REYS reign supreme with three of three wins in MNCA Elite Relegation round
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 15 2021:
REYS escaped relegation after a poor start in group stage this season as they secured three wins on the trot in the relegation round of MNCA Elite Tournament.
After having finished 5th in the main competition's group stage on three points in 5 matches, REYS redeemed themselves by beating the other relegation threatened rivals viz- YWC-Langthabal, Al-Ameen to avoid relegation before beating THAU by 7 wickets today for the third win in the relegation round today.
Lacklustre THAU, on the other hand, had to finish without a point this season, both in the group competition and the relegation round.
THAU were toss winners today and opted to bat first.
Jitendra Bishan Thakur (4 for 2 runs in 3.4 overs) of REYS however wreaked havoc across THAU's batting line up forcing them to bundle out for 45 runs in 20.4 overs.
With 10 runs under his name, Santoshkumar Singh Sagolsem, was the top scorer for the team in this innings which also saw REYS's Thounaojam Rishikanta snatched two wickets and his compatriots Semson Singh Soibam, Thokchom Yohenba and Chinglensana Raj Kumar chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Though the target was apparently small, REYS had a freak start as Mintu Chandra went off on duck to Amarjit Singh Rajkumar's bowling in the first over.
Amom Guniram who came out for the second wicket stand with Dijen then took charge of the charge and smashed 5 fours and 1 six before he departed on 34 to Beconboss Singh when REYS were four runs away from the victory.
Dijen Singh (8) and Boboicha Thokchom (1) then finished off the chase with REYS having 7 wickets and 32 overs left to spare.
Jitendra Bishan Thakur was eventually named man of the match.
YWC, Langthabal and Al-Ameen, Lilong will play in a very crucial and final relegation round match tomorrow as both the teams have earned a win and suffered a loss each in their previous two matches.
Tomorrow's winners will earn a safety ticket while the losers will be relegated to Super Plate Group along with THAU.