Email This Article To Someone!

Zurich United were crowned 2007 Swiss Cricket Association league champions after a thrilling final against Nomads that produced a record number of runs for one of Switzerland's showcase events. Spectators were treated to a run feast as both sides topped 300 and played the game in great spirit under cloudless skies in Cossonay on September 16. United won the toss and elected to bat, one of the few times they have done so this season. They made a cautious start, reaching 39 for 2 after 10 overs, but once the batsmen got used to the wicket they finally made a monumental score of 327 for 5 after 40 overs. This was mainly due to Sanjeev Theaver who brought some much needed stability to the proceedings and produced a truly superb batting performance, scoring 150 runs. It was a hard day in the field for Nomads and a frustrating one for the bowlers trying to get the batsmen out on a near perfect batting wicket.

Nomads were left to chase a total of 328 to win. A daunting task indeed and at 35 for 2 after 10 overs, it appeared to be more than an uphill struggle. But like a mirror image of the United innings, Nomad’s batsman Vicky Vargas put together a superbly crafted innings and hit a mind blowing 157 including 12 sixes. His running between the wickets was just brilliant and a lot of singles were added to the score as well as putting the fielding side under a lot of pressure. However it was not to be and Nomads just failed to reach their target by just 17 runs, losing 9 wickets in the process. United’s bowlers suffered just like the Nomads bowlers in the previous innings. Both teams were guilty of putting down quite a few catches which had they been held could have changed the course of the game. United were worthy winners but the game was played in a true “Spirit of Cricket” fashion and both teams should be congratulated on their sporting attitude throughout the game and cricket was the true winner. Peter Nixon, President of the Swiss Cricket Association, presented the Cup to the Captain of Zürich United, and the Man of the Match Award went to Sanjeev Theaver who not only scored 150 runs but also took two wickets. Nomads ended the season with the considerable consolation of winning the Pickwick Cup following a convincing win against Geneva CC during the final in Bern in August.