Sixth annual Beach Cricket festival was held on Saturday, 27th June at Bettystown-Laytown beach. Passing clouds and few showers did not distract beach cricket lovers from playing on. This year turnout was better than last year. A total of nine teams from all over the country registered to participate in Beach Cricket tournament. All teams split in three pools and among them they played nine matches in group stages.
Pool A: Himalayan Rangers, Asian Tigers, Lightning Strikers.
Pool B: Monaghan Rangers, Citywest, The Runners Up.
Pool C: Drogheda Ranagers, Paaji XII, Drogheda Blasters
Himalayan Rangers, Monaghan Rangers and Paaji XII comfortably qualified for semi-final after winning two games in their respective group. Drogheda Rangers emerged as the next best team based on run rate to secure the fourth place in semi-final. Based on draw, Himalayan Rangers took on Monaghan Rangers and Drogheda Rangers faced Paaji XII in semi-final.
Sixth time semi-finalist Monaghan team lost to Himalayan Rangers yet again at semi-final stage. Monaghan team scored 40 runs in 5 overs that Himalayan Rangers easily surpassed in 3 overs to book place in finals for fifth time.
In another semi-final, Drogheda Rangers got another chance to face Paaji XII to whom they lost in group stage game. But this time Drogheda Rangers proved their worthiness to be in finals by scoring108 runs in 5 overs, the highest total by a team in Beach cricket 2015. Paaji XII could only score 53 runs.
Three time champions and current title holder Himalayan Rangers set off to face Drogheda Rangers in another final after 2013. Batting first Himalayan Rangers scored 46 runs in 5 overs. Brilliant bowling from Amaan saw Himalayan Rangers left with low score. Drogheda Rangers started to chase comfortably the low score, but Sanjay from Himalayan Ranger took three quick wickets left Drogheda Ranger shaking a bit in middle, but captain Pankaj made sure by hitting winning six to take home the trophy in the final over.
Day ended with Beach race (100m) for children and adults. All together it was great day for players, family and children all around in the beach. The organisers – UNITAS would like to thank Sandcastle team, Meath East Community Association, supporters, volunteers and all the players for their support and enthusiasm to make this event a great success.