Sat 10th

Saturday 10th September, Kai Tak regrouped for the 2005/06 season opener against St.Georges at Mission Road.

St.Georges' were a completely revamped side from the one we had played and hammered last year. We didn't know what to expect and in those situations think worst case, that they were good and we'd have a hard game ahead.

Kai Tak lost the toss on a blistering hot day and were duly sent out into the field. With plenty of bowling options available, it actually turned out to be a very good toss to lose. The same old mantra was delivered by the Skipper,' concentrate in the field, don't bowl wides...etc etc...' and so the game started.

In the second over of the day we got our first wicket, a rank long hop off Mohsin being nicked off an attempted pull shot and ably taken behind by David Elliot. The opening pair of Williams and Naqvi was quite superb given that it was our first outing in a while and it was clearly evident that nets had been a huge help in pre season preparation. Thereafter it was a procession of wickets, catches,run outs, clean bowled and 2 stumpings. Belcastro was first change and immediately hit the spot, the guy is just getting better and better and earned himself 3 very good wickets. The Earl of Twirl, Dave Ellis was turned to next with his loopy leggies and immediately made an impact. The batsmens' eyes lit up only to find themselves being stumped or caught. A great debut performance taking 3 wickets. With the score on 90 for 8 it provided an opportunity for others to bowl as well with Fitzhardinge and Simon Wall having a couple of overs each before it was time to wrap it up by the recall of Williams. His first ball providing the wicket to end a mediocre batting performance by the opposition. St.Georges were bowled out for 122 runs in 26 overs.

Figures of note: C.Williams 5 overs 2 Maidens 2 wkts for 8 runs....Fantastic!

M.Naqvi 6 overs 1 wkt for 24 runs

D.Belcastro 6 overs 3wkts for 31 runs

D.Ellis 5 overs 3wkts for 32 runs

The fielding was good for the conditions and first game out and really does bode well for the season. We just have to make sure to keep energetic until the last ball is bowled, that will be especially important when we come against far better opposition.

Chasing 122 was not going to be a problem seeing as we batted all the way to No 11 but with little totals anything can happen. Steve Campbell opened up with Dave Ellis, a usually formidable pairing but on this occasion it wasn't to be. A nervy start one would call it before Campbell was cleaned bowled by what was in his mind at least ' the ball of the century' with his score on 4. Ellis didn't last much longer being caught in the slips on 8. Dave Elliot was given a batting opportunity for once and didn't dissapoint with a solid 17 before he was caught by a superb catch in the covers.Kai Tak debutant Ian Kohler came in at No 4 and settled in very nicely indeed, going about his business in some style. He ended up on an excellent 51 not out partnered first with Andrew Fitzhardinge who really looked the part, solid shots and quick singles giving Kohler the strike was the order of the day and Fitzy didn't disappoint. Patidar replaced Fitzy after the latter was caught and the job was wrapped up shortly after.

A really comprehensive win against a lower league side it has to be said, Kai Tak winning by 6 wickets. Well done to all concerned, a good start to the season.

Thanks to the HKCA standing umpire Trevor Warburton who made sure the game was played on an even keel. The HKCA will be attempting to provide umpires for most games which is very welcome.

Thanks to Staunton's Wine Bar for once again catering our home game.

Lastly Fitzy is getting married shortly after Australia lose the Ashes and on behalf of all Kai Tak we wish him the very best.

Next game is Lamma CC at PKVR2 on Monday 19th September.

Once again well done guys.