Vijay Merchant XI annexe 3rd Sportstar Trophy in a row

Mumbai, Nov 2 (UNI) Vijay Merchant XI retained the title for the third year in succession in the 21st Sportstar Trophy 2006 MCA U-19 Selection Trial Tournament after drawing the third round match against Dattu Phadkar XI at the Elf Vengsarkar Oval here today.

Merchant XI topped with seven points, one ahead of Phadkar XI who needed an outright win to turn the tables.

In the other match, Khandu Rangnekar XI became the third team to record an outright victory in the four-team round-robin league, defeating Vijay Manjrekar XI by 197 runs at the Karnataka ground.

Ganesh Narsumaiyya (4-14) and Brijesh Gharat (3-17) reduced Manjrekar XI to 91 all out in the second innings. They took the third place with Manjrekar XI bringing up the rear.

Rahul Vengsarkar (Vijay Merchant XI) was adjudged the 'player of the tournament' for all-round performance and received the late Ramakant Desai Trophy and cricket kit worth Rs 20,000. Six 'man of match' awards worth Rs 2000 each, were given to Viral Rathod, Rahul Vengsarkar, Dhaval Kulkarni, Sushant Khaire, Sachin Wagh, Swapnil Kulye. Jeff Pereira bagged the 'best fielder' prize, donated by the late Bal Mahadalkar, ex-MCA secretary.

Brief scores At Elf Vengsarkar Oval: Vijay Merchant XI 263&257-3 decl (Swapnil Salvi 42, Swapnil Bhoir 100 not out, Bravish Shetty 55) drew with Dattu Phadkar XI 316-9 decl&101-2 in 13 overs (Sachin Wagh 43, Deepak Shetty 28). Phadkar XI (two points), Merchant XI (zero).

At Karnataka ground, Cross Maidan: Khandu Rangnekar XI 199&221-8 decl (Sridip Mangela 53, Aditya Tare 47, Ankit Mithawala 50; Rehamni Sufiyan 4-76, Viral Rathod 2-13; Oninder Gill 2-73) bt Vijay Manjrekar XI 132&91 (Pratik Amin 37, Ganesh Narsumaiya 4-14, Brijesh Gharat 3-17, Akshay Jambekar 2-17). Rangnekar XI (four), Manjrekar XI (zero).

Final position: 1. Vijay Merchant XI (seven), 2. Dattu Phadkar XI (six), 3. Khandu Rangnekar XI (four), Vijay Manjrekar XI (two).

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