June proved to be a rollercoaster of a month for the Sharks. While the double-header at Fuji on June 6th brought heartbreak—with both the 1st XI and 2nd XI suffering tough defeats, including a painful failed bid to reclaim the Shearer-Thurgate Cup from the Wombats—the “Marvellous Thirds” provided the ultimate silver lining on the 14th, securing a gritty, blood-and-sweat victory against Keio. The latter half of the month was firmly washed out by the arrival of the rainy season and twin typhoons, but as the rainy season draws to a close the Sharks proudly sit at the top of the table for the Japan Cup EK Div 1 and are holding strong in 2nd for JCL Div 4.

June 6th – Shearer-Thurgate Cup Catastrophe (or A Fuji Flop)

June the 6th was a much anticipated double header at Fuji with the 1st XI taking on the Tigers and the 2nd`s battling our old foes the Wombats for the esteemed Shearer-Thurgate Cup. The 1st XI lineup included 2 new Caps, Seamus and returning Sharkie PG, and the 2nd XI new Cap Senal.

The 1st XI started off well with the bat, with Dhugal getting 50 off 68 and Ghufi smashing 66 off 63 on the way to a total of 205 after 40 overs. The Tigers batters quickly showed their intent in the chase and punished the Sharks bowlers, with the story told in the economy stats – one 2 Sharks bowlers had an economy lower than 6. PG did the Sharks well by getting a fifer but even this was not enough to stop the Tigers overwhelming the Sharks by the 32nd over. A painful loss for the 2025 Champions. 

Expectations were high for the 2nd winning back the `Cup on the neighbouring ground after last year’s humiliating defeat. The Sharks batted first and were struggling from the first over; by the end of the 11th over it was looking dire with the score at 42/5. Despite attempts at stands by Zeeshan, Subhan and Salman the runs did not come, and the team were bowled out for 116 in the 37th over. Uncharacteristically the Wombats then went hard and chased the Sharks down in the 17th over, a wicket each for Mystery and Umar being the only bright spots in the innings. For the second year in a row the Sharks had to face the ignominy of the Wombats winning the `Cup…..next year!

June 14th – 3rd`s Victorious in Keio Clash

The Marvellous Thirds continued their fantastic season at Sano 1A on the 14th with a close fought victory against Keio. All the Sharks got to bat in their innings, but they were not bowled out! Aman anchored the side with a maiden half century on his way to a total of 68 and Vik added a touch of drama (and blood) after getting hit in the face with a ball. Luckily he was OK and could return to bat, this time with a helmet, after a short break. The biggest cheer after that for Aman`s 50 went to Mairaj who scored a 2 off the last ball of the innings, taking the Sharks to 227. 

The Sharks were without a keeper so Vik, Kris and Ayush shared the duty, Vik taking the early overs and picking up some more bumps and sprains courtesy of Sam and Lirushan’s balls (steady on….). The 3rds bowling continues to be a strength with 5 bowlers taking wickets – including Lirushan 3, and Rahul and Vik 2 each. Keio fought until the end, with a late push almost taking them over the line, however three excellent last overs from Lirushan and Vik conceded only 4 overs and gave the Sharks the game, Keio falling just short at 214. 

Aman celebrates his 50

June 20th ~ Rain, Rain go Away

The rainy season, and twin typhoons, saw matches on the 20th, 21st and 28th for the the 2nd XI, Japan Cup side and 1st XI respectively rained off.

Is the water supposed to be under the covers?

Its only a drop

At the end of the month the Sharks were top of the table in the Japan Cup EK Div 1, 9th in JCL Div 1, 10th in JCL Div 2 and 2nd in JCL Div 4.