Kai Tak Vs KCC Taratars, KCC

KCC   157   M.Boss 6-2-30, Fidel 4-2-26, B.Ward 6-2-26, M.Blampied 2-29

Kai Tak   145   D.Johnson 48, B.Ward  32

Kait Tak Versus KCC Tartars

Brimming with confidence after our season-opening win, the Tak took on the KCC Tartars at the KCC on possibly the hottest day of the year.  A lost toss meant we fielded first during the hottest part of the day - conditions were exhaustingly ghastly!  Nevertheless, yet again with a new and enthusiastic team, we took to the field with true Tak grit and determination.  The KCC were missing several key players on national call up so this would be a good game to win.  Skipper Chris Williams and Mitch Boss opened the bowling and both were sharp and straight.  It wasn't long before Mitch took his first Kai Tak wicket (... one much deserved after last week's effort!) with a thick edge to gully and a fine catch taken by Dave Jordaan (a candidate for catch of the season ... granted it is early days, but a fine one nonetheless!).  Chris switched bowlers after three to four over spells due to the hot conditions - Fidel Bel Castro and Gerhard Laas coming on next and taking us through to a much needed water break.  At drinks the KCC were 80 odd for 4.  Honours even at this stage.  The next session after drinks went very well for the Tak.  Ward came on and bowled a very tight line and length pinning the batsmen back and picking up a couple of wickets.  From the other end, Dwight Johnson picked up one in his 3 over spell; Mark Blampied picked up two for 9 runs in his two overs including another sharp catch at backward point by the outstretched diving Ward (even it I may so so myself!, and in fact I'll nominate myself for catch of the season while I'm at it!).  Wickets fell at regular intervals and Chris Williams wrapped up a superb effort in the field taking the last wicket in the 30th over.  KCC bowled out for 157.  Al Noble must also be mentioned for his tireless efforts behind the stumps.  He kept extremely well and probably shed at least 5 pounds in the process!

After an energy-sapping session in the field, all the Tak had to do was go out and score at a little over 4 an over.  It should have been a relatively simple task given the small KCC ground and the Tartars missing their two strike bowlers.  Fidle and Darren Fryer were due to open, but since Fidel did not manage to pad up in time (... only Fidel!)  Bob Ward was promoted to opening.  After 6 overs, we were 40 for no loss - some stunning cricket shots from Fryer showing a lot of promise for the future and some hefty blows/hacks from Ward had the field spread and the bowlers dejected.  And then the all familiar Kai Tak rot set in ... with a flurry of reckless shots outside off stump we started to lose wickets at far too frequent an interval.  No partnerships developed.  A defiant 48 from Dwight Johnston, with some good agressive batting, was about the only innings worth commenting on.  Despite a hard fight at the end and certainly not for lack of exhausted determination, the Tak were 13 runs short of victory - all out for 145 in the 31st over.  It was a familiar story ... Kai Tak grasped defeat from the jaws of victory yet again.  Two ghosts from the past returned to haunt us: 24 wides bowled (... yes, and we lost by 13 runs!!), and reckless slashing outside off stump (none more guilty than myself!) triggering a middle order collapse.

Moving forward, lets look at the positives:  8(!) bowlers were used and we still had Dirk Grobler in hand (still trying to shake out the Mumbai cobwebs), and other than the wides, everyone bowled a very good line and length.  5 new bowlers amongst our ranks certainly helps our cause as often lack of availability leaves us short of bowlers.  Mitch Boss is proving to be a very effective fast opening bowler.  We can look forward to great things from Mitch.  With two matches played, and both sides fielded by the Tak made up of 5 or 6 "new" guys - the enthusiasm and spirit is absolutely fabulous.  Keep it up guys.  Soon Steve is going to have selection woes of the good kind - so much talent, who to pick?  Batting wise, Darren Fryer played a few magnificent "legitimate" cricket shots as an opener and also has potential to be a real performer for the Tak with the bat.  Dwight Johnson will be a valuable big-hitting all-rounder.

A quick mention of thanks to the wives (Mrs Laas & Mrs Boss), baby and friends for bearing the heat and coming to support.  And finally, fabulous to see Johnny Gordon (aka. JG) come to the ground to support us - we hope to see you on the field again soon for your swashbuckling efforts to win the game!