Whalers CC won by 8
wickets
The weather had been atrocious most of the week, and worse
had been forecast for Saturday afternoon. However, as the Whalers arrived at
the CSSCG the rain was holding off. With 11 players there and a bevy of other
cricketers gathered in the bar, the drizzle started. Various conversations
ensued, but one thing definitely stopped us making any decisions; there was no
sign of the opposition! Other matches had been called off, but by the time the
full FCO team (only 9 unfortunately) had arrived, the Whalers were warming up
in tracksuits, cagoules (and I think there may have even been an Umbrella) –
Dan chose the wrong moment to practise his Wicketkeeping
and gained a good lesson is receiving errant returns.
The Whalers were definitely keener to get a game going, and
after what seemed like an eternity (and with cunning use of kidology),
Dan persuaded them that a game was on the cards, so we went for a 20/20.
The drizzle was coming down as we started, but the Whalers’
bowlers adapted, coming off 3 or 4 steps and asserting some good control early
on. Wickets fell regularly, though there was stubborn resistance from the FCO
no.2 who was run out for in comedic circumstances for 45; Kamal
had bowled one of his deliveries that had deceived both the batsmen and Toby,
who grounded the ball, the non-striker called the batsmen through, but the ball
had only fallen just behind Toby, who gratefully picked it up and whipped off
the bails. The rest of their batting could not help out, with the next highest
score being 7 (and extras tying on 7). The conditions certainly contributed to
some comedy moments, including a few slips, a few of the wickets, as well as
some muppet-esque fielding from Channa.
There were great bowling performances from the boys, with the standout being Kamal (2-8 from 4, as well as the contribution to the above
run-out), but ably supported by Khalil (1-6 from 3)
and Dan (1-9 from 3).
With the FCO only managing 75/6 from their 20 overs, we set off like we were keen to get indoors for a
nice cup of tea. Dan took the opportunity to promote some of the Whalers’ less
exalted batsmen. Clippy kept the crowd entertained
with some of his running (8) as well as throwing the bat through deep
midwicket, and man of the match Kamal also gave a
cameo performance(4). However, FCO did not adapt their bowling to the
conditions (it was still drizzling) and there were slips, slides and mis-fields galore (one of their openers bowled in what
looked suspiciously like Si Whistler’s squash
trainers). Stu took full advantage and scored 46* at
the other end (maybe with better communication from the boundary, he might even
have reached his 50?). The Whalers won by 8 wickets in 10.3 overs
and retreated from the weather to wash the mud off their kit – the civil
service teas never tasted so good!!
Match
stats:
FCO CC 75-7
– Kamal 2-8, Khalil 1-6
Whalers CC
76-2 –Stu 46*
Man of the match: Kamal for a cracking bowling performance which kept the
score down and accounted for 3 wickets.
Honourable mention for Stu for practically getting the runs required by himself…
Champagne moment: Getting the match started
Muppet moment: Clippy for hitting the ball for two runs to wide-mid on,
whilst simultaneously hoying his bat to midwicket.