A tied test...of sorts

Once again the FCC (and supporters) ventured out to the TCA home ground at Wen Lin Road to avenge the defeat of a couple weeks ago. At least that was the plan....

After seeing Saturday's rain, many of the boys assumed we wouldn't be playing Sunday and hit it hard on Saturday night, much to their peril. Etienne was missing in action, Hardeep and Vinay both late...that would cost us later...

Anyway, Dwight lost the toss again (Jimi VC, where's that double headed aussie $ mate) and the TCA strode to the crease looking calm and confident.

However that confidence was missplaced.

Stephen and Charl came on and threw everything they had at the TCA boys. Stephen claimed the scalps of both openers - both cleaned bowled - and Charl picked up a great C&B to have the TCA struggling on 3/30 odd.

Jimi then came on and picked up a fortuitious LBW, before cannon fodder stole the show with flight and guile picking up 4/19 - the wrong un to dismiss the TCA skipper was particularly pleasing for the bald man. Ed picked up one and Dwight sent the number 11's castle flying and the TCA were all out for 94. Mr. Extras top scoring with 25, followed by 19 from Bonnie and 17 from Gary. 

FCC needed 95 off 20 to win. Easy get?

Things got underway well with the Skipper smacking a quick fire 18 off 15 balls before losing his head and holing out to Gary behind the stumps.

Darren and Steven then pushed the ball around and were looking comfortable at 1/43 off 8 overs.

However at that point DB was given out LBW to Krishna (a very dodgy call) for 11, Sunny then added 2 before being trapped in front off a shooter.

VC Jimi then produced the goods adding a sparkling 22 (the 6 off Jayesh was all timing) as Stephen gave great support (14). Drinks were called after the 14th over with Formosa needing just 24 off 6 overs.

Drinks were a bad call. Disaster struck immediately after when Jimi was bowled and Steven was caught in the deep as he tried to break the shackles. Charl was then bowled for a duck and the TCA basically halted the scoring.

Ed and Kerri needed 6 off the last 6. The pressure was intense.

With good hustle ( and a close run out call later !!) the two reached 4 off the first 5 balls.

Last ball. 3 for a win. 2 for a tie.

Ed swung and sent the ball behind square on the off and scampered off...confusion ensued while the TCA field was trying to decide which end to throw the ball to. Ed was going bangbusters and made the run, while Kerri raced through to the bowlers end.

A tie...

Take aways:

1. We bowled 20 no balls and wides. TCA bowled 8 wides.

2. Two players were late - and one a no show despite being named in the starting 12 earlier in the week. Very dissapointing. You guys have cell phones, right? We missed the middle order batting...

3. Fielding. Excellent - we didn't miss a catch and our fielding was exemplary.

4. Highlights - Jimi VC with his stellar 22, Cannon Fodder with 4/19, Stephen with 2/16 & a dogged 14,  DJ with a quick fire 18.

5. We will beat them next time.