter how many times we do it you can’t beat the feeling that comes with winning. The boys were outstanding throughout and even when we were under pressure at points in the game I had faith that the big game abilities of my team would shine through. It was nerve racking but we are all smiling now.

“Our journey this campaign began on May 1st 2017 where a makeshift Scintilla side beat Shane Moss at Springfield Park, Hackney. Ahmed Choudhury and I were in deep discussion after getting a soaking and being exposed to the harsh cold. We were shivering like we were experiencing extreme spasms. We watched Adil Bhatti direct operations that day and decided he was a natural fit for the role. Four months since that unforgettable afternoon he has led us to success. I’d say it was a choice well made.”

The ECCL finishes with success for Barking & Dagenham as both teams completed a league and cup double for the borough.

Scintilla beat Aztecs to excel on Super Saturday

Emdad Rahman
Scintilla CC enjoyed a hot weather match day as both sides recorded wins against Essex County Cricket League opponents. 
The first XI took on league contenders Aztecs CC at Fairlop and went into bat after winning the toss. In came Safiul Islam and Din Islam to bolster the match day squad. 
Zisan Abedin’s men racked up a very decent 272 target with opener Anam Arafat Amit hitting 119 runs before being claimed by Patel. The Scintilla screamer was supported by the consistent Mohammad Badrul Alam Chowdhury who added 61 before being bowled by S N Naqi as Scintilla reached 272 after 45 overs and the fall of 7 wickets. 
After tea it was the consistent Rishad Haque who made the biggest impact as the Scintilla all rounder took 5 scalps to add to his 21 runs as Aztecs were bowled out 211/10 after 36.3 overs. 
Both Amit and Haque were deservedly named men of the match. 
Scintilla captain Zisan Abedin spoke after the game: “The main point to consider here is the fact that we have a number of new faces who are still bedding in. We played our third game of the season today and I can definitely see us getting stronger with each game as the boys get to know each other. We are a welcoming bunch and I’m glad the new boys are enjoying the cricket.
“Today it was a pleasure to see the boys take control like they should. We have leaders all round with Ayaz Karim, Shaha Riadh, Sajal Rahman, Ishaq Shawn and Juwel Roy. I told Amit (Arafat) he should play the first 5 games with a clean slate and it’s amazing how he pummelled 119 today in his third outing for us. Rishad Haque is ‘Mr Consistency,’ and his bowling was too clinical for our opponents today. 
Yesin Arafat’s second XI also met and beat Redbridge CC at Fairlop Oak. 

Rob Dewan receives Speakers commendation

Emdad Rahman

Scintilla Cricket Clubs Health and Wellbeing Advisor Rob Dewan met Tower Hamlets Speaker Khales Ahmed to accept a special commendation from the Honourable First Citizen in recognition of his community work.

Dewan was recognised for his support to grassroots organisations like National Cricket League champions Scintilla Cricket Club.

Councillor Ahmed commended him for his excellence in benefitting the community through success in business and community involvement: “Rob Dewan has shown outstanding commitment towards the betterment of our community and it gives me great pleasure to recognise this here today.”

Dewan said: “It is my immense pleasure to receive this recognition for my contribution towards benefiting the community through success in business and community involvement from the Honourable Speaker and First Citizen of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Councillor Khales Ahmed. 
“I would like to thank all of my friends and family for always inspiring and encouraging me to find the simplest way to move forward in life.

“Thanks to everyone at East End Logistics for making it a community establishment. I am pleased, honoured and humbled to accept this recognition.”

Scintilla club captain Ahmed Choudhury was present at the celebration and commented: “It is the selfless nature of individuals like Rob who enable humble grassroots organisations like Scintilla Cricket Club to not only compete but to thrive in our respective arena. The club is proud of his success.”

Rob Dewan is the CEO of East End Logistics – a leading worldwide cargo service provider to Bangladesh, India, China and Nepal.

Also attending the celebration was Imam Shah Enam.

Apart from being the Health & Wellbeing Advisor at Scintilla Cricket Club he is also the founder of Yogaholicz – Yoga meditation studio. 

Sudden death Power Over drama sees Scintilla see off Shane Moss

Emdad Rahman: It was hearts in the mouth as a rain drenched day of great drama and shredded nerves saw Shane Moss CC and Scintilla CC play out a classic during their Essex County Cricket League cup match at Springfield Park, Hackney.

Both teams experienced rain and freezing temperatures as the unpredictability of the great British weather dictated the match day proceedings.

With rain affecting play numerous times the match overs were reduced to 20. Scintilla captain for the day Adil Ejaz rotated the squad to bring in Safiul Islam as wicketkeeper as well as Din Islam, Sohel Ahmed and Ebrahim Mohammedbhai.

Scintilla also introduced former Barking CC star Shahid Saeed and the veteran Amir Khan as debutants and the experience of the old hands ensured a smooth and welcome transition into the team.

With Scintilla batting first newcomer Khan hammered 74 with Juwel Roy adding 49 to help the visitors reach 171 from 20 overs.

After tea Rifat Mahmud led the attack and took a crucial wicket as the excellent Mahabub Ahasan Chisty (3) and Ejaz (2) led the assault on Shane Moss with Abdullah reaching 75 before being crucially bowled by Chisty. With temperatures dropping to an uncomfortable cold chill the umpires ruled that a power over be played by both teams.

Shane Moss batted first to reach 17 runs. With Juwel Roy losing his wicket after thundering a six out of the ground it was left to Ejaz and Ashraful to steer home with the latter striking the crucial winning run. Understandably the wild Scintilla celebrations erupted and were prolonged as every member of the team hollered loud and long in sheer elation.

Scintilla captain Ejaz was jubilant after the win: “We never give up and today we never buckled as we let our talent do the talking. I was impressed with the boys and their composure even when our super over looked a mountain too high. This is a game that will remain a cherished memory for everyone here today.”

Club captain Ahmed Choudhury concluded: It was top drawer cricket, a total team effort and great captaincy under pressure! Roy kept us in the game and Chisty turned the match for us.

“It’s been a brilliant long weekend for Scintilla players, supporters, fans and officials. Both the club chairman Emdad Rahman MBE and I were standing outside the boundary line and we were both literally shaking during the super over!”

Debutant captains lead Scintilla to opening day wins

Emdad Rahman: It was the tale of two captains in the Essex County Cricket League Premier Division as both Zisan Abedin and Yesin Arafat led both Scintilla teams to impressive victories in their respective opening day fixtures.

Abedin’s first XI faced Redbridge CC in their curtain raiser at Fairlop and the visitors batted first to reach 238/9 from 45 overs with Khalil 52, Sunny 48 the pick of the batsmen as Sajal Rahman took three wickets. He was supported by Abedin (2) and Ayaz Karim (1).

Scintilla cruised to a seven wicked victory as the outstanding Ashraful Islam, who one year ago had suffered from a life threatening illness, plundered 102. Captain fantastic Abedin showed his steel with 76 not out, and debutant Anam Arafat Amit struck 37, as Scintilla reached 239/3 from 38 overs.

Abedin analysed his sides performance: “The boys were immense and having leaders like Karim and Rahman means their quality and influence rubs off on the whole team. It’s a highly competitive league and we will need that combination of experience, expertise and raw talent over the course of this season.

“Congratulations to everyone and congratulations to man of the match Ashraful Islam for his ton.”

The Scintilla second XI won the local derby as Newham CC were comprehensively beaten at the Bobby Moore Pavilion by Yesin Arafat’s high energy packed starting eleven.

Scintilla won the toss and elected to field first, reducing Newham to 178/10 from 41.3 overs. Joint man of the match Rifat Mahmud inflicted immeasurable damage with 5 wickets. Mahabub Ahsan Chisty (2), Adil Ejaz Bhatti and Jahedul Hoque finished off the hosts.

Scintilla needed 27.3 overs to reach 179/4 as captain and joint man of the match Arafat smashed a fantastic century. He spoke after the game: “Its an honour to lead Scintilla this year. We have a competitive streak which I will always be looking to capitalise on this season. All I ask is for my team to give 100% – The rest will follow.”

Scintilla lost their Sunday NCL encounter at Peter May as Chakwal CC strolled to a 5 wicket victory after the home side were skittled out 102/10 from 26 overs. Ayaz Karim said: “A disappointing Sunday for us but I’m hopeful we will bounce back stronger from a temporary setback.”

The teams debut game in the Essex Sunday Cricket League against Hainault and Clayhall CC was tied and the highlights of the game for Shaha Riadh’s men was the form of the batsmen as Mohammad Badrul Alam Chowdhury and Zisan Abedin were not out on 75 and 55 runs respectively. “We gave a good account of ourselves and we will build on the confidence gained from today,” said Riadh.

NCL: Scintilla make a winning start

Emdad Rahman

Scintilla CC started the new National Cricket League season in traditional style as the newly promoted Barking & Dagenham outfit made light work of Friends CC in the first game of the new season.

Friends CC batted first with Muntasir scoring 43 to help his team reach 210/10 from 37.2 overs.

After tea Ashfaqur Rahaman Nobel plundered 114 not out as Ayaz Karim’s outfit reached 211/7 from 30.2 overs. There were notable contributions from Ashraful Islam, 37, and Aminul Islam Shihan, 23 as Scintilla comfortably ran out winners by 3 wickets.

Pick of the Scintilla bowlers was Junaid Tanin with 3 wickets and he was backed up by man of the match Nobel, Karim, Sajal Rahman, Zisan Abedin, Shaha Riadh and Din Islam who all took a wicket each.

Scintilla skipper Ayaz Karim was pleased with the start: “We have started training early and the boys looked good today. I am confident in the team and with plenty of game time the boys will become sharper and match fit. If the dedication and commitment matches our undoubted talent I see a successful season ahead for us.”

Scintilla receive cup after National Cricket League triumph

By Emdad Rahman

Scintilla Cricket Club celebrated a hugely successful season as Ayaz Karim’s charges were awarded the National Cricket League Division 2 trophy. 

The National Cricket League held its fifth awards at a glittering ceremony at the Oasis Banqueting suite in Thames Road, Barking. 

Guests in attendance included London Assembly member Unmesh Desai, Councillor Mukesh Patel, Arfan Amran, veteran cricket start Shiraz Kothia, Mayor of Walthamstow Peter Harrington and London Tigers CEO Mesba Ahmed. 

The evening was hosted by NCL League Secretary and co-founder Sajid Patel. He said: “We are now in our fifth year. We started with a mere handful and our family now numbers thousands, with numerous projects designed to make cricket accessible for absolutely everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re 6 or 65 years old we will be delighted to work with you.”

Patel added, “Yet, this would not be in the least bit possible without the presence of you all. You are the ones who are the driving force behind the success of the NCL. Congratulations to everyone here tonight.”

Nahed Patel, NCL chairman and co-founder added: “Its been a rollercoaster ride of a journey with so many highlights. This has been another fantastic season for the NCL. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive platform for everyone to come together and benefit from this great sport of ours. My thanks are reserved for the teams, my colleagues and not least our sponsors.”

There was a moment of remembrance for local cricket legend and match official Lewis Prescod who sadly passed away this year. A posthumous award was presented by the League and this will be passed on to the family of Mr Prescod. 

Scintilla captain Ayaz Karim concluded: “Scintilla are a community based club and our ethos ties in soundly with the aims of the NCL – a governing body which is wholly dedicated to serving our communities through cricket. 

“I’m really proud of our achievements. We are a team which plays with hearts on sleeves and it has been an honour leading the players through yet another triumphant campaign.”

List of team winners: 

West Essex CC: Premiership & NCL Pro 40 cup
Chak De CC: Championship
Division 1: Gagan CC
Division 2: Scintilla CC
Division 3: Sundarban CC
Rashid Aziz Cancer Research champions: London Zalmi
NCL T20: Dark Horse
NCL T10: Dark Horse
National Cricket League (NCL) 

Management:

Chairman – Nahed Patel

League Secretary – Sajid Patel

Umpires Representative – Ashfaq Alam

Registration Officer – Juned Patel

Head of Disputes – Ayub Patel

Development Officer – Afzal Sutariya 
The National Cricket League aims to spread the benefits of cricket as a sport and to empower and encourage all generations and passionate aficionados to take up cricket – be it a pastime, part of a fitness programme, coaching, supporting or joining a league team. 
http://www.nationalcricketleague.co.uk

Scintilla CC take over One Third Soup Kitchen

By Emdad Rahman

 “Anyone who has struggled with poverty knows how expensive it is to be poor” James Baldwin.

It was rainy, dark and bleak. The town centre was bustling though. My team Scintilla Cricket Club had taken on the soup kitchen duties for tonight. Our club captain Ahmed, Tahmina and little Aliana had prepared massive pots of delectable and delicious bhuna kichuri with beef stew. The aroma from the boot of the car during the journey over had driven me crazy. I plotted to have a bit at some point before the shift was over.

The guests were there waiting and they were ravenous. Before we’d even set up the stall we had a massive assembly build up. Usually our friends lend a helping hand carrying the table, water and food over, or they stay a short distance and patiently let us get it all together. 

Today was different. They were all really hungry, there was an urgency and came right up close, forming a large huddle around us. Onlookers and tourists stopped to see what was going on. 
We had two massive pots of food and it all flew off the shelf. We had to get extra drinks to keep up. 

The overall atmosphere was vivacious and a vivid. The team were buoyed and vibrant throughout. ‘I hope you’re all here again next week,’ said Rosie to first team skipper Ayaz.

Amanda told me how happy she was after being interviewed by Tom Parmenter last week for Sky News. Billy asked about joining the team. Paul was in a hurry and left with his food. In between serving I counted 57 guests served.

Sport has the capacity to deliver amazing change and I’m bursting with pride that my team mates joined me on the soup kitchen tonight.

At Scintilla Cricket Club it’s a lot more than just sport and we all take our social responsibilities very seriously. The club are champions on and off the pitch and a fantastic example of good citizenship and community engagement. I hope this inspires other teams to do the same – That would be pretty awesome.

This was the teams first experience of serving homeless guests and they were like ducks to water. They chatted to guests, served them food and water and their general intermingling with the masses proved very popular. After all, let’s not forget that for many of our homeless guests these positive vibes are often rare experiences for them. Many guests tell me that they look forward to the interaction just as much as the delicious food. We even recruited a new volunteer tonight – a young chap called Luke.

I never did get to taste the lavish fare on offer tonight – Ashraful and second team skipper Riadh dished up the last serving to one final guest.

If you’d like to help out please tweet me @emdad07

 

Scintilla are crowned National Cricket League Division 2 champions!

By Emdad Rahman

On a day of drama Scintilla CC added another fairytale chapter to their history to be crowned champions of the National Cricket League (NCL) Division 2. 

The Barking & Dagenham outfit faced relegation threatened London Tigers 2 at Hackney Marshes with both teams going all out for a must win victory. 

Scintilla were without the gargantuan Juwel Roy who suffered a fracture in the previous day’s Essex County Cricket League clash against Aztecs CC and was unable to take his place in the team for this vital fixture. 

The home side won the toss and batted first to reach 218/9 from 40 overs. Zisan Abedin top scored with 45, vice captain Sajal Rahman (37), Aminul Shihan (35), Abul Hasib (27), Rishad Haque (22). Salman Ahmed, Giasuddin Tutul, Jamil Ahmed and Jamil Chowdhury took two wickets apiece. 

London Tigers were in no mood to roll over and had former Bangladesh Cricket Board coach Shahidul Alam Ratan on the sidelines to offer support and encouragement. It inspired the team as they defied the form book to reach 220/6 from 39 overs to record an impressive win. Top scorers were Giasuddin Tutul (45) and Salman Ahmed (30). 

London Tigers celebrated with great gusto as Scintilla, who received 8 points from the game, waited on official confirmation of the league standings. 

In the other match of the day, second placed Kothi 3 CC played Ishaque Shawn’s Supernova and were bowled out for 191 in 27 overs. Supernova took 22.3 overs to reach 192 and win the game by 6 wickets thus confirming Scintilla were crowned Division 2 champions by 6 points. Also promoted from the 14 team league are Kothi 3 and Redbridge 3. Despite an impressive win against the champions, the relegation fate of London Tigers 2 was also confirmed. 

The National Cricket League management congratulated both teams (Scintilla and Kothi) Co Founders of the National Cricket League Nahed Patel (League Chairman) and Sajid Patel (League Secretary) said, ‘congratulations to Scintilla and Kothi for playing their part in an incredible season in such a challenging Division Two. You both will be excellent additions to next years Division One.’

With sunset on the horizon Scintilla celebrated, but as the heavens opened and the rain showered down over Hackney Marshes, each man beat a retreat to the sanctuary of the club house, whilst others headed home as the groundsman signalled he was ready to lock the carpark. It was enough – In the year of their tenth anniversary Scintilla had created another piece of golden history. 

Club captain Ahmed Choudhury said, ‘It’s a meteoric rise for our club and this is another fantastic memory and fairytale chapter in our scrapbook. 

Congratulations to everyone – It’s time to enjoy this success and come come back fitter and sharper for future challenges. Huge thanks go to our sponsors Right Call App and Apex Mortgage Advice Ltd for their support. The backing has been invaluable.’

First team skipper Ayaz Karim, who has lead from the front all season added, ‘We lost today and that was really disappointing. But I’m not going to say anything else on that matter. Everyone who has worn the Scintilla shirt has played like a lion this season and it is befitting that we have been crowned champions. The hard work begins as we look forward to the next campaign but for now we will reflect and enjoy our achievements.’

Club chairman Emdad Rahman MBE concluded, ‘This is the stuff of dreams. It’s been a rigorous season and the competition has been immense. All the players have shown heart, enthusiasm and spirit throughout this tough season. Well done to everyone involved in achieving another monumental milestone in our history. Juwel Roy has been a giant for us this season and although he is not here today his impact throughout has been monumental.’

Scintilla Cricket Club have an ethos of community engagement. The champions took a Running Down Dementia #RDDSweatySelfie to support and highlight the work of Alzheimer’s Research UK – http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org

Scintilla Squad – 21 08 16 – National Cricket League (NCL) Hackney Marshes

Ahmed Choudhury – Ayaz Karim – Sajal Rahman – Shaha Riadh – Ashish Morankar – Mohammad Badrul Alom Chowdhury – Abul Hasib – Rishad Haque – Aminul Shihan -Ahmad Norharif Hamidon – Zisan Abedin – Ashfaqur Rahaman Nobel – Emdad Rahman