Last month’s B Division game started out with a good opening spell by Chanda and Dinesh. As always, Chanda took wickets with his pace, finishing with three. Luckless Dinesh had obviously upset the cricketing gods and had to be content with repeatedly beating the outside edge of the bat. Nadeem rotate the bowlers well, with Giles picking up another wicket. The Chicha Boys did well to put away any half-bad (or bad) balls for four, and played their trademark aggressive running between wickets well. That running got them valuable extra runs but cost them a wicket to a rocket powered direct hit by Trent. Unfortunately the opposition Indian batsmen played as if the I in AIT was India, as they Hauritzed our spinners leaving them 5-100 at drinks. From the moment Trent sent down a vicious bouncer first ball after drinks, the complexion of the innings changed completely. After that, a Kentucky Fried triple-wicket maiden by Andy, sandwiched between wickets from Trent had them bowled out for 112 with their last 5 overs unused.
Our chase was blighted by the constant trickle of wickets that we lost throughout the innings. Trent and Giles were able to put together a useful 2nd wicket partnership early on, with the Southerners on target with the assistance of some generous wides by their bowlers. However the run-rate slowed and wickets started falling when pies were brought onto the menu. We really need to find a topless net to practice this kind of bowling for next time. Leigh did well during the middle overs to top score with 25 despite his badge of honor (see photo), but the run rate was up to a run a ball for the last half a dozen overs. The lower order made a great effort, but we finished up only a few runs short of the target, bowled out in the last over for 108.
Bad luck boys, but we played well, and the game was played in a good spirit. :)
Chandar 3 wickets, Chicken 3, Trent 2, Giles 1.
Extras 26 runs, Leigh 25, Giles 19, Trent 10.
Words: Chicken Andy Leicester