Cricket with Character: Rebels Fought, Jude Inspired

July 12 – Toronto Rebels CC vs YCC 2025

Result: YCC 2025 lost by 49 runs

Scorecard here: https://cricclubs.com/YorkCricketClubYCC/viewScorecard.do?matchId=984&clubId=1001384

Saturday’s match had a nostalgic energy to it, with York fielding a side reminiscent of days gone by—names like Chris and Ian opening the bowling once again, steady and dependable. Toronto Rebels, boasting a young and dynamic league outfit, recovered from the early loss of their opener to build a commanding 126-run second-wicket partnership, led by Viraj Patel (63) and Osham Wahab (64).

But YCC didn’t fade. The spin duo of Rohan Vanigasooriyar (4/35) and Echi Fernando (3/41) clawed the team back into contention with timely breakthroughs. Toronto still managed a strong 220 all out in 35.1 overs.

In reply, YCC’s top order flirted with fluency—Pratha Sawant’s aggressive 27 and Venkat’s sweetly timed 13 gave early hope. But Raj Kiran had other plans. He turned the game on its head with a fiery 5-wicket haul, tearing through the middle and lower order.

Enter Rohan V., who wasn’t done yet. Batting at No. 10, he threw the kitchen sink at the target with a blistering 38 off 23 balls, nearly pulling off a miracle. Alas, the mountain was just too steep. All out for 171, and a 49-run loss sealed the day.

July 13 – YCC 2025 vs Jaffna College OBA

Result: YCC 2025 won by 3 wickets

Occasion: Jude James Memorial Trophy

Scorecard here: https://cricclubs.com/YorkCricketClubYCC/viewScorecard.do?matchId=985&clubId=1001384

The Jude James Memorial isn’t just another game—it’s a story of legacy, of two proud cricketing communities honoring a man who brought heart to the field and soul to the scorebook. With the trophy already sitting on our shelf from last year, YCC entered this emotional contest knowing full well: defending it would require far more than just skill.

For those interested, check out our blog post about last year's Jude Memorial game: https://www.ycccricket.ca/post/stitches-n-sixes-york-cc-s-jude-memorial-joy

Asked to bowl first, YCC responded with intensity—and intelligence. The early breakthrough came courtesy of Thaya Thevathasan, who trapped Terrence Raja for a duck and later sliced through the middle order to finish with 3 for 36. Every time Jaffna seemed to settle, Thaya was there with a response. But the day belonged to Jerome Handapangoda, whose spell could only be described as masterful. With beautiful seam position, deceptive changes in pace, and immaculate line and length, Jerome carved through Jaffna like a sculptor with a chisel. He returned astonishing figures of 5 wickets for just 22 runs, including four of Jaffna’s top 7. The wickets weren’t just statistical—they came at moments when pressure was peaking. Fittingly, Jerome was named Player of the Match.

Jaffna's 155 was respectable but well within reach—on paper. On the field, the game was still in the balance.

YCC’s chase began positively with Kishore Kanna (22 off 22) playing fluently, finding early boundaries, and looking in sublime touch. But his dismissal—a miscued shot off a slower one—was the first crack in what became a fast-spreading fault line.

Soon, we were wobbling at 40/2, then 70/3, then 99/6. Raj N. (19) played a smart, supporting role, and Dominic Dumenil (20) looked increasingly confident—but neither could convert their start into match-winning substance. Jaffna, sensing blood, tightened the screws with inspired bowling from Kajanan and Laxikanthan.

Unflustered by the scoreboard pressure, Tibish Mathew batted with a rare calm—rotating strike, putting away loose deliveries, and refusing to let the occasion get to him. His 21 not out wasn’t flashy, but it was filled with intent, control, and maturity beyond his years. Alongside him, Aryan Siva Sodadasu played a crucial supporting role, rotating strike and resisting the urge to go aerial, knowing the target was inching closer with every over. Together, they put on an unbroken stand that guided YCC to 156/7 in 32.2 overs, sealing a win that was as much about heart as it was about talent.

Picture Courtesy: Dominic D

From the Dressing Room

Every match has its own rhythm, but only the players truly hear the beat. Here’s what two of YCC’s own had to say from the middle:

“It was like old-school York—with Chris and Ian setting the tone. We clawed back well after Rebels got off to a flyer. Pratha’s sixes gave us a lift, and Ro’s 38 lit up the end... but we just couldn’t chase it down.” - Shawn R on the game against Toronto Rebels CC

“We bowled with heart—Jerome was unstoppable. The fielding unit was sharp, Koushik’s catch stood out. With the bat, we paced it well. Everyone did their job and we brought the trophy home for Jude.” - Dominic on the game against Jaffna College OBA

We’d love for more of you to share your stories, thoughts, and takes from the games! Whether it’s a moment that made you laugh, a personal highlight, or a unique perspective on the match—send it in, and you could be featured in the next blog. You don’t need to be a writer, just be yourself.

Here’s to more cricket, more stories, and more memories. Go York!