Chiba Sharks vs Wyverns, Kashiwa 22.01.11
By Anton Lloyd-Williams
This was a big game for the Sharks. Our previous outing to Kashiwa had seen us lose two games that we really should have won. The Wyverns counted two indoor veterans of the fairer sex amongst their ranks whose 3 for 1 deal on runs meant that we would have to be on top form in order to keep them to a modest total.
In the absence of any old guard, Cap’n Sancheti was given command of the helm. The rest of the Sharks line up consisted of Ansul, Rockey, Anton, Koji and new man Nick Hogg. Richard Dixon gallantly turned out as 7th man.
Wyverns won the toss and batted first with a male / female combo that was intent on running at any opportunity. Nick bowled the first over and quickly found a good line and length with a touch of inswing for good measure.
Rather than looking for big shots, the bats(wo)men were more than content to jab and cut into the side netting, prompting Cap’n Sancheti to set 3 close fielders. While this had some effect, precision inswing bowling into the pads from both Nick and Vicky proved more stifling and the dot balls started to mount up. Vicky also hit the off stump twice to see off the opening pair for 26.
The second pair, another male / female combo were just as adept at running singles and some sharp work in the field, particulary from Nick, was required to keep the scoring under control. Koji and Anton put in some tidy overs but without dividend. It was left to Anshul, ripping the ball back across the bat from outside leg, to do the damage. The batters could not read him and skillful keeping from Vicky lead to two stumpings that would prove crucial. Wyverns on 59 as the last pair came in.
An all male affair this pairing and Rockey soon set about them with a series of vicious looking outswingers that were unlucky to find edges only into the nets. He got his just rewards soon though with Koji snatching a great catch up close. Anshul showed good control to leak just one run from his last over. Koji and Rockey then saw the Wyverns off for a total of 74. It was a good effort with the ball and moreso in the field – evidenced by an array of skinned knuckles, knees and elbows. So, 75 for victory which we thought eminently gettable if we could just keep our wickets intact.
Rockey and Anshul opened the Sharks’ reply, starting tentatively. Soon however, the warming sound of leatherette being punched out of the middle of the bat started to ring around the hall. Anything bowled straight was attacked with hefty blows and only some brave (and painful looking) stops kept the Sharks from racing away. Anshul launched for a maximum in the 4th over. Rockey followed suit but was denied a six by a breathtaking catch on the back wall. The first pair set things up nicely with 28.
Nick and Koji continued the chase for the Sharks. Koji showed how far he has progressed, pushing and nudging for singles and cracking a few out of the middle of his brand new Gray-Nicolls into the far corners. Nick showed his cricketing pedigree with a range of textbook drives and cuts that had his team mates murmuring with content. Added to this, opportunist running saw the Sharks up to 56 leaving Anton and Vicky just 19 to get.
The final pair got off to a conservative start, refusing risky singles, before Vicky found the back wall twice to get the Sharks noses in front. It was thought wise to get a bit more insurance in the run bank but Vicky’s uppish drive found the hands of the bowler which put us back in arrears. However, a few more risk free singles and gratefully accepted wides put the Sharks back in front and set the game up for a tense finale. Anton brought us over the line with two sumptuous blocks that would have had Boycott licking his lips in rapture and the game ended with victory for the Sharks by two runs. MVP was awarded to Rockey for his all round game.
Congratulations to the team, particulary to Vicky for his excellent captaincy. He got the tactics and bowling changes spot on. Also, appreciation to Richard Dixon for supporting the team as 7th man / photographer – his banter and encouragement was a tonic for all. Finally, a warm welcome to Nick Hogg. The Sharks have struck gold with this gent – he comes with cultured batting, dynamic bowling and a ready made nickname – The Hogster! Surely…
