“Finally we brought it all together,” said Mr. Hillman, coach of Marc Garneau’s cricket team. After making it to the City Championship as South Region Champions, Garneau’s team competed against the top team from the West Region, George Harvey Collegiate Institute, at Sunnybrook Park on 1 June 2017. For the first time in twenty-five years, MGCI was victorious and earned the title of City Champions.

MGCI’s cricket team won the City Championship title. Photo: Paul Hillman

Garneau’s team dominated their league throughout the sport’s late-spring season. With practices beginning in early May and a round-robin consisting of four games, the team only gave up one loss prior to playoffs. They then defeated East York C.I. in the regional semi-finals and continued their winning streak by defeating Greenwood College School in the South region finals. They also handily beat Lester B. Pearson High School in the semi-finals prior to the final game against George Harvey. With their successful run to cities, the team finished the season almost undefeated with seven wins and one loss.

When asked about the team’s success, the team’s coach, Mr.Hillman, said, “I think the results are a testament to the ability of our students [in Marc Garneau]. Cricket is arguably one of our most popular sports and in terms of overall success and skill, probably our best.” Marc Garneau’s cricket team has competed in the finals several times in past years.

When asked about his thoughts on winning, Captain Arslan Khan said, “[Winning] felt really good. Last year we were in the finals too, but we lost. So this year, winning was great, especially in Grade 12. It feels good to leave Garneau with that trophy in my hand.” Arslan also expressed confidence in the Grade 10 and Grade 11 players to defend Garneau’s City Champion title.

Congratulations to the following members of the cricket team for winning cities:

Daud Abbas, Mohammad Abdullah, Zain-Ul Abidein, Muhammad Adil, Abdul Basit, Aashir Javed, Shazaib Kamran, Arslan Khan, Areeb Mehta, Aatir Minhas, Faham Raees, Mohsin Sajjad, Hamza Talal, Saad Umar, Abdul Wasey Khan, and Wasiq Zia. The Reckoner also congratulates Mr. Hillman, Assistant Ziyan Abbasi, and Manager Jarar Khan.