Saturday, April 26 saw two aspiring young cricket teams pit bat against ball under a balmy sky at Perone Barracks, Gold Coast, Tuen Mun, as Junior Police Call (JPC) Tuen Mun hosted JPC Wan Chai in an inaugural Project, "Melting Pot Cricket Match".

Whilst spectators were treated to an exciting and closely competed match, the more experienced Wan Chai team ran out eventual winners by 151 to 129 runs. After presentation of a cup to the victorious Wan Chai team and awards by the guest of honour, His Honour Judge Suffiad, Chairman of the Hong Kong Islamic Council, Mr Liaquat Ali, JPC Honorary President, Ms Lee Ying, Tuen Mun Deputy District Commander Dave Grant and his Wan Chai counterpart Li Kin-fai, players and spectators were treated to a sumptuous curry buffet.

Under the TMDIST JPC "Melting Pot Cricket" Programme, which began in October last year, some 50 children mainly from the Pakistani and Indian communities in Tuen Mun District play cricket and receive cricket coaching on Saturday afternoons at the Perone Barracks site. This project was borne out of a plan to identify the needs of Tuen Mun's sizeable Non-ethnic Chinese community of Pakistani, Indian and Nepalis and to look for ways of integrating them into the community as well as fostering a better rapport between the NEC community and the Force.

Thanks to the assistance of a NEC community leader, Mr Javed Shahab, there was no shortage of keen and skilful young players, except the main problem of identifying a suitable location to play cricket. The resourcefulness of Tuen Mun District Police Community Relations Officer, Woman Chief Inspector Ngan Yuen-yee, came into play and a large area of disused land was identified inside the former military barracks on Castle Peak Road. With the co-operation of the Government Property Agency and the Lands Department and the efforts of Mr Ali, the area was rendered usable to a point that on a good day up to 50 kids were turning up to play a sport that is so dear to their hearts.

Whilst it is intended to hold a "return" match against Wan Chai in the near future, Tuen Mun District would be interested in playing with similar teams from other Districts. Interested parties are welcome to contact Mr Grant or WCIP Ngan.

More NEC youngsters are joining the TMDIST JPC Melting Pot Cricket Programme