NEWS - SCC Lions Crowned Division 1 Champions 2007
18 December 2007
Following a redistribution of talent amongst the top sides in Division 1, and a move to a straightforward league system, the 2007 season promised to be a very interesting one. With very little to choose between the top 3 sides on paper, and with no play-off to determine the overall champion, one slip-up could rule a side out of contention and not only winning, but winning with maximum points, would be of paramount importance for every fixture.
Indian Association 1 looked pre-season favourites with their very talented, experienced and long batting order complimented by some very attacking bowling in the shape of Suresh Navaratman, Mizran and Pramodh. Likewise, despite the departure of Dharmichand, the ranks of Kallang Colts 1 included two of Singaporeʼs finest players in Chetan and Chaminda.
However, before the season began there was a strong sense of optimism in the SCC Lions camp that the Division 1 title to return to Singaporeʽs oldest cricket club for the first time in five years. The team, while young, is high on enthusiasm and talent.
The first 2 matches saw the Lions claim emphatic and efficient wins over the SCC Cougars (by 7 wickets) and NTU (by 142 runs). However, in the third match of the season, away at IA, a disappointing performance by the Lions against a powerful IA side saw a 4 wicket defeat.
The Lions knew this could be their only defeat of the season if there was to be any chance of winning the league. For the rest of the year they would need to claim as many 10 point victories as possible, and ensure the return fixture against IA was won. And this is exactly what the Lions did. Undefeated in the league from April 15th onwards, the Lions played very hard against quality opposition and teams in the rest of the League.
The title was a great reward for a season of disciplined and focused cricket, where a squad of young and talented players showed the tenacity and grit needed to be a league winning side.
Written by Jonathan Dunlea
