Day one of the Fly Dreams Travels Gold Coast Championship Season 2 (semi-hard tennis ball cricket) was filled with thrilling action on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Accra Academy Astro Turf. The event, organized by Defenders Cricket Club, treated fans to captivating matches and fierce competition.
The day’s final game featured Salt n’ Pepper, the food partners of the championship, clashing with Royal Stars Tema. Despite their spicy reputation, Salt n’ Pepper couldn’t heat things up enough, falling short in a low-scoring thriller.
In a gripping first innings, Salt n’ Pepper impressively restricted Royal Stars to 33/5. However, cricket’s unpredictability played out as Salt n’ Pepper faltered in their chase, managing just 18/6, losing by 15 runs.
Salt n’ Pepper, also backed by platinum sponsors MC and Heatz, had earlier bounced back with an 8-wicket win over LJ Warriors after losing their opening game to Champions United by 4 wickets.
Group A concluded with Royal Stars finishing at the summit with 6 points after edging out Champions United by 2 runs (45/3 & 43/4) and thrashing LJ Warriors by 62 runs (82/2 & 20/6). Champions United also progressed to the last eight with 4 points, having narrowly defeated LJ Warriors by 2 runs (41/6 & 39/5).
Gold sponsors for the highly energized 5-over championship include Indobey Global Ltd, Dunamis Shipping and Logistics, Amic Medicare Diagnostic Center, B5 Plus Group, and JK, known for “everything to anything paper.”
In Group B, host team Defenders 11 displayed flashes of brilliance but are yet to secure a win. They lost to group leaders Gujarat Tridents and The Game Changers.
Gujarat lead Group B with 4 points, having crushed The Game Changers by 6 wickets (21/8 in 4.4 overs & 23/2 in 3.3 overs) and outclassed Defenders 11 by 24 runs (75/5 & 51/3). The Game Changers follow with 2 points after defeating Defenders 11 by 6 wickets (32/7 & 36/2 in 2.5 overs). Defenders 11 will look to bounce back on Day Two against LeLe Challengers, who are yet to play a match.
Other sponsors adding color and packages to the championship include Park Shop, Verna Mineral Water, Desi Mart, Trendz Unisex Salon, Saal, Daily Food, Boss Baker, and Wasabi.
In Group C, JK Cricket Club came out blazing, defeating Invincible Eleven by 16 runs (58/4 & 42/4) and Platinum by 4 wickets (40/7 & 41/5 in 4.5 overs) to sit comfortably with 4 points. Invincible Eleven, who overcame Platinum with a 6-wicket win (30/6 & 31/3 in 4.3 overs), sit second with 2 points, while DPS Plastic Tamil Pasanga are yet to take the field.
All 12 matches played on Thursday featured medal and prize presentations to participating players, creating a festive atmosphere.
Group D action is scheduled for Sunday, May 11, 2025, featuring Accra Titans, Panjab Warriors, Swami Sports Club, and Wasabi 9, who are all set to bring more excitement.
A special moment on Day One was a Guard of Honor for Santhosh, a founding member of Defenders Cricket Club, who is set to leave Ghana for new pursuits.
Unfortunately, Shaheen 7 — champions of the maiden edition after defeating Star Walkers SC — are not participating this season, paving the way for a new champion to emerge.
Free health screenings provided by Amic Medicare Diagnostic Center continue on Sunday, May 11, 2025, alongside more sixes, wickets, and thrilling catches as the Gold Coast Championship rolls on.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
