History of the Cambridge Community Cricket Club

(The history presented below covers from inception to 1998. The rest will follow shortly. The lines below are from "The Rape of Lucrece")

Those that much covet are with gains so fond

For what they have not, that which they possess

They scatter and unloose it from their bond,

And so, by hoping more, they have but less;

Or, gaining more, the profit of excess

Is but to surfeit, as such grief sustain,

That they prove bankrupt in the poor-rich again.

William Shakespeare.

THE HISTORY OF CAMBRIDGE COMMUNITY CRICKET CLUB

Introduction

Any organization that is society based will at any time in its history, exhibit characteristics of its leaderships for that particular era. To posit, therefore, that this attempt will be generally accepted without criticisms, is myopic. This chronological documentation is intended to arouse the altruistic spirits of the clubs leadership, and conversely, let the membership and the community as a whole elicit with concord of its purpose.

Various attempts will no doubt be made to point out differing opinions, but each cannot be fulfilling unless it is objective, and not presumed to be an effort to redefine jealousy and egoism. In the final analysis, any attempt to nullify or criticize achievements can only be fruitful, if it is aimed objectively to ensure sustenance of the club. Hence, bearing this in mind, the real purpose is served; and the organization will live on.

PRELUDE

The background behind the formation of this organization is historically cricket. Its brainchild undoubtedly is Rajin Ballkisson. He was the captain for the now defunct Paradise Sports Club, based in Kitchener. Partly because of location, the attraction of good players for competitive cricket was not fulfilling for that club. This, coupled with Executive mismanagement, served its final blows.

A sizeable amount of players from this defunct organization expressed the desire to continue playing competitive league cricket, and more importantly, most were from Cambridge. Motivated by this vision, Rajin embarked on the mission for the creation of a competitive team and club in Cambridge. His unselfish spirit towards this creation was not without dedication, guts and pure determination.

LEAGUE REPRESETATION - The Beginning

At the fall 1992, SOCA General Meeting, Rajin presented his case for Cambridge admission. Two factors he had to overcome: -

1. That being a member for Paradise Sports Club, which failed to pay its league fees for 1992 season, meant automatic banning for all its players. He successfully defended his players and put the blame where it lies, in management.

2. That Cambridge falls in Hamilton and District Jurisdiction and not SOCA. His charismatic personality won the SOCA executives support, and then SOCA President, the late Mr. Bert Rowe, and successfully defended this position at the Ontario Cricket Association Meeting in Hamilton. Cambridge was granted two years associate membership to be reviewed in 1995.

1993 Organizing and Beginning

On January 28, 1993, at the Radha Krishna Mandir in Cambridge, the first meeting was held and the club was conceived. The venue was made available by Mr. Sebastian Ramsammy a. k. Boney. This will set the stage immediately for the broader purpose that the organisation will find itself in; to fulfill apart from cricket, a social content.

Name

The organization shall be called “Cambridge Community Cricket Club.” In this early stage, it will serve primarily as an organization for cricket and its supporters, and needs of the community wherever it can afford to do so.

Executives in 1993

President – Sebastian Ramsammy

Secretary – Mookesh Ramsammy

Treasurer – Lall Persaud

Captain – Rajin Ballkisson

Agenda for 1993 Season

The President will work with the City of Cambridge to secure a home ground for the team. He successfully secured the use of Victoria Park for the 1993 Season, Simultaneously; he and the captain negotiated with Mr. Erwin Parent of GRCA for a field at North Dumfries Conservation Area, (the present site of the club home ground.) Thier negotiations for the North Dumfries Conservation area were catalyzed by the facts that Victoria Park, where the one hundred odd years Cambridge Cricket Club plays, was pushed to its limits with overwork and that GRCA land was idle.

Team and Equipment

The garnering of a team and equipment were the responsibility of the Captain. There were 15 members in the original squad: (R. Ballkisson, L. Persaud. P. Tiwari, B. Ganauri, R. Persaud, M. Ramsammy, B. Dudnauth, K. Sukhnandan, J. Sukhnanandan, M. Singh, Sukhoo, K. Persaud, Neville Permaul, M. Rabindranauth and Davo Balgit, with S Ramammy being the lone social member).

This initial phase was difficult financially. The kind interest free loans of $500.00 from Davo Baljit and $300.00 from B. Dudnauth (Radworld) enabled the club to pay its league dues and the acquiring of equipment and accessories.

The Cricket Gears of all 3-D brands were bought from M. Jeerany at a cost of $1100.00

1993 SEASON

The Club opted for the non-traveling division and was grouped with Woodstock, Kitchener, Kaiteur and Waterloo. The first game was against Woodstock at Woodstock on May 15, 1993. The game was lost when the massive Colin Holmes of Woodstock made 81 and would never be given out lbw.

The second game also against Woodstock was won with a memorable 71 from P. Tiwari, who would later continue to play only up to the 1994 season. To date, he held the distinction of being the most reliable opening batsman the club ever produced. Noteworthy here is the fact that Woodstock was generous enough to let us play this game, our home game, at Woodstock. The club records this gratitude to Woodstock Cricket Club.

The clubs only win that season was a result of uncountable dropped catches that would later also be the single most significant cause for losses.

Selection was narrow because of limited player's personnel. From the viewpoint of laying down a foundation, the club was a success. The supporters of this Cambridge club has never been exposed to real cricket apart from the distant Victoria Park, and the mere presence of the club began attracting interest in the form of supporters, and to lesser extent, players.

The end of the 1993 season signaled the beginning of an era: the club will later grow rapidly in actual membership; and subsequently, the exhibition of behaviors from all strata of people surfaced, a normal psychological growth stages all social organisations will have to experience.

1994 Cooperation and Unconditional Support.

Prior to a general meeting, two tasks were undertaken:

1. Negotiations with GRCA for a ground

There were several meetings held: The President, Mr. Ramsammy headed the club’s delegations. Other full-time participants were R. Balkisoon, K. Persaud, and L. Persaud.

Initially, GRCA and the Club agreed to:

a) Clear the grass at the Club’s cost

b) Use a shed for matting storage

c) The Club to provide GRCA with a certified cheque and the contractors name before installing the permanent wicket.

d) Construct a sand pitch to spread the matting in the meantime.

e) Negotiate on a yearly basis for the use and the yearly insurance.

f) Negotiate a user's fee after wicket installation is completed and paid for.

2. The application for a Grant at the city.

The original application of $10,000.00 was made by Rajin Ballkisson and Sebastian Ramsammy.

R. Balkisson L. Persaud and K. Persaud did the review of the grant application to justify the sum required. The Club received $2,000.00 and appealed. Mr. K. Persaud, R. Balkisson and L. Persaud drafted and finalised the appeal. Mr. K. Persaud, in place of the cowardly secretary L Persaud, presented to the City Council the appeal verbally in person. Credit must also be given Saleena Persaud for typing the appeal and make the vital grammatical corrections. The Council blatantly disregarded the appeal and supported the Food Bank instead. The Club however, received the support of the Press and the multicultural organizations.

Meeting and Elections

The meeting was held at the North Dumfries Conservation area, under the shed near the baseball diamond. They members agreed primarily that social members will be accepted and that potential members will be informed of developments with GRCA. This was important because the potential players needed to know that the team has a permanent home ground.

Executives:

President – S. Ramsammy

Secretary – L. Persaud

Treasurer – R. Persaud

Captain - R Ballkisson

Vice President – Sukhoo

Vice Captain – K. Persaud

Manager – P. Tiwari

Ground Preparation

The present site of the cricket field was measured by a GRCA representative, L. Persaud, K. Persaud and R. Balkissoon. The grass was then cut for the first time. It must go on record that the Ballkisson family picked up the most waste on that ground on a daily basis. The only visible social grouping at the time was the Pooran Family who helped in the clearing the ground on a daily basis. Social members and other full time members did help on a part time basis, until the big one, the weekend.

The weekend for the preparation of the pitch saw the full community taking part. K. Persaud borrowed a truck that speeded up the transportation of topsoil from the extreme west part of the ground to the pitch area. Everyone were excited and helped at every opportunity to have their hand at the construction of the sand wicket.

R. Dudnauth spent the most time on a Cedar Rental Roller, leveling the pitch and the ground’s entire outfield.

This conglomeration of community forces really created an impact on the formation of the club, and the leadership was forced to respond.

The first match at the site was a social encounter comprising of two teams of members of the club; the second match was a friendly game against Viking from Toronto.

1994 Season

New members were attracted to the club, and this forced competition amongst existing and founding members. Nevertheless, the cohesiveness of the team was excellent. Forced to be in the traveling division that year, the first win was recorded at Michigan. After Michigan C.C. was 99—2, they were all out for 129. A disciplined 72 from P. Tiwari saw the club home with the loss of 4 wickets.

Again, throughout the whole season, dropped catches and sloppy fielding cost the club dearly. Another win, with part time players will not come till August 20 against Cavaliers, the most formidable complete comeback the team ever achieved. Cavaliers scored 223 in 27 over and declared because rain was threatening, hoping to bowl our semi-league team out cheaply. At one stage, the club was 36-2 in 10 over and then good things began happening. The match was won with 2 balls to spare. K. Persaud anchored the inning with a resilient 62 and L. Persaud hammered a chanceless 97.

A mentioned earlier, P. Tiwari quit cricket after being cheated by Kaiteur wicket keeper. The keeper disturbed the bails, appealed for bowled, and Charlie put him out. Lessons of Charlie were never learnt; and continued to this day.

Financial Drives

Membership that year grossed $2969.00. The first dance held at the Lions club in downtown Cambridge was a minor success.

November 1994 saw a dance of monumental proportions. The New Dil Bahar Band, a band consisting of the Pooran family, played for free in an atmosphere truly representing community revelry. The background behind such massive attendance was that everyone by now knew that the club needed $10,000 to put in the artificial turf. The revelry was spoiled by a fight that would cost the Club $842.00 for the Duncan McIntosh Arena’s door.

So much was trust, or lack of proper organisational skills which it would turn out to be, that the receipts of fund raising activities were never questioned nor audited. The treasurer, Robbie Persaud only gave figures and never produced a breakdown of actual income.

Notable personnel in the preparations for fund raising events were Eshwar Persaud, by far the major organizer, R. Balkissoon who usually headed the hall preparation and purchases, K. Persaud always at the door, R. Persaud controlling bar ticket sales and L. Persaud performing duties as the bar tender. These people will from then on, until their disassociation from the Club for various reasons, will always perform the same chores with only one person complaining; that is Robbie Persaud.

The year ended, with a sense of social fulfillment in Cambridge with regards to the club. Hopes and dreams were getting even bigger.

An important aspect of the Club’s finance must be on the record at this point. Apart from the $2,000.00 grant from the City of Cambridge, there was no other income from other organizations. Several companies were approached for donations, but because the Club’s registration was delayed, no donations could be received.

K Persaud, R Balkissoon and L Persaud ventured to seek financial help for Toyota, The International Cricket Council, The Queen of England, etc. It was then, without outside funding, and with the skill and strong organizing abilities, that the leadership achieved the enviable social cohesion that exists no where else in SOCA. Without a doubt, the Club’s recognition, success and Rajin’s name because synonymous.

1995: Towards a dream:

General Meeting

The General Meeting was held in March at the Desert Inn. The President S. Ramsammy was late and upon arrival promptly resigned. L. Persaud was elected to chair the proceedings and also functioned as the secretary.

The only written report presented was the Secretary, L. Persaud and the captain R. Balkissoon.

The major item discussed was the Constitution. R. Persaud exclusively prepared it; a carbon copy of his previous association, Waterloo Cricket Club. Basically, it calls for 11 members of the executive committee.

Elections were held with Mr. Patrick Ramcharitar as Returning Officer.

Executives:

President - K. Persaud

Vice President - H. Singh

Secretary – L. Persaud

Treasurer – R. Persaud

Manager – R. Serwasane

Statistician – J. Ballkisson

Captain - R. Ballkisson

Vice Captain – B. Ganouri

P.R.O. – E. Persaud

Asst. Secty/ Treasurer - P. Ramcharitar

Director - P. Tirbeni

Constitution

Several meetings were held to revise the Constitution before submission for approval. Mr. P. Ramcharitar was designated to ensure the process was completed and he delivered in time. Cambridge Community Cricket Club is now a registered non-profit organization under the guidelines of the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial relations on May 15, 1995.

This constitution was meant to be adhered to all times, unless amended by the proper procedure. Violations are illegal; and Annual tax returns must be filed.

1995 Season

The 1995 season was the most successful from a standpoint of the previous seasons. It, however, failed to match the record of a new team, the International Cricket Club, which made the playoffs that year. The success of the season was a result of the infusion of new players (C.Captain, V. Jaipersaud, H. Budhram and E George). The performances of these players greatly enhanced the degree of success achieved. Notably, the Vice Captain B. Ganouri did not play for the team and it was never attempted for him to be replaced. Robert Senawasne, the manager, also resigned early in the season, citing differences with the selection process as his reason.

What can be described as the most memorable and dramatic victory was over Kaiteur. The captain, R. Ballkisson, determined to play, personally obtained sawdust from Beaver Lumber to sap the waterlogged pitch after heavy morning rains. By toss time, he was short of players. Compton Captain rescued him when it appeared the team would play one short. Batting first, the team scored 138 with solid knocks of 63 from Captain and 31 from New Yorker Danny Pooran. Both players capped of the day with impressive bowling spells, with D. Pooran having figures of 8-3-12-2. After a series of bad decisions by controversial Charlie, Kaiteur were all out for 130, with Jerry Pooran taking the final catch at deep midwicket. The game proved that catches, singles and intense batsman concentration are keys to victory. Interestingly enough, B. Ganouri played for Kaiteur in that game.

The most heartbreaking loss was at Windsor, where after a tense finish, playoff hopes vanished. At the end of the season the following were achieved.

1. Second highest total number of runs scored for the season in the league.

2. Highest runs scored in a match by one team (238-6 in 38 over) against Cavaliers at Cambridge in the league.

3. Phillip Dwarika and C. Captain were in the top ten batsmen in the league.

4. Steve Dat and L. Persaud in the top ten bowlers in the league averages in the league.

5. L. Persaud, the most economical bowler in the league, bowling the most overs in the league (75 of which 18 were maidens,) and taking 14 wicket while giving away 201 runs.

Finance

The Club continued on its mission to raise $10,000.00 for the wicket installation. Two dances were held, and moderate successes were achieved. Again, mention must be made that the same individuals, who were the backbone behind previous dances, gave their worth and never were the receipts of those events called to question. It has now developed like a taboo to do so.

A court decision was not yet reached as to the payment of $842.00 for the McIntosh Arena.

Boundary Crisis

At the fall SOCA General Meeting, the then SOCA President, Mr. Roy Smith announced that the Hamilton and District President, Mr. Geoff Edwards, is claiming the Club in Hamilton& District jurisdiction. The matter, it was reported, has been discussed at the OCA level.

Mr. Norman Nedd now the elected SOCA President met with the Club’s lone representative, R. Balkissoon and took his arguments to the OCA level. OCA devoted a lot of time on its agenda to the dispute and did not arrive at a conclusion. Mr. Balkissoon will have to appear at an OCA venue in Hamilton to further plead this case. At that meeting too, a decision has not yet been reached.

Surprisingly, when Mr. Balkisson reported to the executives about the boundary situation at a meeting on January 22 1996, all the executive members present at the meeting ridiculed him, except Mr. L. Persaud. Balkissoon’s explanation was seen as a plan to blackmail them, to gain popularity, and he was treated with utter contempt. Throughout all this, he stood steadfastly, unfazed by the utter disregard for him and his fight, and without thanks, single handedly drive deep the foundation of SOCA in Cambridge. His only defeat when the matter was resolved at the OCA level was that the name of the Club had to be changed; the idea was not to use “Cambridge” in the club’s name, the condition that OCA agreed upon to keep the Club in SOCA jurisdiction.

Social Content and Picnic

The social aspect of the Club grew rapidly. The playing venue is now not only used for cricket, but also a meeting place whenever game is played or an activity organized. This amicability of cricket and community took shape and the leadership was forced to respond favourably. A few friendly games during the year were passed as social events, and the involvement of the community is now an issue that must be addressed.

The Club held its first picnic, with Mr. Heamauth Persaud AKA R.P. of RP Records supplying the necessities. The picnic was a major success. However, cracks began emerging on a personality scale, and Robbie Persaud lamented the cost of $45.00 Mr. R. P. did not dream of supplying (items such as matches, coals buns, etc).

Credit must also be given to Harry Pooran for the donation of a barbecue and the securing of a roller for the wicket, all being his personal effort.

1996 Contradiction and Controversy

General Meeting

The General Meeting was held at the French Club. It elected a new executive, and changed the Club’s name to All Stars as OCA dictated. It is pertinent to note here that after various names were nominated, the name “All Stars” received 8 votes, the most, and by it mere number of votes received, was an omen as a signal of the events to follow the years ahead.

After only three positions in the executive remained in tact, a motion was passed to have a new vote to elect a new executive, rather than replacing the ones who resigned, because the Constitution stipulated a two-year term for each executive. The following were elected, with Mr. Joseph Beharry as Returning Officer.

Executives:

President – L. Persaud

Vice President – K. Persaud

Secretary - K. Jaipersaud

Treasurer- H. Persaud

Asst. Secty/Treasurer – R. Persaud

Manager – H. Raghnauth

PRO – J. Beharry

Statistician – P. Dwarika

Captain – R. Balkissoon

Vice Captain – V. Jaipersaud

Director – R. Tirbeni

Mention must be made here that two members of the elected committee, Krishna Jaipersaud and Heamnauth Persaud, accepted the vacant positions that were declined by members. They were not qualified to hold those positions constitutionally.

Executive Performance

The President’s performance was one of being laid back and allowed slackness to creep as normality in the affairs of the club. His control over the affairs of the Club failed to deliver from conception to reality and he resigned in October 1996.

It is pertinent here to give a practical assessment of the other Executive performances. The Treasurer, H. Persaud and assistant Secretary/Treasurer Mr. Robbie Persaud attended one meeting and never paid their membership dues for 1996, and consequently they did not function in their capacities.

Robbie Persaud in fact was a bona fide member for Waterloo that year. He would later forge his membership just prior to the Cambridge Community Cricket Club’s1997 annual general meeting in a conspiracy and a prearranged setup, to be elected as Vice President. This was a premeditated move for he will embark on a course of complete ignorance non-cooperation with the 1996 elected President to finalise the 1996 Accounts.

The reason for this action was, as mentioned earlier, when Radworld loaned the club $300.00 in 1993. L. Persaud audited the accounts presented to him when he became president and found discrepancies with that $300.00. He asked Robbie to explain why the $300.00 kept appearing as money owed at the end of 1995, when Radworld had used $100.00 for his 1994 membership. The other $200.00 remaining he used up for himself and V. Hunt Jaipersaud membership in 1995. Logically, there was no money owed to Radworld, but yet, the book was balanced and it recorded $300.00 owed to Radworld! It cannot be said for sure if this was one reason for Robbie’s plan to destroy the club, but it is despicable and selfish to let an explanation of $300.00 snowballing into the demise of the club by Robbie Persaud.

The Manager, Raghnauth, adopted an "I want" attitude, marginally functioned in his capacity in preference to a glass glued to has hand during each game.

The Vice-Captain Hunt Jaipersaud played one game against Waterloo and claimed that he was being pressured at work to make certain selections not to his liking. He also refused to tender his resignation based on the same reason when asked to do so by the President.

The PRO Joe Beharry, also functioned marginally, but his role was limited because of umpiring commitments.

The Statistician did not file a single game report and the captain covered for him.

Record keeping of both business and financial accounts was the secretary’s role. He was committed wherever his affiliation physiologically led him that made him suspect to cliques rather than the ideals of the Club’s objectives.

Youth development was the responsibility of the Vice President, but being relegated from the position as President to Vice-President at the elections results, he chose to limit his activities ensuring his place in the team. A mammoth credit must be showered on him when he assumed responsibility as President after the L. Persaud resigned, and guided the organization through a very crucial stage. He organized two dances in the space of four months and accelerated the process towards the realization of the $10,000.00 needed for the wicket installation. He was barred by legal means to contact the former President, but nevertheless, coordinated the resources to the fullest of his capabilities.

The Captain, Rajin Balkissoon burdened the non-functioning aspects of the defective Executives and can truly be described as the only solid pillar on which all activities revolved and were realized in the club.

1996 Season

Prior to team selections, an intense battle was waged to agree on a selection criteria format.

The season began with a virtual tie, but was later, after numerous representations at various levels by the captain and the president, was given the win. The next win was convincing against Michigan, but not without questionable persuasion. After a rain delay, the umpire had to be paid extra to bring out the Michigan players onto the field with four runs needed for victory.

Realizing early in the season that numerous dropped catches and running available runs made difference between victory and losses, the President gave instructions in writing to the selection committee for action. With the perpetual glass in the manager’s hand and the vice-captain’s complete reluctance, the captain was powerless.

Later, to arouse competition amongst members for a place in the league team, a committee was appointed by the President comprising the Vice President, Secretary, Director and Assistant Secty/Treasurer to work out arrangement at the possibility of having a second “B” team. No one was interested in competition for places in the team, but their own personal agenda; nothing was ever attempted. Note here that Robbie Persaud, despite not paying his dues as yet, did not inform the club that he was a member of Waterloo.

All the results showed the team losing by the slimmest of a margins; either a wicket or a run and two. The composition of the players was always questionable in the eyes of the supporters. To add insult to injury, the vice-captain V. Jaipersaud was asked to step down upon discussing his non-participating role in the team. He agreed, and later reported that because of occupation related pressures he has to hold on. The captain, Rajin, against this backdrop, at times had to resort to unconventional means of control, and most times it backfired against him. One notable inclusion in this year’s squad was Gavin Pearson from Waterloo. The predictable desertion was Robbie Persaud, mainly due to his concept to the handling of the boundary dispute and Lall Persaud questioning him of $300.00 as President.

1996 in General

The season was marred with divisions. Visible groups are now battling for control, and the means employed, ran counter towards the objectivity of the club. It is now a matter of which camp you support, that's how you will play to blend the result of a game.

In October, the President resigned as mentioned earlier; his family life was affected by an incident that was aggravated by the secretary Krishna Jaipersaud. The president felt that the secretary, in lieu of an obscene telephone recording to a family member should resign voluntary. However, in the prevailed circumstances, the grapevine got the benefit of the telephone recording and the President opted to resign. This was the single most devastating mistake he would make as President, for the consequences for allowing the secretary to have the better of him would be a recipe for the club's demise as a force in the community.

Finance

The dance in April was a moderate success. The account however was put to the strictest test for the first time. Each drink sold, each ticket sold was made to be accounted for. The notion was not that anybody questioned the credibility of the Treasurer H. Persaud or the absent Asst. Sect/Treasurer; but that the President Lall Persaud is a thief.

There were few inconsistent entries in the Club's accounts, and after Dilip checked it out and refused to act as treasurer, the secretary was appointed to the task by the president.

At an executive meeting held on March 1997, L. Persaud was found to owe $140.00, and he paid that amount in the form of a cheque to the club. However, the following week at a meeting at H. Ragnauth’s residence, no follow up report was given, but the Secretary who was present at that meeting reported unofficially that there was an excess of $300.00 on June 22, 1997 to the former President, L. Persaud during an informal discussion.

Wicket Installation Prerequisites

At pre and post registration deliberations, the executives mandated R. Ballkisson to negotiate all transactions for the artificial wicket installation. He was to whenever the executives meet give a progress report. Due to GRCA setbacks that the future use of the land was in dispute, he took up his case with Mrs. Eleanor Euton personally. She being a Hilborn family member, managed to convince all the living Hilborn siblings and GRCA that cricket at Dunbar will suffice some family traditions. This, coupled with representation to Cambridge City Mayor, Jane Brewer, finally broke the deadlock. Despite this monumental achievement by Rajin, he was put on the agenda of the conspirator’s chopping block.

Since no meeting was convened, he would deliver his report at the 1997 AGM. Again, like the boundary dispute, he would endure harsh criticisms. The contention was that he had information about developments and did not share. No other executive member took cognisance of the fact that they did not ask for a meeting. This will continue to be the trend throughout the rest of the period of this documentation; a chilling example of the degree of competence and personal agenda of the administrators.

The agenda to rid him once his usefulness has been spent has now sown its seed, and this portrayal did its job of poisoning the minds of the rank and file members.

1997- Controversy and Conspiracy

AGM

The atmosphere of the meeting revealed the cracks and intense polarisation amongst members.

The resigned President L Persaud was in New York. He provided a written report with a taped recording for the period he served. The latter was in view of the fact of the poor reading skills of the secretary. As predicted, the secretary called the report a joke, and recorded the minutes as no report submitted.

The finance of the club was discussed in length. It was found that the resigned President, L Persaud, stole money from the club, and left the finances it’s in a mess. It was never revealed to the meeting that the secretary, K. Jaipersaud was fully entrusted with the finances of the club. This appointment came when it was evident that the Treasurer, H. Persaud and the Asst. Sect/Treasurer, Robby Persaud, failed to become members. A quick look into the club's cheque book will reveal that the secretary did the bulk of the transactions and that both H. Persaud and Robbie Persaud did not receive trophies, a token of appreciation the club adopted for the first time to all its members at the December 1996 dance.

R Ballkisson presented his report; it was received with disgust. The executives branded him an egoist, and not a single word of praise was offered.

K Persaud, as acting president, provided reports chiefly about the dances, and that L. Persaud messed up the books.

H. Raghnath as manager provided his report, and blasted the team failures on the captain. Interestingly, he never blamed himself as a member of the selection committee.

Elections

The following persons were elected to the executive committee:

President Robert Senwasane

Vice President Robbie Persaud

Secretary Vacant

Treasurer Ralph Tirbeni

Asst. Sect/Treas Harold (Ramesh) Raghnath

Manager Bharrat Dudnauth

Captain Rajin Ballkisson

Vice Captain Kemraj Persaud

PRO Khemraj Ballkisson

Statistician Steve Dat

Director Bhim Dudnauth

It must be noted that throughout the year, Robbie Persaud was not a member as previously mentioned, but prior to election, bought his way into the club to vote and hold a key position.

Meetings

The president, Senwasane convened an early meeting to settle outstanding issues and to charter a new course ahead.

Prior to the meeting, the president approached L Persaud and offered to him the secretary's position. He explained to the president that constitutionally, the Asst. Sec/ Treasurer, Raghnath must function as secretary as the constitution stipulates. If he is unable to function, then he must vacate the post, and a by election be called to fill both vacancies. L Persaud pleaded to the president that he would like to be present at the meeting, even before the main agenda was undertaken, to answer questions of 1996 finances. Senwasane refused the request on grounds that Robbie Persaud does not want him present. The future of the club is now well charted into Robbie's hand.

Raping of the Constitution

The executive under duress from the apparent trustworthy Robbie will do the following, thereby blatantly disregarding the provisions of the very ideals of proper organisational structure:

1) Replace the president with the director, B Dudnauth as head of the organisation.

2) Installing K Jaipersaud as secretary and retain the reluctant Raghnath.

3) Fail to deliver SOCA documents as head of the club's delegation at the spring meeting, and discipline R Ballkisson for not doing the vice president's job as head of the club's delegation.

4) Set up a conspiracy to install G Pearson as captain, and totally get rid of R Ballkisson.

WICKET INSTALLATION

The success of the wicket installation is a result of the lone negotiating efforts of Rajin Ballkisson. Throughout all the power struggle stages, his single-minded focus has been able to break the deadlocks that GRCA was trying to set up. The negotiation with the Hilborn family, the representation to the City's Mayor, and the persuasion of Barber Construction during this period of stop and go. Barber Construction finally began work in the First week of May, and the dreams of a permanent wicket unfolded into reality.

The Executives at this stage came together to see the final payments made in a contract of sort.

This is now seen as a stepping stone for the next stage in development. The game in Cambridge must grow. A City Report published in September 1994, concluded on page 7, "As mentioned earlier, a second cricket club, the Cambridge Community Cricket Club, has formed in the community and while their numbers do not demonstrate cricket to be a high growth sport, their needs for a practice and game facility is a concern." The executives never found consonance with this vision.

With this facility now in place, the contents of the reports can be challenged to the next higher level: the growth of the sport. Sadly, the leadership sees the club in a different perspective, and the desire of the executives are now geared and bent on the ridding of the founding members at all possible costs.

1997 SEASON

The season began with preconceived notions by a group claiming to be builders and founders. Early in the season, the recurring saga of loosing by the slimmest of margins prevailed despite a more talented team. As planned, show that the captains, Rajin, has no control, and provide ample reasons, replacing him is a guarantee. The build up of stocks and eupherousisms all added up on July 5, 1997.

Against Michigan, the drama took shape. Michigan, needing another 40 runs with 4 wickets remaining will win. It played out that the captain Rajin asked his brother in law K Persaud to see if he can break a threatening partnership, and he responded in a single over. He claimed 2 wickets in that over. Naturally, he was asked to continue and gave away 14 runs. Rajin's fate as captain was now sealed. To complement with another nail in his coffin, Gavin Pearson the following over bowled 5 deliberate wides, giving away 11 runs in all, and naturally, none of the conspirators saw that.

After the game, an unconstitutional meeting was called, with the scapegoat Director, Bhim Dudnauth to replace an executive without the whole membership: only the conspirators called in partial members, to unceremoniously dump Rajin. The plan worked, and victory of conspiracy took hold.

Rajin would hand over the gears to the President Senwasane all in tact, and vowed not to return to the park as long as conspirators are at the helm.

However, K Persaud reinstated the constitution, and exercised his rights to the captaincy, when chaos broke loose. The conspirators, to keep close control, planned the fine tunes by some staying and some abstaining to completely rid the founders. It worked. Competitive and cohesive cricket in Cambridge is now a mere laughing stock. For the first time in its history, games were forfeited.

To add insult to injury, B Dudnauth would consolidate the conspirator's agenda in the form of money. The propaganda, that both Rajin and Lall are flushed out of the Club because they stole money.

EXECUTIVE PERFORMANCES

The agenda for control rendered this body a toothless poodle. The Secretary Krishna Jaipersaud, would be fired for on a personal vendetta writing the League Secretary, Mrs. Joan Kay to ban Lall from playing cricket in the League. He was reinstated after it was realised that his signature is on the contract to pay the remaining money for the wicket. Robbie Persaud, B Dudnauth and K Ballkisson, will all yo-yo resignations and returns. The President Senwasane was the stooge of Robbie Persaud.

The president, never the less, was able to use his diplomacy after all this, to patch the Executives to hold yet another unconstitutional AGM (see 1998).

SOCIAL CONTENT

The once proud people are now severely punished by the personal agenda of a few. The annual picnic is now a ghost in the lost horizon, and properties of the club began disappearing. Society now out of the picture, the people in control would embark on at reckless pace to realize their dreams: the destruction of the club.

Finances

Sticking to the agenda that L. Persaud and R. Ballkissoon stole the Club's money, the duty appointed treasure, K. Jaipersaud for 1997 found enough ground n safe haven. By carefully excluding L. Persaud when he is available for meetings and demanding his presence when not feasible, he managed to escape told responsibility.

The October 1997 dance was the Club's largest financial sources ever dated, and the capable accounting of R. Tribeni, 1997 account was well done.

1998 Survival or Growth

When the mass alienation was in progress, it was evident that Cambridge may loose competitive status. A rival or supplementary organization called themselves Hilborn Sports Club emerged. It leaders, were L. Persaud and R. Ballkisson. The very act of another organisatin sent rejuvenating juices in the once disbanded Executives. This threat must not be allowed to flourish in any form. Hence, the individual differences all disappear and a cohesive force once more surfaced. With what residual members available, the Club's theme would now will be to at all costs, destroy Hilborn. The vision as expressed by Hilborn leaders, is that cricket should not suffer, but grow, and exist in harmony as a symbol of uniqueness as a people in the same game.

At a meeting between the Club, GRCA and Hilborn, President Senwasane lamented the fear Hilborn will destroy All Stars. But L. Persaud of Hilborn refuted that it is the sign of growth inspired by All Stars, and as a cricket lover and a former player, Senwasane should encourage growth of this suffocated sport in Cambridge. In the end, L.Persaud offered a merger with All Stars. Senwasane promised to talk to his executives. During the same week, he was called twice for a date. The last time he was a very busy businessman and has no time: a spell of the death to any merger. He was massively furious when L. Persaud remarked to him that as an old man, he is bent on seeing this only community sport die; through his inaction and gross mishandling.