On what started out quite a nice day the team ventured onto Turf City B. Ground a bit roughed up from Rugby but a new pitch in place which proved to grip and spin. Our Captain warned us that the guys could be a tad annoying at times and his prohecy turned true.
Spirits into Bat.
Dave and Rajesh opened and seemed to be handling the conditions of the ball not coming onto the bat well. Runs were tough as they bowled a tight line. Dave (9 of 14) finally got one that kept low and trapped in front. Of course there was that inside edge involved and a bit of gesturing from Dave as to what the umpire could do with his bat. Rajesh (14 of 23) followed playing through a slower one and putting it back to the bowler. Spirits a bit behind at this stage 2 for 34 at the beginning of the 8th over but not too worried as the opening bowlers had almost bowled out. Graeme followed and couldn't hit the barn door. Ralston (2 off 8) didn't make much a dent trying to pull a shorter ball off his nose, hitting the splice and sending it back to the bowler. The run rate stopped and Spirits found themselves 3 for 63 off 15. Trying to up the run rate graeme proceeded to offer chance after chance... 4 dropped catches & 1 missed run out later he finally holed out on the 5th attempt for a big fine (16 off 32). Some comfort was when Gaurav said the record is 8 drops. Didn't say who!
Gaurav down the other end was slowly building his anger as the other side got chirpy.... Laksh came in and between the two they set about slowly getting their eye in then silencing thier critics. Lachs scored 18 off his 24 and Gaurav the more agressive one with 3 4's in a well composed 23 off 29. Captain Chiro was left holding the fort following their departure. With some well time flicks down leg the run rate quickened with a 13 & 15 run over. Deathly silence followed from the overly chirpy opposition. At 136 for 7 and 4 overs to go, it looked like Spirits would post > 150 which given the wicket was a very good score.
Then of course what had been threatening for the last 30 min happened and it just p**sed down.... After a wait with no beers at 4:30pm the umpires decided 12 overs were possible for the opposition. At this stage Spirits were faced with play and the target was 71 off 12 overs for Avadh or just take the 5 points. Despite G-man wanted to tear some heads off and a few others wanting to risk the conditions Chiro, cognizant his team was full of overly ambitious 40 + year olds pulled the pin and sent us for the nearest bar. This co-incidentally was found at Turf city in the form of a curry shop...
Match Drawn
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