KCL – Sharks VS YCAC, 14/6/2009
Past history would suggest YCAC easily have the Chiba Sharks’ measure, and the recent history of Shark performances would suggests it might be some considerable distance. Nevertheless, there was a game of cricket to be played and a full team of Sharks made their way to see how the other half live and play at Yokohama Cricket and Country Club in Negishi.
We finally managed to field an ‘eleven’, but even so, there were some notable absences; Pat being injured, Nick being in Tokyo, and Prashant being in YCAC colours. All ‘form’ players so we would need to ‘step up’ as a team. We welcomed today a new Shark, Himmi Agarwal, who was introduced by Varun. We got into the competitive mood with a bit of cross-cultural/cross-border exchange, booting/tossing/fumbling around a Sharks rugby ball. Sort of made you feel like an Aussie cricketer at Lords… Well, we can all dream… Anyhow –
YCAC won the toss and elected to bat under slightly muggy skies on their impressive new artificial ground and ‘flex’ pitch. We knew that in the field we would have to be on more toes than a sock factory with the likes of Kamran and Prashant batting on a small ground. As has been a positive this season, the now famous ‘Shark ring’ was a tight as ever. While wides were a bit of an issue with a very strict interpretation on the day, little got through the fieldsmen or what did was chased down with vigor, and though we only had them 2-for at 18-over drinks, they had only scored at a bit in excess of 4 an over. A pretty good return for us. Things might have been even better had a couple of tough chances been taken or had we the benefit of video appeal in one case. We knew, however, the hard work was to come and it manifested itself as Kamran immediately started to cut loose after the break. Once he fell LBW to Mayank we then had to contend with Prashant, who was clearly up for the challenge. When he fell for a typical nonchalant half century to a superb ball from Dave, it lifted us to the point where we believed we could get them under 200. Wickets fell at regular intervals, but they crept past that – Yokohama Country & Cricket Club 7-211 (inc. 29 extras) off 40 overs.
Bowling
- Thurlow 1-31 (c & b)
- Coovre 1-13 (bowled)
- Walters 0-11
- Adams 1-17 (stumped)
- Agarwal 1-20 (c – Varun)
- Lollback 1-12 (bowled)
- Dabral 1-32 (lbw)
- Mossop 0-46
Highlights from the field:
- Dave’s ripper slower ball to pick up Prashant – top of middle stump
- Varun’s reflex catch at cover off his mate Himmi (and ‘well-felt’ fielding all day)
- Levi latching on to a bullet off his own (ehrm…) bowling
- Brett’s ‘shall-I?-oh-yeah-why-not’ direct hit run out at the bowler’s end
- Himmi’s encouraging bowling spell
- Chris’ quick stumping
Basically everyone pulled their weight in the field and many good things were done.
So, 212 to win was not impossible, but given the heavy batting artillery missing (or bowling) and our clattering collapses of late, it would need a real team effort. Graphic opened with Mayank and it looked like these two intended to make a fiery statement, particularly Mayank’s hair. Runs came fairly thick and fast with some cracking shots, but some over-adventurousness and some good catching saw go to 4-50 odd. Each returning player realised that an opportunity had perhaps gone begging as the YCAC bowling was far from intimidating. But, at least it seems the ducks had stayed in Fuji, (well, more likely in the YCAC dining room, with orange sauce on a bed of jasmine Thai rice), as each player got a bit of a start. This brought Kris and Chris together who went about settling in. Helped by some wayward bowling and a bit of luck, they scampered, prodded and pounded their way to a nice little partnership to have the Sharks better placed at 4-88 at drinks. It was a limited overs match, however, and although the K/Chris’ were looking solid, a bit of a wriggle on was necessary. It was also becoming quite gloomy and the hedges at either end of the ground did not help. Both batsmen went after the bowlers once the hundred was up but found fieldsmen more than the centre of the bat. Both batsmen fell on with the score 107, but to everyone’s credit the fight continued. Dean and Brett took it up to YCAC even with the bowlers now finding better line, length and confidence in the decreasing light. As Dean said, “You might as well bat with your eyes closed!”. Himmi looked immediately comfortable and opened his account with a fine drive for 4, but was unlucky soon to be given out. Alexis entertained at the death with a nice little cameo. Brett continued his sterling rearguard defensive actions including some fine shots. He remained unbeaten. The final score, Chiba Sharks 8 for 158 in 40 overs.
Batting
- Dabral 10
- Adams 8
- Lollback 8
- Vancheti 11
- Bayne 16
- Thurgate 21
- Mossop 10
- Agarwal 4
- Coovre n.o. 8
- Walters n.o. 13
- Thurlow d.n.b
Extras 49
8 – 158
Highlights from the crease:
- A scorecard that, while not the best, at least does not look like a baseball innings
- Dave’s decisive calling, which may have even awoken the dead in the nearby Gaijin Bochi
- Nice 50 partnership from Kris and Chris
- Brett’s continued solid batting
- Some cracking shots from everyone
Unfortunately the loss makes it three on the trot but there were some positive signs considering. After the rare luxury of showers we retired to the bar for a few beers, a meal and a laugh. (Shark Factfile #76: White Pointer Sharks have more than 3,000 teeth, but they still can’t devour YCAC fish ‘n’ chips as fast as the Chiba Sharks.) Our hosts generously provided us not only with good game but also some beers and even a little award ceremony, with Dave winning a cap for his bowling and vocal cords.
A good, no, great day out despite the loss. One of culture, culinary delights and, most importantly, cricket. Let’s keep up the effort and get a win soon!
