The fact that India crashed out of the World Cup, going down to the Kiwis in the semi-finals in Manchester on Wednesday has not dampended the spirits of the teams contesting in the Bangalore Turf Club cricket tournament scheduled to be held on Monday. Three teams, Warriors (BTC members), Horse Trainers (Smashers) and the Jockeys XI are contesting and this has generated a buzz in the racing circles. 

Organiser Dayanand Mandre, who has roped in a couple of sponsors, for the 10-over a side event, including  Anjan Rangaraj head honcho of Catalyst Properties who has presented BTC a beautiful rolling trophy, making a point that this event be made a annual affair. Manjri Stud Farms and Hotel Renaissance are the two other sponsors alongwith the two individuals C G Prabhu and Sunil Sharma who have supported the event. 

"The tournament has generated good interest and we (BTC) from our side have left no stone unturned to make it a grand affair," said Dayanand pointing out that former international umpire A V Jayaprakash and Zareer Darashah, former state sprint champ will be the two umpires for the three-match championship. 

The jockeys and trainers hold an edge in this tournament, the latter holding an edge taking into account that Neil Darashah and skipper Pradeep Annaiah the two star performers will don the jerseys for the Smashers. 

Anjan Rangaraj who sponsored the Winter Derby two years in succession disclosed that the moment Dayanand asked him to present the Rolling Trophy and individual wards he accepted to do simply because he loves to support all sporting events. The head of the Catalyst Group who is also an owner and a member of the Indian Sailing team which made its presence felt against the best in the world in an International championship revealed that it would have been great fun if India had made the final in England and won the World Cup. "Well I understand that in sports you cannot win them all and hopefully the members and owners here will spring a surprise like the Black Caps did against India," said Anjan. 

Dayanand pointed out that the pitch has been adequately watered and rolled to provide perfect batting conditions and the contestants are pleased with the facilities. "I'm expecting a cracking contest, the winner taking home Rs, 25,000. The captains are all hopeful and the skipper of the Jockeys XI  Suraj Narredu is confident that the jockeys, who are the fittest of the lot will come out trumps in this carnival event.

Well all said and done, the stage is set and the team which can consistently produce satisfactory efforts with the bat and ball and more importantly grab the catches will lift the fabulous Rolling Trophy.