Spirits v British Club 11 August 2012 at CSC

This being the deciding match in a three match series, the selectors fielded a strong team against the British Club. Gaurav the captain for the day, won the toss and, following the conventional wisdom, chose to bat first. Right from the start, the British Club never really looked in the game. Chiro was unlucky to go out early on 4 but his opening partner Dave went on to make 44 runs including seven 4's. Considering that retirement was agreed to come at the end of  the over that the batsmen reached 35 runs, Dave took full advantage of his last over in the middle scoring 11 off it! Abhi (35 ret.) Gaurav (36 ret.) and Laksh (34) followed as we went for 18 overs without losing a wicket. Graeme (9) and Dan (6) weren't quite able to replicate the top order's prowess but were at least able to relieve Chiro of the gloomy prospect of being the only batsman to be in single figures with a sub 100% strike rate. Akash played a nice cameo at the end of the innings hitting an unbeaten 19 off 17 balls and new Spirit Peter Gunning (1 not out) managed to get off the mark without losing his wicket. At the end of the 30 overs Spirits were 200 for 4.
The second innings was characterised by some excellent fielding by the Spirits. Yes folks, that was not a typo. British Club players were heard muttering under their breath that the difference was how well the Spirits fielded. A pig just flew past my window. That astounding fact is certainly reflected in the score card with three wickets coming by way of run out, good catches from Dave, Graeme and Peter, a fantastic low catch being taken at point by Logu and Chrio, at wicketkeeper, adding another stumping to his ever increasing tally. Everyone had a chance to bowl at least 2 overs with the wicket takers being Gaurav (2overs/0maidens/5runs/2wickets), Dan (2/0/6/2), Sivam (5/0/16/1), Akash (2/0/16/1) and Logu (3.5/0/16/1).
Result: Spirits won by 63 runs and win the series against the British Club 2-1.
May thanks to John for coming down to support and score despite not playing. Man of the Match: Gaurav - retired not out, snagged 2 wickets and captained well. Wooden Spoon: Gaurav for leaving me to do the match report.