Cricket Team Gives Back on Island Tour
The Toronto Police Cricket Club (TPCC) made significant contributions on and off the field during their one-week tour of St. Vincent & the Grenadines in November.
Led by co-captains Richard Moore, a retired officer, and Detective Constable Mustafa Popalzai of 51 Division, the team won one of its three matches.
In the opening game, the TPCC – led by former Canadian players Surendra Seeraj with 37 and George Codrington who scored an unbeaten 28, defeated the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Police by 75 runs.
The Canadians dropped the second game by 25 runs and the third by six wickets despite a brilliant all-round performance by Popalzai who hit 54 not out and took three wickets for 13 runs.
“Our players gave their best in every game playing against some professional cricketers,” said Popalzai. “I am very proud of them.”
Prior to the trip, the team adopted a school, Westwood Methodist.
“We wanted to give back something to the island,” said Vice-President Dave McLeod, who was a part of the 22-member touring party that included supporters. “We spent a couple of hours at the school and presented books and other school supplies, toys and money for some refurbishments. The principal, staff and students were very appreciative and we plan to send computers for both that school and the police.”
Retired York Region Police officer Ezra ‘Tony’ Browne, who was born in St. Vincent, was part of the police contingent.
“He was our liaison and he did a great job in putting the logistics together,” added McLeod. “Everything was in place for us when we got there and we all had a great time.”
Browne, who retired six years ago after 35 years on the job, relished the opportunity to tour with Toronto Police.
“They showcased sportsmanship that deserves its own trophy,” he said. “The St. Vincent police were very gracious hosts and their police commissioner has already hinted at a cricket reunion.”
The Touring Committee, the Toronto Police Association, the Toronto Police Amateur Athletic Association and the Toronto Police Services Board made the tour possible.
