vs Tokyo Bay (JGC) : Farewell victory sets up 4th spot showdown
vs Serendib (KCL) : Pride, Honour, Integrity
vs Falcons (JGC) : Wombats get first points for the year
vs IECC (JGC): Glimmer of hope as wombats beat Engineers
vs Sri Lankan Lions (JGC): Awful Aussies get Lankan lesson (no report)
vs IECC (JGC): Wombats misery continues
vs LALAZAR (JGC): Wombats flogged in opener (no report)
Pakistan Independence Day Cup
LIONS VS IECC FINAL
LIONS OUTCLASS ENGINEERS TO LIFT GOLD CUP
On a day better suited to staying at home by the fireplace. The Sri Lankan Lions confirmed they were the year's best side when they defeated the Indian Engineers by 70 runs. The Indian's scorecard might help restore some lost pride in the Wombats camp.
Batting first, Lions were 1/55 after 15 overs, before a few quick wickets fell. The Engineers were still unable to stop the runs from flowing. Roy, playing in his final game before he returns to Colombo, was adjudged by Smoking Pete LBW for a golden Duck. Lions were all out for 148, a respectable and defendable score.
The Indian disaster didn't take long to unfold, first ball 1/0. A procession of Indian batsman came and went: 2/0, 3/2, 4/2, 5/6, 6/12, 7/13. Makes our 5/19 look better doesn't it! Mahen and Manur again the destroyers, finishing with 4/16 and 3/16. The second string bowlers gave some respite to the Indians, as the 8th wicket partnership took the score past 50, and a record low total was thus avoided. (I believe Falcons all out 59 to be the record, though I can't confirm this). Roy managed to wrap up the last few wickets, dismissing the Indians for 76. The Engineers website described our 96 in the semi final as 'paltry', so it'll be interesting to see what 76 gets called!
The game was played in good spirits, and even when the chips were well and truly down, The Indians kept a brave face, and were graceful in defeat. The Lions, as usual, cooked up enough curry for a small army, and helped wash it down with 3 cases of Asahi. Some of the Lions fans, fuelled by no less than 3 bottles of Barcardi, completed the carnival atmosphere as they beat out some Sinhala-reggae on an esky and empty Barcardi bottles. Even had Smokin Pete shuffling along at square leg.
VS SRI LANKAN LIONS
LIONS' ATTACK BRINGS DOWN WOMBATS.
On a day dominated by bowlers, The Sri Lankan Lions advanced to the Japan Gold Cup final by defeating The Wombats by 20-odd runs.
Batting first, The Lions were soon on the back foot, when yours truly, Curly, grabbed an LBW in the first over. The score could well have been 2/0 the next ball, when the number 3 feathered an edge through to Dinosaur Shearer behind the stumps, but the umpire ruled in favour of the batsman. With Smokin Peter as a new ball partner, the combined age for the Wombats opening attack was 75 years, and Smoker proved that he'd learnt a thing or 2 in his 42 of those years, when he lured the Lion's bat into a hill-gully trap: 2/3. With new-wombat, Andy, on standby as 12th man, it was decided to bowl Smoker through till he couldnft move. He might be feeling it today, but he'll always have the figures of 3/22 from 7 to remember. Not bad for an old bloke.
Wombats dominated the first session, with Little Richard and Spacey also getting amongst the wickets, and the Lions looked in trouble at drinks at 7/49. To their credit, the second session belonged to the Lions, as they fought back to end all out, 122. The Lions are always are hard side to dismiss, with 11 genuine batsman in their side every game.
It took an act of divine intervention to remove Captain Roy, as Luke Ray pulled off a catch which belonged in a different league altogether. Fellow Tasmanian Ax Mann Robb bowled and Roy drove uppishly with power between bowler and mid-on.....or so it seemed. Luke Ray moved sharply to his left, and looking to save a certain boundary, dived with his left hand stretched out in what seemed like a lost cause. 3 foot from the ground and more than 6 foot from where he'd taken off, the ball stuck. The moment seemed to freeze, Roy walked off shaking his head; no one could believe what they had just seen, least of all Luke. This was a catch that would hold its own in any company. Our own little Johnty Rhodes.
We'd failed to finish the job on the Lions, and given them 30-40 runs more than we should have, but still believed that 124 was within reach. Sadly, it wasn't to be, as the Lions unleashed a bowling performance that would've undone any side in this League. Mahen and the unfortunately named Manur ripped our top order apart like a kid with his Christmas presents. Bird was first to go, having been softened up by some excellent short bowling, bowled. Next ball Chuckles, caught behind. Little Richard, Zulu, Ax soon followed, Wombats in deep at 5/19. Mahen finished with 8 overs 4/22, and Manur's first spell amazing: 6 overs 1 wicket 5 maidens, one run.
Again, age and experience came to the fore, as Dino and Smoker fought the Lions second string bowlers off. Levelheaded cool cricket prevailed, as the old fellas pushed the ones and twos, and picked up a lovely 4 overthrows for their trouble too. Both batsmen looked like they'd play themselves into the nearby Edogawa hospital, as they coughed and spluttered away for a 49 run partnership. Smoker holed out after a valuable 20-odd. I joined Cap'n Grumps and steadied for a while before a rap on the pads produced the finger of death (9). Wombats 7 down, the little man from Calcutta came to the crease with a big job to do. A good throw on a second run saw Dr Dave run-out without facing a ball. His season stats: (plus 3 games rained off...) 3 matches, 1 innings, 2 minute, 0 balls faced, 0 runs. 2004 is YOUR year Dr Dave!
Spacey, having shaved off his porn-star moustache, couldn't provide Dino the support he needed, coming and going without trouble the scorers. Luke Ray was the last man, and we all hoped that the Hand Of God could repeat its miracles with the bat. We needed 26 from 9 overs, with 1 wicket in hand.
Luke fresh legs got us a few quick runs. He turned the strike back to Cap'n G, who was left with no choice to go out with all guns blazing. It was, really, now or never, and with Roy on to bowl, one over could have given us the game. It wasn't to be, as Jarrad, having survived 30-odd overs of carnage, was caught by a good running catch while attempting to hit over the in-field. Wombats all out for 90-something. Jarrad, I'm sorry I don't know your score for the day, but whatever it was a truly mammoth effort.
So concludes a very dramatic season for The Wombats. Our fight back from 3 straight losses at Koiwa is something we can all be proud of. We were written off, jockeying with Tokyo Bay for last, but produced 3 stirring wins to earn a semi berth. The Lions, 6 from 6 in the rounds, are a class act, and we can honestly say that not only were we beaten by the best, that we gave it our best.
Sadly we bid farewell to James Watson, who you probably know better as Bird (brain), and were unable to give The Chef a farewell game in the final. We wish you luck, and hope that you'll be staying in touch with Wombatland.
Sunday 9th sees The Lions take on The Indian Engineers at Koiwa, play starts at 10, and you can be sure of seeing some fine cricket. Expect a colourful day with a good turnout of (other) players and supporters. Sheikh will be presenting The Cup to the winning team after the game.
VS YOKOHAMA
WOMBATS FOUND WANTING AT YCAC.
YCAC's score of 209 was too much for the Wombats, who were bowled out in 32 overs, for 139, YCAC victors by 70 runs. Some powerful hitting by the YCAC veterans at the top of the innings assured we would be chasing a big total.
Having said that, Wombats take a lot of positives from the game. Being a friendly, a non-league game, it not only gave us a chance to give a few fellows a better run with the bat and the ball, but it gave us a good practice for a (possible) finals run at Koiwa.
I was particularly pleased with the bowlers, and the way they stuck to their games. Sure, they were on the receiving end of some punishment, but rather than resort to bouncing out batsman (and getting hooked and pulled into submission....) they kept battling away, line and length, and reaped the rewards. The YCAC top 4 is a class act, and with 100 up for the loss of just 2 wickets, we fought back exceptionally well to dismiss them as 'economically' as we did.
I should note here (because no-one is going to let me forget) that YCAC's top scorer, their captain Kamran (64), should've have been back in the pavilion (yes, this place REALLY has pavilions!) for a single figure score, had I not, off the bowling of Spacey, put down a relatively simple out-field catch. Looks like I'll be getting the Herschelle Gibbs Award this year.....
John, who may have finally found himself a nickname (Chef), was expensive, but again unlucky. One edge fell just short of a diving Dinosaur, and at least 2 more flew past his right. He caught the opening batsman, who had moved along briskly to 30, off the bowling of that man Ax for the second breakthrough after a good gully trap was set, big enough to catch a bear and yet the guy still fell for it. He even had TWO gullies to choose from! Rob gave him a couple of deliveries just outside the off stump on a good length, and then gave him one he could cut, which he had been doing all morning. Good rewards for persistence.
Brett and Rich Cosway, two fellows who haven't had their hands on the cherry much this year, bowled well. Brett was on a hat-trick with a sharp caught and bowled. Cosway (1 wicket), took some stick in his later overs, but opened with 2 very tight ones. Like Luke's fielding the other week, they showed us what happens when a guy is hungry.
Spacey also picked up 2 wickets, including Japan National XI batsman Mark Ferris. You earned your little dance, Spacey. Bird, held back so the other bowlers could get a run, finished with 2/9 in 2.4, with a little help with the "over the fence and out" rule. 1/15 on any other ground, Birdman......
A couple of the bowlers finished with some big numbers against their name. Largely this was due to some high caliber batting, but also inflated by short boundaries square of the wicket. There isn't much you can do when a guy can flick a 6 off his leg stump, but those short boundaries should have driven a point in: stray and you will be punished. Overall, all lot of positives, and finished off with a good fight back. Had I held that catch, had we not kept Bird back, we may well have been chasing a score of 120-140, so well done Wombats.
The batting probably didn't hold as many positives as the bowling; certainly not my batting anyway. Bird opened with Zulu, keeping Dinosaur back till number 7. The Keystone Cops couldn't have been more obvious than the set-up that got Zulu: 2 balls swinging away, 3rd ball swinging in, down comes the timber. Full praise for the bowler, Mark Ferris, who in fairness to Zulu, is an opening bowler for Japan. John was soon in the hot-spot coming in 1st drop, and for a guy who hasn't been in the middle for 2 months, showed he is the goods. Richard, who was minding his own business watching the footy at the Clubhouse when he got roped in to play, well batted for 20 runs. Hope to see more of that. Birdman rode his nine lives for 26. Spacey, not many people get a mention for 5 runs, but well done at number 10. All singles, no silly shots, just turned the strike over for that man, Dinosaur.
Well, it grumbled like Dino, but it sure didn't bat like him. This is the man who once helped accumulate 24 dot-balls in a row, but you would know it if you saw him on Sunday. Batting with the tail, he thrashed the YCAC bowlers for a very entertaining 53 not out. The smarta** even brought up his 50 with a bludgeoned pull over mid-wicket for 6. He sent the ball to all parts of the ground with powerful timing. I'm trying, but I can't think of anything bad to say about our Cap'n Grumpy here today. Great knock Dino. The innings finished when debutante Ravi was stumped for a well composed....zero. Wombats all out 139.
Let's not be too concerned with the result. We showed we can fight, even when we are getting smacked around. The fielding was tight, well, mostly....A few blokes got a hit against some quality opposition and came away with their heads held high. Spacey showed common sense in avoiding heroic slogs. Jarrad showed plenty of heroic slogs (OK, they weren't slogs....) and relished the much needed chance to lash out rather than prop. Importantly, we showed we can post a decent total without Chuck. All signs are good for those finals.
VS EAGLETS
WOMBATS TAKE 4TH SPOT WITH 7 WICKET WIN.
All week, weather forecasts of 40-60% chance of rain threatened to interrupt The Wombats march to the finals. When the rain did eventually fall at Koiwa, it was too little, too late for the Pakistan Eaglets, as a great all round effort, and some savage batting from Chuckie, had already seen us home, victors by 7 wickets with 10 or so overs to spare.
Wombats, having been asked to field, got off to a great start. Knowing a final's berth was at stake, and that an early breakthrough was crucial, (Curly flying his own flag here, sorry!) when 6th ball of the day, I rocked one into middle stump, I was fired up like a Chernobyl reactor, and unleashed truly Lleyton Hewitt-like display of fist-pumping. Eaglets 1/3.
Unfortunately, it was The Eaglets who did then did most of fist-pumping, as Wombats got re-acquainted with the words 'chase leather'. The 2nd wicket saw some gutsy batting, as 2 fellas took their chances and batted themselves back into the game. It was frustrating work, and John was especially unlucky not to have a bagful of wickets, as balls popped up time and time again. It was the "I see 'em I hit 'em" school of cricket, and with a sharp eye these fellows were making it work, until Bird got the vital break, leg stump keeled over (2/45-ish). When the other half of that partnership retired hurt, the game turned Wombats' way.
When Spacey was brought into the attack for the first time in months, I admit: I was nervous. It was make or break time here, and Spacey - as only The Spacey can do- made it, first ball pitched straight, kept low, into the woodwork, Thanks For Coming. Eaglets got an early drink, 70-odd on the board, 4 down.
Space wasn't content with just 1, wrapping the fresh batsman on the pads, plum in front. Wickets then came thick and fast for the Wombats. Axeman Robb finished the day with 4. It's worth noting here: 8 men out bowled or LBW. Old fashioned line and length bowling works!!
There was a flutter of resistance when the retiree returned to the crease. I questioned Chuckles for dragging Spacey (2 wickets from 3 overs) and giving me the ball, but he was on the money as usual. Sensing that he had run out of partners, The Eaglets' danger man was swinging like a dunny door on a windy day, and soon holed out to that man, Spacey, at mid-off. (Rumour is a look of surprise graced young Jim's face when he found the ball in his hand!!). A mix-up lead to a run-out, Eaglets all out 108 in 25 overs. A couple of mentions are needed here. First, Luke Ray was dynamite at mid-on, throwing his body at the ball, letting nothing through all day. Well-done Luke. The other, Johnnie, unlucky with the ball, not only did he not let his spirits drop, he kept all the boys keen with the best motivational talking I've heard on a cricket field. At one stage he was even going to give a lesson in manners to an errant Japanese cyclist passing the slips! We all raise our Tabasco salads to you, Johnnie.
Dinosaur and Bird opened the innings, and in style. Eaglets possess at least one particularly quick bowler, but, fortunately not an accurate one. Loose balls were cut away, lofted over, driven past, and all that extra pace on the ball just meant more runs for the Wombats. Dino propped while Bird carved up the openers, until a direct hit on a quick single saw Jarrad run out, an opening partnership of 45 in quick time.
The Eaglets probably wish that that throw had missed, because all it did was bring Chuck to the crease. Bird was soon caught, gone for an entertaining and match winning 32. Ax fell soon after, and then it was The Chucka-Zulu show again.
Dark clouds approaching, the calculators were out, some of Japan's worst mathematicians trying to work out required run rates. The score on 3/60, at 18 overs drinks were taken, ahead on run-rate, but still 2 overs short of the 20 required for a result. The Eaglets didnft win any fans buy producing a stack of curry-bentos and sitting down and tucking away as the rain threatened to leave us stranded. Even calls from the umpires to get on the field were ignored.
When they did bring themselves back onto the field, there was curry and rice in the bellies, but not a lot of fire. I was again left to my bridesmaid role (all padded up, nowhere to go), as Chuck and Zulu made the calculators redundant. Loose bowling was flayed all around the ground, one Chuck shot cut flying over the keeper/slips region to within inches of the (unique Koiwa) hill boundary. Zulu pipped Jarrad for best supporting actress award, joining in the fun with some fine driving through the off. Chuck finished the day with 40 not out, Wombats victors by 7 wickets.
Chuck has now produced around 100 runs from his last 3 starts at Koiwa, and he's only been out once. Garna had better hope the Wombats continue to bowl first, because Chuckie's going to make him an ichi-man poorer otherwise!
It'll be a nervous couple of weeks while we wait the results from Lalazars last 2 games. They need to get past the weather gods as well as The Indian Engineers to match us on 12 points. In that case, then those blasted calculators are out again, as its down to run-rate.
VS TOKYO BAY
FAREWELL VICTORY SETS UP 4TH SPOT SHOWDOWN
By Ian Gason
With 2 lads, Marty and Crockie Dave, playing their last game with the Wombats, it was pleasing to send them on their way with a convincing win, as the Wombat revival continued at Koiwa on Sunday. Appropriately, it was those 2 boys who set up the victory, helping themselves to 3 wickets each, as Tokyo Bay proved to be no match for The Wombats, running out winners by 8 wickets.
With the mercury pushing the mid 30s,we would have liked to have wrapped up The Bay Stars batting quicker than we did. The bowling varied wildly - miserly accurate one minute, woeful wide the next. 23 wides padded the Tokyo account. Their openers saw off the opening bowlers, although we managed to contain the runs. First changers Bird and Crockie soon got amongst the wickets, and Wombats wrestled control from Tokyo's hands. The morning's highlight surely must be The Stumping, The Dinosaur's new Adam Gilchrist keeping gloves paying for themselves already.
When Crockie let one slip down leg, Tokyo's opener was down the track trying to hit him straight into the river. He missed, and Dino moved sharply to his left to glove the ball. Not content just to save the bye, he flicked the ball 10 metres out of the back of his hand, hitting the stumps, leaving the batsmen stranded in freeze-frame, metres short.
Tokyo went to drinks 5/59 after 20. What these boys lacked in talent they made up for in determination, with a very stubborn 9th wicket partnership, producing a plethora four letter words from some frustrated bowlers. With both bats playing nothing but the block, my advice to Bird was (im)pure and simple: "Put one up around his f***king ears". On a true pitch, it might well have done that, landing bang in the middle of the pitch. However, this is Koiwa, and the ball came through about 5'5" lower than expected, into the woodwork. Dr Dave's juggling act at silly mid off removed the last man, Tokyo all out 99.
Marty was the pick of the bowlers, cleaning up the middle and the tail, grabbing 3/6. Crockie grabbed some big top order wickets to finish with 3/30.
Ken Wandano's Shoaib Ahktar impersonation (running in from the 'sightscreen') wasnft enough to phase Bird and Dinosaur, as the set about comfortably chasing down what is on the Koiwa pitch a decent total. Bird was the first to go, leg before, with the score on 27. Experienced Wombats were heading for cover shortly after, when Jarrad was given -somewhat unfairly- leg before. Anger management classes must be paying off though, as, to his credit, he saved obscenities till he was well out of earshot of the umpire!! (In all fairness, even Tokyo Bay's boys agree that he'd hit it. Still am I one to pass up a chance to rib Cap'n Grumpy??)
The wild man from the Transvaal, Zulu, and Chuckles, left me once again all added up with no where to go. Zulu even survived a ball going THROUGH his stumps! Both batsman played good shots all around the ground, Chuckie in particular letting loose some big shots over mid wicket and long on. The pick of the 4 batsman, he brought up the winning runs with a four, followed up with a big 6 over the mid-wicket fence, to finish not out on 35. Jarrad made a solid 22.
Sunday 31 we take on Pakistan Eaglets. Both teams are on 8 points from 5 wins. Although Lalazar are still a chance to make the finals, they must first get past Tokyo Bay and an in-form Indian Engineers, never an easy game at the best of times. So, the winner from Wombats v Eaglets is most likely to see some 'September action' (thatfs finals, for you non-Aussie rules fans!). We'll be missing a couple of good bowlers, but we'll be going in confident and in-form, and will back ourselves all the way to win. Dig deep Wombats: this is what its all about!
We bid farewell to Crockie and Marty and wish you the best of luck in Australia. Maybe we'll have a wombat tour to the Gold Coast!?!
VS SERENDIB
PRIDE HONOUR INTEGRITY
(Shizuoka August 3, 2003)
By Ian Gason
Pride. Honour. Integrity. Honesty. These are all qualities that sum up The Wombats gallant effort at Shizuoka on Sunday. They are also qualities that were abandoned by Serendib, who walked away from the ground with 4 points and what looks like a trip to the semi-finals.
Under a scorching sun, Jarrad won the toss and elected to bat. Wombats got off to the worst possible start, with Bird back in the dressing room first ball, caught behind. Chuck got a start, but could not go on with the job, and we were soon two down. Next man out was Cap'n Grumpy, who was caught centimetres short going for a second run. Bird was the man at square leg, and full credit to him for the decision he made. Perhaps our Sri Lankan friends should hear this:" He was out. I had to give him". Wombats in trouble 3 down, 30 odd on the board.
The Axeman and Zulu, a.k.a Robb and Daniel, started building a partnership, and with good stroke play, good running took the score on to 45, before Robb fell (bowled??). I (Curly) joined Zulu at the crease and set about steadying the ship. Just when things were looking good, with runs coming, and the bowlers offering no real danger, Zulu tried to drive one off his stumps 3 balls before drinks. Bowled, 5 down. John joined me after the drinks, and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the middle with him. The Lankans were giving us enough loose balls and wides, so that without having to do anything silly, we were able to keep things moving along nicely. Until I got the sucker ball. Slow, full toss, which deserved to end up on the far side of the river, I topped edged it straight up in the air. Sorry fellas. John followed same over, also to a full toss. Crockie, Marty, Rich and Rich all chipped in, before the innings closed on a disappointing but defendable 107. Top scorers, Extras, Robb, Chuckie and Jarrad.
John (sorry mate) started with a few loose overs and the Lankans were racing away in pursuit of 108 for victory. I was brought into the attack in the 6th, and I was determined to make amends for throwing away my wicket and not batting Serendib out of the game. Second ball was cut to the safe hands of Robb Mann, and the Lankan danger man was gone. Two balls later a newly acquired sore back forced me to choose the slower ball, which went straight thru the Serendib captain clipped his middle stump, and suddenly we were back in the match. Robb Mann joined in at the other end and with Sri Lanka 3 down we were are real chance to grab this match.
To their credit there was some stubborn resistance from the Serendib batting. They managed to keep themselves in the hunt, and looked like they might steal victory from us, until Marty The Monster stepped up to bowl. He grabbed himself a leg before, and might well get an award for his sledge to the dissenting batsman "GET OUT OF HERE MATE! YOU'RE GONE!!"
When Crockie at mid off safely took a catch from Marty, Serendib were 9 down, for 90 something?. It was literally anyone's game, when with 6 runs still needed, some great work at short square leg saw a mix up by the last Lankan batsmen. Richard Coleman flicked the ball back to Jarrad behind the stumps who promptly whipped off the bails. Wombats were ecstatic, believing (naturally) we had won the game, until we saw the Sri Lankan umpire standing at square leg shaking his head, not out. The batsman was no less than 8 inches (20 centimetres in metric) from his crease, bat in the air. Wombat protests were in vain, as he stood poker-faced maintaining that the batsman had safely made his ground, when everyone around had seen him well short of his ground. There was nothing we could do, but to continue the game, and unfortunately, Serendib were able to sneak past our total and win the game. To their credit, none of our batsmen made more than 20, and we should have posted a far bigger total. Also, they fought back bravely after Wombats grabbed 5 or so wickets. We should have finished them off, but they dug in and gave us a real good contest. It really was a good days cricket throughout.
With 2 KCL games to follow (sun 10th v Ichihara at Fuji and 17th v Tokyo Bay at Shizuoka) we Wombats have no choice but to wear the result and give 100% in our remaining games. Our finals run might be over but there is still a lot to play for: pride.
VS FALCONS
WOMBATS GET FIRST POINTS FOR THE YEAR
For those of you that weren't there, finally the Wombats registered a win, a comprehensive win at that, over Sheik's Falcons. Falcons were dismissed for 87, and Bird and Robb (The Axeman) seeing us home with 8 wickets in hand.
In an ominous start for the Wombats, Sheik cut a first ball loosener from John straight to Marty in the gully who held on to a sharp catch. From then on in, Wombats kept the pressure on with tight bowling and sharp fielding. Falcons never really got a partnership built, as wickets fell regularly. John cut through the top order to finish with 4/21 from 8. Bird picked up a couple, as well as figuring in a sharp run out in the latter stages. Only 1 catch went down all day (Bird bowled the guy in the same over) and the returns to the stumps were spot on all day. Top all round effort in the field.
Perhaps the only bright spot for the Falcons was Sanath Jayasiriya and Chaminda Vaas popping down to have a look at cricket Japan style. Play was stopped for a short period while they signed bats, shirts, and hats, and posed with the teams for photographs.
Daniel and Bird opened the innings, breaking up the field with quick singles, until Daniel was run out. Chuck was on the receiving end of a stiff LBW, which brought Robb to the crease. The bowling never troubled the pair- Robb so at ease that he abandoned footwork altogether, earning yet another nickname, The Axeman. Runs came at ease, to all parts of the ground, and with over 10 overs to go, Robb axed a ball through the covers to bring up the winning runs. Their partnership was wort 70 runs.
Well done to all the boys.
VS INDIAN ENGINEERS
THE WOMBATS STRIKE BACK - GLIMMER OF HOPE AS WOMBATS BEAT ENGINEERS
By Ian Gason
Match went ahead despite the intervention of rain and Edogawa Ward ground-keepers.
It seems that every time you think about cricket it rains these days, and it was a wet and muddy field that greeted the players. Wombat captain Jarrad's new broom was put to use removing puddles from around the pitch, and the two teams joined together in that unique Koiwa's ritual: Collecting and laying grass. Slippery and wet, the pitch was ready, and soon the Wombats were at the crease.
New wombat Daniel proved a good, aggressive partner for the solid Dinosaur (Jarrad), and despite the slow outfield, the openers moved on at 3 an over, before Daniel was run out for 16 with the score on 36. Ian joined Jarrad at the crease, and seemed content to slowly build a partnership, until at 49, just short of drinks, he played a rash shot to Ashok Sharma(got me again!) and was caught, giving his 10th victim of the season. Rain and wickets soon started to fall, although the runs continued. Edogawa-ku grounds men almost succeeded in stopping play, but thanks to some tactful diplomatic talking from Biju's boys, it was agreed we could play until 3 p.m. Brief but valuable contributions came from Robb 'Warne', Jim Spacey, Crockie Dave, and John. Jarrad was finally removed for 43, run out after being slow to respond to a call from vice captain Chuck. In the 33rd over, rain forced the players from the field, but not before the grounds men stopped by a few more times requesting to stop the play again.
With the score on 112, Jarrad declared the innings and a quick lunch was taken. For the Engineers, Ashok Kumar and Vimal Vikrant finished with 2 wickets each but good fielding from the Indians resulted in 4 run-outs.
The Indian reply began poorly. Perhaps as punishment for his poor shot, regular new-baller Ian was banished to 'The Hill', a move which paid off with 2 wickets in 2 overs. Opening bat Prasad Pooppully skied an edge to mid-on where David wrapped his crocodile hands around the ball. Ashok Sharmal tried to turn ball from John down leg-side, but the ball hit his leg, then his toe, before tickling the stumps. Wombat luck continued when a full toss slipped out of Robb's hand and removed 2 down Bibhas Roy bowled.
To the Indians credit, they fought back well. Contributions of from one down Bikash Mohanty(19), Silvester Pereira(13) with a partnership of 33 runs, another 13 runs partnership by Biju and Sanjeeb for the 6th wicket, 14 runs partnership by Vimal and Ravi for the 8th wicket brought the Engineers to within striking distance of victory. With the score on 84, the game was in the balance, when the mud caught Ravi backing up too far, and he slipped and was run out, and the Indians were 9 down.
The unfamiliar sight of Ashok Kumar coming in at number 11 - Biju later revealed that they had reversed the batting order expecting the grounds men to come back to stop the game at 3 and had decided to give their tail a hit - reminded the Wombats that there was still work to do, and only a few runs to defend. Alas Indians, this is Koiwa, not Bollywood, and Ashok could not save the day. He fell to a good low catch by Robb at mid-off, and the Wombats held on to win by 20 runs.
Thanks from all the Wombats to The Engineers for agreeing to play a practice game at short notice. We all enjoyed the day and hope to beat you in an official match soon.
Brief scores:
Wombats 113/9 decl. J Shearer 43.
IECC 92(24.3 overs). B Mohanty 19
VS INDIAN ENGINEERS
WOMBATS MISERY CONTINUES
By Silvester Pereira IECC
A cloudy and rainy Friday marred the uncertainty of the game. The pitch was wet, outfield was soggy and the sun was not to be seen for days. However after some ground work, it was decided to play under difficult conditions and the match was reduced to 35 overs due to late start. We(indians) won the toss and elected to bat. Prasad Pooppully and Bibhas Roy opened the innings and got off to a reasonably good start playing the initial overs cautiously before Bibhas was lbw for 3 which brought in Vishwa Ghosh. With the outfield being slow, boundaries were hard to come by but the duo put up 51 runs for the second wicket before Prasad was run out for a well made 34. With only a few overs left in the innings, Ashok Kumar was sent in as the pinch hitter.
Although he hit the first boundary of the innings he did not make any big difference as he was clean bowled for 6 going for the slog . That brought in the stylish Sriram Sampath to the crease. He played some good shots but was out for 22 with the score reading 106/4 in 25.3 overs. The rest of the batsmen got out quickly trying to accelerate the innings with only Vishwa holding out to the other end before he was the ninth batsmen out for a well made 43. The tail folded quickly and we managed to score just 130 All out in 32.5 overs after being in a very comfortable position until midway.
A reasonable target to defend though 150 or more would have been much better. But given the playing conditions, it was quite difficult to score.
Ashok Kumar and Biju Paul opened the bowling for us. Ashok bowled a tight line in his first spell. The Australian openers Jarrad and Chuck played quite well scoring 39 for no loss in the first 15 overs before Jarrad was out lbw to Ganesh Tajave for 11. Chuck continued to play sensibly and along with one-drop batsmen James they took the score to 65 in 25 overs before James was run out. Our (indian)bowling was tight especially with first change bowlers Ganesh and Jagan. They kept it tight, didn't give too may runs in extras and this put pressure on the Australia batsmen as the asking rate went up to 6.5 runs per over with half the runs( total) yet to be scored. Ashok Sharma, who also joined in the bowling, played a very crucial role in taking 3 wickets as the batsmen went on a hitting spree due to the increasing asking rate. The fielding was tight, entire team was focused and motivated, cutting the singles and making the batsmen work hard their runs.
The Australian tail couldn't keep pace with the asking rate and at the end of 35 overs, they could manage only 110 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. With this, the Wombats have lost three straight games of this tournament and they will have to win their remaining games to be in contention for the Cup.
We (Indians) won the match, though not very convincingly, because of the team effort, went through some anxious moments with both teams having a chance to win right through the end of the game. I think our approach, seriously and focus won us the game and hope we can continue our winning habit throughout this year.
Brief scores:
IECC 130(32.5 overs). P Pooppully 34, V Ghosh 43.
Wombats 110/9(35 overs). A Sharma 3/17.
PAKISTAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CUP
The Edogawa Falcons', also known as Sheikh's team, took out the PakistanIndependence Day Cup 7-a-side tournament Sunday, defeating Sri Lankan Lions in the final. Wombats finished in 3rd place, having been narrowly defeated by the Falcons in the semi final.
The day was not without its problems, Osaka having a car accident on the way down, play delayed by late arrivals by over an hour, the losers' final being abandoned as it was pitch dark. Nonetheless, it was a great day, the one day of the year all the KCA teams are out together, and everyone (with 1 notable exception) went home having enjoyed some top cricket. 8th man Little Richard and horse racing fan Smoking Pete were invited to help make up the numbers for Osaka, then slugged Y1500 for the privilege!
Wombats draw was agreeable, pulling Tokyo Bay in the 3rd match of the day. Fielding first, Wombats were on top in the field and restricted Tokyo Bay to 42 off their 6 overs. Highlights included Chef taking a top catch down at long off, running around to grab it above his left shoulder; Chuck's bowling producing a mere 3 wides (tough calls the lot of 'em!) and a stumping and a run out. All round, the bowling and fielding was of the high standards we are setting and maintaining for ourselves. A joy to be part of.
Tokyo Bay had one moment of pleasure, catching Chuck on long on boundary. Tokyo never had enough in the armory and the only hiccup in the Wombats run chase came courtesy of Zulu's mistake with the scoring. Jarrad pulled a ball to the squre leg boundary for 4, only to be felled by a bouncer next ball.
The ball was rightly ruled no-ball and the chase was over. A recount of the scores revealed that Jarrad had actually hit the winning runs with that boundary, and the ball which cracked his head was unnecessary! Great work Zulu!
Our semi final was against The Falcons, who had recently finished second in the Shanghaifs Sixes, no mean feat. The 39 runs we managed (from 5 overs, games reduced to allow for fading light) was not enough. It was remarkable for 2 things though. Dinosaur taking quick singles, drop and run. Great to watch, hope to see it more often. The last ball of the innings, Chuckie pulled over cow corner, way,way over cow corner for a massive 6.
Wombats fought hard, with good tight fielding, although it was always going to be tough after my over cost ten, which Dinosaur (encouragingly?!) described as "the worst I have seen you bowl all year". Up stepped the Birdman! From the top of his run, our favourite Kiwi did a full Hakka, assisted most vocally by Chuck in cow corner. The batsman was rattled, and pulled Bird's first ball in the air to square leg where Zulu pulled of the
of remarkable catch running and diving to knee height on his left, and coming up with the pill! Schweppes Classic Catch number one soon had a rival though, as Bird was again hit in the air where a running Chuckie lept Aussie Rules style to grab the ball 10 foot off the ground, metres from the rope!
For all its highlights though, the Wombats' fight was in vain, as the Falcons got the runs with 3 balls to spare, but not before Zulu had satisfyingly thudded the ball into one Falcon's ribcage. Top nut, Zulu.
The other semi-final saw Lions defeat Lalazar, who needed 4 from the last ball only see a man caught on the boundary. Doesn't get much closer than that!
The final saw Falcons overhaul the Lions total, but I cant recall how much that was. Star of the tournament, Falcon's man with The Beard was again dominating the bowlers, turning singles into 2, 2s into 3s, and finding plenty of boundaries as well. The total looked in reach when, on the last ball of an over, he declined to take a second, believing he was the man to get those last few runs. His partner disagreed. Words were said, and The Beard marched off the pitch. As he approached his stunned team-mates, he tossed his bat at his kit-bag, and without a word, un-padded, packed his kitbag, and took his bat and ball and went home!! He was last seen summitting the Koiwa Hill and heading off into the sunset. His premature exit blew his chances of Man of the Tournament, which was ironically awarded to his batting partner.
A big round of applause is in order for Bird, who made the first addition to the Wombats' silver collection, when his 2 overs 3 for 8 earned him the Bowler Of the Tournament award. Later at the izakaya (and again on the train!) Wombats put the silver cup to appropriate use time and time again.
Memories are made of this.
Lastly a special thanks to Chuck, who donated a whole bunch of Pakistani World Cup memorabilia, which was auctioned of by Wombats' Master Of Ceremonies, Smokin' Pete. Over Y20,000 was raised for the Club coffers, so thanks to Chuck, and also to Peter.
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