By Peter Simunovich

The Bay Area in Northern California is the home of the San Francisco Giants baseball and San Francisco 49ers football teams that have produced Hall of Famers like quarterback Joe Montana and centerfielder Willie Mays, both acknowledged as all-time greats.

It is also the home of the Northern California Cricket Association. Established in 1892, it is one of the oldest and largest cricket regions in the United States.

Right now the NCCA is celebrating the success of the North West Region's Under 19 win in the recently completed national tournament.

NCCA president Ganesh Sanap proudly says that 13 of the 14-man North West Region squad came from the NCCA, including three of the players in the national Under 19 All American team. And it was the second time in four years that the region had won the national title.

Sanap, who has a long association with the four-division and 40-team league as a player, volunteer, administrator and president, says the league's focus "has always been on youth." The philosophy is that they move up to a higher level and then pass on their knowledge, experience and tips to the youngsters. It is the trickle down effect.

But Sanap, 39, a computer developer, does not take all the backslapping from the success of the junior program in the NCCA. He is quick to talk about coach Owen Graham. "He has the Midas touch," said Sanap. "When he played with the Caribbean Cricket Club in the NCCA he had the most wins as a captain and player. No teams wanted to play against him.

"Owen led the San Francisco Freedom in the professional league in 2004 and led it to the national championship. He has a very good cricketing brain."

Graham, 42, played in semi pro and All Island leagues in the West Indies as an opening batsman, has a high profile as a coach in the NCCA, but he praised the administration. "I realize that it gets it right," he said.

Saad Khan, 19, a No. 4 bat and right arm off spinner, told DreamCricket.com: "People and coaches put in a lot of effort and work hard in the NCCA. Ganesh is recruiting players. Owen knows the game, man. He knows a lot about cricket.

"He's a good guy, has a positive attitude, and works hard with everyone and gives us confidence. He is available 24/7 and he will answer any questions."

Sanap said: "Owen is always talking to players on the 'phone. We are trying to develop a cricketing brain and keep the Under 19 players together. The idea is unity and continuity. The players now play in A Division. It gives them experience and helps out teams when they might be short of players."

Sanap, who moved to the US from Mumbai, India, says the biggest reason for the youth program is that they players are "like a band of brothers. They are at each other's home, play as a team, are united and you will not find too many individuals in the team."

Graham admits: "There is something about me that goes well with the kids. They have a willingness to learn and I have a love and passion for the game."

He grew up during the West Indies golden era where he watched stars like Michael Holding, Colin Croft, Joel Garner and Andy Roberts play and he competed against the likes of Jeffrey Dujon, Jimmy Adams and Courtney Walsh. And to round this off he was coached by top Test batsman Rohan Kanhai.

Graham tries to teach his players how to understand the game, be relaxed and poised and to work hard on and off the field. "Discipline is very important," he says. "Practice hard and do what you are told."

Asked about his successful coaching methods, he said: "I don't look at it as a moral obligation. I enjoy the teaching and I hope to create a little legacy. I try to connect with the players, be like a father figure. I encourage them to play positive and aggressive cricket. They have good minds."

Saad, who is studying sociology, said his batting and fielding had improved under Graham's coaching. "He gives me more confidence. He says not to be afraid of the ball, be confident, be yourself and play your natural game."

Saad added that Graham encouraged his players to be disciplined, "play by the rules, be who you are and don't bring anyone or another team down."

One of the unsung heroes in the success of the NCCA is Sarabjit Chadha, 40, who helped found the East Bay Cricket Club and still plays as an all-rounder. He said: "All the kids who play in the Under 19s in the NCCA should be thankful for Ganesh and Owen.

"The NCCA is Ganesh's baby. He works very hard and the kids get good coaching from Owen. I have watched him coach and he is pretty darn good."

A behind the scenes man, Chadha helps in organizing matches, looks after and develops players and fields, has a thankless job. But he loves the game and enjoys watching it continually grow.

It is all part of the success of the NCCA.