Over 200 people join celebrations at 20th anniversary of WAMCF Interfaith Cricket Tournament

More than 200 people joined celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of Windsor and Maidenhead Community Forum’s (WAMCF) Interfaith Cricket Tournament.

WAMCF was formed in 1981 and brings together nine beliefs and faiths including Christianity, Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Baha’i Faith, Buddhism, Brahma Kumaris and Humanism.

The annual tournament, which brings together people of all ages for a fun day promoting community spirit and friendly competition, delivered a thrilling day of inclusive matches at Boyne Hill Cricket Club (BHCC) on Sunday.

More than 40 children took part in the junior games throughout the morning.

There were six teams across different age groups, including the U9s and U11s and U7s and U10s mixed boys and girls teams playing two innings of pairs cricket.

The Slightly Awkward Potatoes took the win by just four runs over the Blue Giraffes.

The Boyne Hill Interfaith team edged out the Junior All Stars in another competitive match on the day.

The action ended with a 100-ball thriller which saw Tegh’s Titans take on Rohan’s Rockets.

It all came down to the last ball with four required to win, and the Titans took the victory with a boundary from captain Tegh Chahal.

Mik Chahal, volunteer and organiser for WAMCF and BHCC, said: “All games were played in a positive, inclusive spirit.

“Many children were playing in mixed teams for the first time, and some were even trying cricket for the first time.”

He also thanked Jack Spencer-Jones, Ankur Nangpal, Stephen Haynes, Graham Marrs, Naresh Kumar and Boyne Hill Cricket Club for their help in running the junior games.

All Saints Church vicar Jeremy Harris was on hand to present awards to the youngsters.

There was plenty of food to enjoy from Maidenhead Gurdwara including chickpea curry, naan breads, samosas and pakoras.

Guests were also treated to ice lollies and fresh fruit as they watched the games in the sunshine.

A 20th anniversary cake was cut to mark the occasion, and guests also enjoyed a carrot cake later in the day.

The adult matches took place across the afternoon and saw teams Interfaith and The Spartans take to the field.

There was lots of cheering as teams took turns batting and bowling, with children also getting involved in the fun.

After a closely fought game, the final score saw The Spartans reign victorious gaining 153 runs, with Interfaith just missing out by 11 runs.

Following the games, WAMCF chair Karnail Pannu reflected on the last 20 years and thanked those involved, presenting some of them with medals.

He said: “Twenty years is a long, long time.

“Many kids who played, now they’re parents and their kids play.

“So, its wonderful it’s still going.

“Credit goes to the club [Boyne Hill Cricket Club].

“Thank you [to everyone] for coming and supporting.”

Maidenhead’s MP Josh Reynolds and Royal Borough mayor Cllr Mandy Brar were on hand to give out prizes to the players.

Mr Reynolds said: “Twenty years in – it’s absolutely fantastic what a success that it has been.

“Thank you to everyone for all of the hard work that they’ve put in.”

Cllr Brar added: “Well done to everybody who [has] organised it.

“This brings communities together, which is really, really good.

“It’s been an honour to be here.”

Royal Borough councillors Gurch Singh and Kashmir Singh were also among the attendees.

Mik has been involved with the event from the early years and said the last 20 years have been ‘inspiring’.

He added: “I have a lot of respect for people who volunteer their time and do things out of their way.

“It’s been a good influence on myself.

“It’s very challenging and it requires a lot of people to pull together, but when they do, things just work and...everyone’s got a lot of smiles on their faces.

“That’s how you know it’s been a success.”