6th March v LSW Warriors
Every winning streak must come to an end ... . The mad scramble for 11 players, followed by the frantic finalizing of the team at 6am on Saturday morning after several drop outs made for a challenging build up to the game. Thanks to Rick Symington and Simon Wall for stepping up at the very last minute.
Having lost the toss, LSW did not hesitate to bat. Some took comfort that fielding first might not be a bad option for us as LSW might underestimate the total required to beat us and therefore bat more conservatively. There was no doubt this was a far better outfit than any of the four previous teams we had faced. Lacking a strike bowler to open with Dwight, skipper Bob Ward took the new ball to try "steal" a few overs. Neither Dwight nor Bob made any headway and were comfortably despatched around the park. And so began a similar theme as Kai Tak rotated their bowlers under hot and humid conditions. Al Williams took over from Dwight and looked good until 3 wides in a row prompted a change to Brad Chick. James Hope replaced Bob Ward and bowled a very good 5-over spell for only 23 runs - just under 5 an over was fantastic considering that LSW were going at 9 an over!! By drinks LSW were 119 for 0 off 17 overs ... not a pretty equation considering they still had their best batsmen to come!! They had not given a single chance so far ... situation desperate. At the 20-over mark a light rain shower and darkening sky lifted our spirits - would the rain gods hear our cries!! Unfortunately the passing shower was nothing more than a tease and served to hamper our cause even further with a damp ball. A change in tactics after the drinks to slow it right down with Brett Hutton and Nick Hawke initially worked. The two spinners did a great job but unfortunately by the 25th over and still 10 wickets in hand the batsmen were having a real go. The small boundary offered no protection for the bowlers. Our first break-through finally came in the 32nd over - Rick Symington taking the first of his 3 wickets with a catch by Dwight at deep mid-on. 270 for 1 - what a moment. Rick soon took his second as the batsmen were clearly having a go at everything - Steve Campbell holding onto this one. Dwight took two wickets from his end, with good catches by Nick Hawke and Chicky. Rick claimed his third - the opening bat who scored a massive 165. Rick's figures of 3 for 21 were good enough to earn him Man of the Match - the Dhaka Express was back in full force! The final wicket was a run-out by Dwight and Rick. We had certainly been taught a lesson by some very good batsmen - LSW finished with 286 for 6.
Dwight and Al opened up and got off to a good start. Al crafting 16 good runs before skying one to mid-on. 23 for 1 off 4. Bob Ward was in at the key position of number 3. After keeping out 3 brilliant yorkers, and surviving two LBW appeals, Bob played a brilliant "leave" only to watch his off stump summersaulting out the ground. 23 for 2. Steve Campbell joined Dwight, and the pair put on 20 good runs before Steve top edged one for 9. 45 for 3. Nick Hawke was in at number 5. Dwight was next to go for 16 not quite getting his foot to the ball and bashing the ball straight up in the air. 49 for 4. Chicky and Nick put on 22 - some great shots from both batsmen. Nick was looking in fine form - his session with the private coach paying dividends. LSW changed their opening bowlers and brought on Irfan (.. .one of HK's quickest bowlers) to which Brett Hutton was heard to say "Ah, Chicky loves the ball coming onto him" and a spinner from the other end to which Brett said "Oh no, Chicky is hopeless against spin!!". And so it was, Chicky spooned the next ball back to the slow bowler followed by much verbal abuse as he trudged back to the pavilion. 71 for 5. Rick was next in looking to continue his good performance after his success with the ball. Nick Hawke top scored with 22 before cutting one over backward point's head, but not high enough to beat his outstretched hands - an unfortunate end to a good innings. 89 for 6. Justin Chang replaced Nick at the crease and looked good for his 5 forward defensive blocks before being adjudged LBW. In rival to Chicky's outburst, Justin spent the next 10 minutes languishing on the unjust decision. 95 for 7. Simon Wall was in at number 9 just in time to watch Rick being cleaned bowled at the other end for 16. 95 for 8. James Hope was in at number 10. Simon hit a brilliant straight drive over the bowler's head almost to the boundary and the somewhat unathletic pair managed to run one. The shot deserved more! Unfortunately, one was all Simon would get as he was out LBW next over. 96 for 9. Could we make 100 and at least salvage a little pride? No - James was last man out, leaving Brett stranded on 1 not out. 99 all out. A dismal effort by the 'Tak against a very good LSW team resulted in our biggest defeat this season.
After a good 45 min debrief over a few beers and a very profitable fine session, it was agreed to put today's loss behind us and look forward to the task ahead. We need to win the last two games to reach the top 8.
Man of the Match: Rick Symington
Mug of the Day: Bob Ward (... for a brilliant leave that sent his off stump cart-wheeling out the ground)
Teflon Nomination: Brett Hutton (... dropped a dolly at mid-on - do they come any easier?)
Spitting the Dummy Nomination: Brett Hutton (... kicking his hat in anger at the first drop catch, then kicking the the ball furiously after his second drop catch!)