Kai Tak Vs Gap Ramblers

HKCC 29th Oct.

Gap Ramblers: 107   (D.Belcastro 6-4-22)

Kai Tak: 1/ 109  (M.Naqvi 49 no, J.Barrington 27)

Yes well, the scores says it all. Tropical Storm Kai Tak is sitting 500 miles off the coast of Hong Kong the Ramblers would have been forgiven for thinking it had arrived early this afternoon. Losing the toss i pysched the other skipper out straight away when he asked to bat. "Phew, i was hoping you were going to do that!" From then on it was all downhill for the Ramblers, formerly 5th on the ladder..

We opened with the formidable attack of Morley and Williams and for about 8 overs the Ramblers were still stumbling around for only about 21. Both the guys bowling an exceptional line and length. It was not until we brought in our No1 bowling change Mr Fidel, as he wants to be called from now on. With his 2nd ball he got the vital wicket of Kratzman (former Aus Davis cup tennis player) who has been making a name for himself lately as a very handy hitter. Jeremy Collard batting at the other end was also looking ominous but not getting too far. Then Williams ripped through him with an absolute ripper knocking down the woodwork, we think he was happy with it as his follow through celebration ended up at about third man!!!! Fidel was still doing his thing at the other end also getting another vital wicket before tea. Then Nick Hawke, who all week has been backing himself as Phil Defraitis's coach came on and well, well, well....uuuummmm, well Nick played very well for the Ramblers,, becoming their 2nd highest scorer. 14 wides in one over has got Sam Rodwell back in the team. Even on one ball which hit the turf wicket had the umpire wondering how to signal a double wide!!! Now i must add that during this whole well quite honestly debacle, Nick still managed to get 2 wickets, completely surprising the batsmen by actually bowling one on the wicket!!! So with much relief Morls was brought back on just before tea and like the week before got us another one. They were 5-60 odd at tea and wondering what the hell was going on!! After tea well the pain kept being applied. Unfortunately in what could have been a match turner, the Capt...that would be me, damaged his good shoulder whilst valiantly diving to stop a ball. With many sighs and almost tears, i decided to take the rest of the game off as Simon Wall had turned up just in case of this sort of thing. As you would expect, Kai Tak struggled to get their momentum and managed to skittle the rest  of the opposition for a paultry 107.

With James Barrington and Mohsin heading out to open, the mood was very restrained, but joyous. Although, Dave Elliot was taking bets and even wanting to head to the bar!!! We werent to be dissapointed. JB and Mohs really taking their opening bowlers apart, 45 off just 8 overs!!! JB later being adjudged LBW, rather dubiously, for a fine 27. Their mute celebrations were silenced even more with the arrival of Mal Brown who took to them with great passion. ON a dissapointing note, Mohsin was left one short of his well deserved 50 when their bowler gave us 4 wides to finish the game.

So to sum up, it was definitely one of the most decisive victories that i have ever been involved with, all our bowlers...well most of them (no names), were on song and Morls and Williams although not getting the bagfull put the pressure on so much that their batters were well behind the eight ball. The fielding was also exceptional with 2 catches to Mat Poole, "The Poo". Our batters did the job too, losing only one wicket to get that total was icing on the cake!!! So as i sit here, dictating to Bobbi, ooohhh my shoulder i can only think that the mug of the day award must go to N.Hawke who now owes a skull. Man of the match D.Belcastro/M.Naqvi, although Williams and Morls rate a special mention as huge contibuters.

Well done all, an absolute thumping!!!

C.Williams 8-1-20, B.Morley 8-2-32, D.Belcastro 6-4-22, N.Hawke 3-2-16

M.Naqvi 49*, J.Barrington 27, M.Brown 19*.

Go the TAK!!!!