Thrilling cricket tournament a fitting tribute to Charles Roark

The recently held Charles Roark softball competition, a unique event synonymous in Camolin with cricket and recognised further afield, was a testament to the community’s love for the sport and the distinctive nature of the competition.

Gorey Cricket Club hosted the event, setting the stage for a fierce competition. It pitted the Tavernier’s Gorey CC Wolfhounds team against the re-incarnated Cumann Cruicead Cam Eolaing (CCCE) and the Enniscorthy-based Mumbai Super Kings.

With its unique strengths and strategies, each team brought a thrilling competition to the field.

The match was a three-game affair, with the team scoring the most runs being declared the winner.

The Wolfhounds, after winning the toss, elected to bat first. The game started with a fortuitous four by AL FitzGerald, a moment that set the tone for the game.

A fine catch by David Graham, a testament to the skill and agility of the players, led to his dismissal.

Neville Copeland’s impeccable bowling limited the opportunities for the opponents, but a six by Gary Burrows inspired the Wolfhounds to score 67 runs in the twelve overs each team were given.

CCCE now had a target to reach, and Michael Murphy settled the nerves with a magnificent six. The runs were consistent as Andrea McCann, Andrew Roark and Sally edged closer to victory, but overs were limited, and time was running out.

A magnificent catch by Gary Murphy and a wicket by left-arm wrist spinner Joe Murphy made the CCCE target seem insurmountable.

Umpire Rob Millard was focused and instructive when up came Mark Furlong, a renowned local hurler who was advised to change his technique when holding a bat by none other than Mr. Millard.

It was a terrific batting display as his co-partner John Murphy ran riot, pegging back the score to two runs before Mark retired after achieving the 30-run quota.

With one over left and two runs to achieve parity, John Murphy secured a draw with the final ball as both teams felt victory was within their grasp.

In the next match, Cam Eolaing, on winning the toss, elected to bowl first against the Mumbai Super Kings.

The slow ball initially caused problems before MSK’s opening batsman scored the required 25 runs speedily before being caught out by Neville Copeland.

Their batting remained superfluous, racking up an 81-run score. An insurmountable task faced CCCE as their opening pairing tried valiantly to claw back the score.

A credtaible 47 runs were achieved before the second innings concluded.

Rain interrupted play in the final match between Gorey CC Wolfhounds and Mumbai Super Kings as the latter was batting, racking up a sizeable score. When the heavens opened, the game was cancelled.

All had a memorable occasion with more blitzes in the offering over the summer months. Cricket was the winner and a fitting tribute to the man named on the trophy.