Harris Shield from today

It is that time of the year again when top schools will fight it out for the coveted Harris Shield Inter-school cricket tournament commencing on Tuesday. In its 113th year, the tournament will see some exciting talent from schools like Swami Vivekanand International, Borivali, Shardashram Vidyamandir, IES VN Sule Guruji, Bandra’s IES, Rizvi Springfield and Balmohan Vidyamandir. The elite division will comprise 16 top schools divided into four groups.

It may be recalled that it is in this very tournament batting legend Sachin Tendulkar (326*) and Vinod Kambli (349*) — turning out for Shardashram Vidyamandir — entered into the record books with their partnership of 664 runs against St Xavier’s School in 1988.

Defending champions Rizvi Springfield are among the top contenders to clinch the crown and coach Raju Pathak is high on confidence. “We are high on confidence after we won three titles — Vinoo Mankad (Inter-school, Inter-district) and West Zone Polly Umrigar Trophy. It is a prestigious tournament and we would like to retain the title,” said Pathak.
IES VN Sule Guruji coach Gopal Koli said it is an important tournament for the youngsters aspiring to play for Mumbai.

“Anyone who performs consistently in this meet can make it to the U-16 Mumbai squad,” Koli said. Shardashram coach Naresh Churi also sounded pretty confident. “We will give good fight to the other teams and win the coveted title,” Churi said.