Kai Tak Vs Nomads, HKCC

Kai Tak 6 / 293   S.Campbell 63, B.Ward 75, D.Johnson 74*

Nomads 3 / 297   M.Boss 8-2-63  (T.Brown 123*, S.Lowe 104*)

Well what started as the perfect day for the Tak soon became another nightmare!!

Winning the toss on a glorious Hong Kong afternoon, batting was always going to be the way to go. With our batting strengthened by the likes of Barrington and Patidar, it was time to back ourselves and pile the pressure on.

Off to a jittery start with Hawke going early and then our big ring in Barrington going without troubling the scorers, the Captain was starting to worry. Knowing Nomads have one of the strongest batting sides in the league it was important to regroup. Patidar and Naqvi then went about that task and soon the runs were flowing. Unfortunately Mohsin decided to go Calypso early and soon his luck had run out on 21. Then Campbell went out to join Patidar and the two decided it was time for decent innings from both. Patidar was looking totally in control and played some great strokes on his way. I got some nice meat pies short of a length on my leg side, for me there is only one thing to do to that!!! Just when Tiku had 100 tattooed on his forehead he got a pearla of a delivery from one of their better bowlers, it moved just enough away to get Tik's edge and caught behind for 39. Alas the best was to come. Bob Ward strolled out looking cool as a cucumber. Not bothered by the scoreboard Bob showed zero respect for the Nomads bowling and decided to test the top of the nets around the ground. I was fortunate to watch this at the other end!! We both managed to hang around for drinks and the Tak were back in it at 4 for 92 after 17. After drinks we both fought over who should go for it and in the end we both decided to. I managed to keep my head and made my 50 with a 6 and moved on to 63 before my first rash shot (yes believe it or not) had me sky one that the keeper took without too much problem. An 88 run partnership my 63 off 48 balls, 5 for 174 after 25!!. I guess the Nomads were thinking they could roll us back a bit now but boy were they going to be disappointed!! Dwight Johnson who has now been dubbed my twin for our batting techniques, walked in a knew what to do straight away. Dwight basically annihilated the bowling. Without going into it, i am sure you will get an idea when i say, 74 not out off 28 balls including 9 sixes!!!!!! The bowling was not that bad either but Dwights timing was sensational, they had no respite as Bob was still going for it at the other end. It was one of the best partnerships i have seen for the Tak in terms of total destruction of an opposition bowling!!!! Bob finally fell on 75(57 balls), the pair put on 100 off 8 overs!!!! Darren Fryer (Friar Tuck) managed to see a coupe of balls too.

So a great total and we knew we needed it against Nomads. We knew we had alot to do and that the game was in fact no where near finished.

Nomads went after it from ball one. Fortunately Mitch Boss and Chris Williams were on the spot and made it very hard for them. We managed to get some well earned wickets including a great slips catch by none other than Nick Hawke, but unfortunately that meant the in form Toby Brown came to the crease and although he looked shaky to start with and was very lucky to escape an incredibly close LBW he was getting himself into gear for the big onslaught. He was joined by new boy Steve Lowe who has played some County cricket in England i believe. They both showed great batting skills and we really had no answer for them. We were always in it and just needed a bit of luck to get another wicket. This was not to be and no matter where i threw the ball we just could not force an error from these guys. Geoff DeLaine bowled well and Mitch was rewarded with 2 wickets. Friar Tuck was unlucky with a ball belted back to him from Lowe when he was on not much, a dropped C&B, aagghhh, oh well he will pay for that later!!

Our fielding was very good but hard to judge considering so many balls went over our heads!!

Considering our batting has been letting us down of late, it was very reassuring to see it come together today. Our bowling lacked the punch after drinks but then i dont think it mattered where they put it, these guys were on fire!!!!

Was nice to see a few of the wives at the game. Am sorry you all had to put up with my sister for so long!!

Man of the Match: Dwight Johnson

Mug of the Day: Darren Fryer (dropped C&B), very harsh i felt but it was voted. Tiku was very lucky to escape this one as he had walked out to the crease only to find about an over or so later he still had his smoke packet and lighter in his pocket!!!!!

Bad luck today lads, a great batting effort none the less!!

Go the TAK!!!

Steve

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