They knew well that they would not be agile and alert  on the field. But they wanted to egg them on for their sheer spirit.

The scene was the “Spoorthi Cup” arranged by the Spoorthi Mahila Samaj in Hanumanthanagar, which had just begun.

Ready for battle were the teams from the Spoorthi Women’s Samaj, Hanumanthanagar and the Keerthi Mahila Samaj, Uttarahalli. As the matches progressed, it was clear that the teams were in a mood to show  the world that they knew the rules as good as the men. The passion was intense, the participation total even if many team members had not felt a cricket bat before.

At the end of it all, the Keerthi Mahila Samaj team won the Mother’s team trophy. The team from the Spoorthi Mahila Samaj was the runner-up in the 16-over cricket match for participants below 45 category. Participants above 45 years had to compete for the interestingly titled “Grannies’ team trophy.” They played for 12 overs and eventually, the title was won by the Spoorthi Mahila Samaj. The runners up trophy went to the team from Keerthi.

Second innings

Ms B L Bhgayalakshmi, an entrepreneur and member of the Spoorthi winning team said playing a sport meant like getting back her youth. “We wanted to prove that we were at our age, mentally and physically fit. Family support in sparing time to take part in a one month training camp was essential. We even took a victory lap after our win. It was a moment that will be etched in our memories” she said.

Ms Choodamani, the founder president of the association said the event will be held annually if all members could take part next year.