GEMS Modern Academy were crowned winners of the Elite School League after defeating Our Own English School Sharjah by eight wickets.

Despite losing the toss and bowling first, GEMS reached their target with Ronak Panoly awarded man of the match.

The tournament, conducted by Robin Singh Sports Academy with Aster and Transworld Group, produced not only centuries but deadly bowling spells as well as all-round performances.

Former India cricketer Singh was impressed with the talent on show and shortlisted 22 youngsters, including Shoun Roger and Panoly, who will receive free high-performance training at his academy.

“We are pleased to host the inaugural edition of the Elite School League,” said Singh, who is CEO of Robin Singh Sports Academy.

“Competitions like these not only provide a platform for students to display their skills, but also serve as a strategic tool to monitor the expertise of cricket among students in the UAE and tailor the coaching curriculum.

“At RS Sports Academy, we are committed to provide the right training and facilities to the budding talent in the country to ensure we get a continued flow of cricketers coming to the national teams. We are overwhelmed with the participation we’ve received in the inaugural edition and I am confident that the League will certainly become an annual event in years to come.”