Sep, 2010 – Back Out Of Hell And Into 2010 JCL Grand Final

It was back into Hell for the Chiba Sharks as they journeyed to sizzling Sano for the 2nd JCL Semi Final against Wyverns. Embarrassed in the inhuman heat by the same team just two weeks previous, the Sharks were determined to even the ledger in an emphatic way. Pride and a place in the JCL Final were on the line. Sirens were screaming and the fires were howling as Tatebayashi again stoked up the atmospheric furnace, with temperatures reaching the high 30s. Kanto-wide sports games and dates were cancelled, and the elderly, small children and chihuahua were called to come inside – meanwhile the Sharks lost the toss and took to the field. This time, however, we were ready and waiting…

Bowling/Fielding

Pat ripped in to start with a brutal maiden from the Hot Skillet End, while at the Jaffle Iron End Varun mixed up a dropped catch with some wides… De ja vu, again? Not this time. The Chino-less Wyverns flailed around for some overs and sketchy runs, any concept of footwork left behind in some 10-minute massage salon in Jimbocho. As Dave expressed it, “Put that one on YouTube!” Bowling very short spells in the heat, all bowlers troubled and the field circled with both skill and intent. Wyverns were fortunate to survive to 36 when Prashant started the first in-roads, with Chris very, very gratefully accepting the catch. Opener Kobayashi was reprising his stubborn effort and mixed luck with some crisp drives, but there was the feeling that it was just a matter of time before the Wyvern hit the fan (most couldn’t hit the ball). Colonel was given a crack at third change – shows our depth! – and the rout began as he deforested batsman Sano. Fielding was one area we had vowed to improve and that we did. Especially in close Nick, Kris, Dave and Pat kept the pressure on and in the deep Vicky, Nikhil and Ashiq did well on the small ground. Navin will learn from his experiences, too. We had a number of close run out calls before Dave chimed in with a great piece of individual work, swooping on a ball to his left on his follow through and exoceting it to the ‘keeper for the run out. This was soon followed up by a nice long return/run out by Ashiq. The bowlers could FEEL the wickets to be had. Pat (bowled) improved his figures but it was our former Bangladeshi international who really got amongst it, as he said later, “I could feel the ball talking”. It was saying, “Yer out”, as Colonel ripped through lower order (catches by Dave, Pat and two by Chris) taking 3 wickets in his last 4 balls. I think somebody somewhere was tolling a bell. Nikhil’s one over accounted for the lone battler, Kobayashi, who was the victim of good line and a case of accumulative un-luck to dribble on for 55. It was an excellent team effort in the field and a sustained, disciplined effort by the bowlers, with only 12 wides in 28 overs. From 1-70 Wyverns disintegrated to all out 116.

Wyverns Batting

Sharks Bowling

Batting One hundred and sixteen runs and eleven deflated Wyverns stood between the Sharks and a berth in the JCL Grand Final (against, as we now know, unfinished business in the shape of a Wombat). Ashiq and Prashant, in need of a hit, were sent out to open. You could feel the brooding, almost malevolent power from Prashant, emerging from the shadows, with a gun in his eye and his blade just waiting to shine oh so bright, determined to make up for a drop in form. Roll camera. The lads launched straight into it. The granite-hard Sano ground was finally getting some rain, in the form of cricket balls. It looked like it might be over very quickly, but Prashant found a fielder on 24. Kris (8) still battled himself as much as the bowlers, and showed he is definitely NOT Gilchristian by staying decidedly put until the umpire’s finger vertical appeared for a catch behind (there are other dissimilarities, too – the ears, for example). But he did have the pleasure of watching Ashiq swat, smash, scythe, slap, slash, slice and roll the dice on his way to 48 off 35 balls. Pat and Nick (10 n.o.) sensibly pushed us up toward our goal. In between the Wyverns were in the self-inflicted wars again as their deep fine leg did not live up to this description, doing a hammie in front of the merciless, and nicely shaded, Sharks unit. Having neither screens nor firearm handy, we rescued the stricken Wyvern, eventually, iced it up, to be thrashed again another day. Back in the game, Pat (11) surprised everyone, especially the bowler, by actually getting out. Dave negotiated his one ball faced with great concentration and panache. It was all a bit anti-climactic as the last five runs were accounted for by a wide four. Sharks 4-118 off 21 overs.

Sharks Batting

Wyverns Bowling

It was sweet revenge. We were really up for this game as a team. Fine individual efforts by Colonel with 5/20 and Ashiq a swashbuckling 48. Mention should be made of Varun’s 0-15 off 5 overs – watch out when his luck changes! There were some great fielding efforts by many players. SO. The Wyverns tenderized, cooked, liked meatloaf, and the Sharks are into the 2010 JCL Grand Final. Next beast! ’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves…раскрутка сайтаtopodin.comпродвижение сайтавзломать одноклассники бесплатно без программультратонкий чехол для iphone 5заявка на кредитную карту через интернетjugar maquinas de casino gratis sin descargarescort sslot oyunlar? bedavaonline slots reviews best slots and online casinosзаповедник нгоро нгорозанятия каратэ для детей люблино братеево