5/11/2003 F.C.C. vs TCA
Sunday was the first official match
against the TCA.
After losing the toss we were sent
in to field and in the second over Charl claimed the first scalp of Sushil. This was followed the next over with the Skipper
knocking out 2 of the 3 stumps to see the TCA reeling at 2 / 18 off 3. Next over from the Skipper took out the leg stump of the dangerous Naveen who was beginning to look comfortable at the crease. Charls
fourth and last over removed Jayesh and the TCA were in trouble at 4/30. A tactical bowling change by the sub skipper Darren
(I needed a break on the bench) brought on the ever reliable Vinay who bowled a tidy couple of overs. Darren sent down 3 overs
of cannon fodder to claim the impressive figures of 3 wickets for 19 runs. FCC newcomer Mattys debut ball saw middle stump
get skittled, the FCCs already awesome bowling attack strengthened ever further. Another debutant Simon claimed the wicket
of Vijay with an excellent catch by Vinay down at 3rd man. Simon bowled a great last couple of overs to end up
with impressive figures of 1 for 2 off 2. In the 18th over, after a terrible mix up by the batsmen, Charl effected
a run out to have the TCA all out for 82 leaving us in a strong position.
The skipper and Darren took to the
crease and started with 14 runs (2 fours and a six) coming from the first over. Second over Darren was bowled by a ball that
kept low and got through his defence. Another first gamer Shardul came to the crease and showed promise until getting stumped
for 4. Stephen came in and was trapped leg before for 1. Sunil showed his class and shot placement supporting the skipper
until a low ball (bounced 3 or 4 times) went through the Skippers defence to bowl him for 39. Sunil soon followed after a
rush of blood and a huge swing and miss saw him stumped for 7. After that the next 6 batsmen could only mange 4 runs between
them. Another FCC batting collapse saw us fall short by a mere 16 runs. TCA captain Garys smart bowling changes kept us tied
down and frustrated on a crumbling wicket.
The Indians had exacted their long
awaited revenge on us.
The skipper was awarded man of the
match after top scoring and 2 wickets.
Being the great hosts they are and
after rubbing in their victory they provided pizza and beer for all.
Notables: Andrew turning up injured
to score and Cilliers dropping by when he had other engagements. Great club spirit!
Batting not many. The extras equaled
2nd top score with Sunil for 7 runs.
Skipper 39 including 5 fours and a
six.
The lower order contributed 4 ducks.
Bowling: Skipper 2 /14 off 4, Charl
2/12 off 4, Stephen 1 /4 of 1, Vinay 0/10 off2, Ettienne 0/4 off 1, Darren 3/19
off 3, Matt 1/3 off 1, Ed 0/6 off 2 and Simon 1 /2 off 2 including a maiden.
As usual our bowling was excellent
and our fielding much improved with only one dropped catch from a very difficult attempt.
Half a good game of cricket!
