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April 10-11th: Taichung Tournament

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Mixed results for FCC in thrilling weekend in Taichung

 

The weekend action in Taichung witnessed the initial participation of the Hsinchu CC, who together with the FCC and KCCC participated in a three way tournament on Saturday.

 

At the end of an exciting and heart-wrenching day of cricket, KCCC emerged champions by the narrowest of margins in unbelievable circumstances.

 

On Sunday the FCC retained the Pingtung Cup after a pulsating days cricket ended in the first ever tied match in Taiwan with both teams reaching 161 off their allotted 20 overs.

 

Saturdays Action

 

FCC v KCCC

 

The new look KCC, brightly attired in yellow, and more importantly with a number of new recruits took first dig and notched up 114/5 in their allotted 12 overs. Andy was the backbone of the innings scoring 36 with solid support toward the end of the innings coming from Pierce who finished undefeated on 20.

 

For FCC Salim was the pick of the bowlers finishing with 3 for 28 from his 3 overs. The performance on the field was a little lackluster, but it must be said that the track was on the slow side.

 

In response, FCC skipper Darren and Eddie continued their prolific opening partnerships taking the score to 51 before the skipper fell for 14.

 

Shardul joined Eddie and together they batted cautiously amid some inspired bowling from Jaco and new boy Jules. The run rate suffered as a result, and FCC needed 38 from the last 3 overs. What had looked like an easy win at one stage became a struggle as KCCC dug deep.

 

However, the nine over mark was the signal for a ferocious attack by Eddie in the following over bowled by Pierce with twenty runs knocked up before Eddie was out for a hard hitting 56, and shortly afterward Charl for an unfortunate golden duck.

 

However Sunil and Shardul (26*) saw the FCC through with a three balls to spare. 

 

FCC v Hsinju

 

Hsinchu took to the crease first and batted through their 12 overs to finish on 99 for 9. The performance in the field was much improved with Eddie completing 3 stumpings -- one off Cilliers and two off Darren with the team executing 2 run outs. Darren collected 3 wickets in his spell.

 

In response, FCC rested Eddie and opened with Sunil and Darren. They responded with an opening partnership of 70 to put the game beyond doubt.

 

FCC was never challenged and romped to an easy victory reaching 100 for 2. Skipper Darren scored 39 and Sunil 37.

 

 KCCC v Hsinchu

 

Hsinju scored 49 all out. KCCC reversed their batting line up and reached 50 for 5 with Jaco remaining undefeated on 25.

 

 

Final: FCC v KCCC (d/n)

 

The highlights of a pulsating final were some unlucky umpiring decisions, excellent bowling by Jules (KCCC), outstanding batting by John and a bizarre ending to an unbelievable over by DB.

 

FCC took first dig and opened with Eddie and Darren. Things were looking ominous for KCCC as Eddie started on a tear, only to be cut down by a horrific LBW decision, which shocked even the KCCC players.

 

The quick fire 28 by Eddie should have set the tone, but KCCC responded with some brilliant fielding and smart bowling changes by skipper John. The FCCC was struggling for runs under some fine KCCC bowling.

 

New boy Jules was devastating, conceding only 2 runs, while taking 2 wickets in his 3 overs. During the 7 to 9 over stretch the FCC managed just 1 run off the bat.

 

However the FCC closed on 92 for 5 with Salim and Vishwa accelerating in the final over.

 

In response KCCC was quickly in trouble with Simon taking 2 early wickets and Charl, clearly suffering, managing to pick up one.

 

However, a blistering knock by John took the KCCC to the ascendancy the skipper was particularly harsh on Sunnie.

 

Johns dismissal for 48 courtesy of Salim saw resurgence from the FCC -- almost stealing victory from the jaws of defeat.

 

Despite intense pressure by FCC, KCC was always ahead of the rate courtesy of Johns heroics.

 

With only 2 runs needed off the final over, skipper Darren bowled a most unbelievable over taking 2 wickets off the first 5 balls without conceding a run.

 

Unfortunately the final ball of the over beat the batsman through his legs eluding the grasp of keeper Eddie and a diving Simon a short fine leg.

 

It was indeed unfortunate as both Eddie and Simon had good games in the field and the brilliance of the skipper went unrewarded. What a match!!!!!!

 

Eddie was named MVP of the series for his heroics with the bat and great keeping on a difficult pitch.

 

Sunday: Pingtung Cup: 20 over match.

KCCC vs. FCCC

 

Another thriller saw the game end in a tie the first in Taiwan.

 

The day belonged to Vishwa, his brilliant fielding was a joy to watch, and he coupled it with an excellent spell of bowling to peg back the KCCC advance.

 

Taking first knock FCC opened with Darren and Eddie, who was quickly into his stride smashing 29 before he played on to a slower one.

 

The first wicket fell at 56, with skipper DB falling shortly after for 14 with the score on 79.

 

Sunil and Shardul batted intelligently amid tight bowling from the KCCC. Taking the score to 144 before Shardul went for 33 trying to accelerate.

 

Sunil remained unbeaten on 37, smashing the final ball to the boundary. FCC ended on 161 for 5. John was the pick for the KCCC claiming 2 for 20 in 4 overs.

 

Chasing 162 for victory, the KCCC stumbled early with Andrew being brilliantly run out for 0 by a direct hit from Vishwa.

 

KCCC was not to be denied as they batted resolutely always within distance of the scoring rate. A brief spell of hitting by John ended when Cilliers accepted a caught and bowled chance. Cilliers joy was sheer pleasure, sprinting all the way fine leg into Simons arms.

 

However the KCCC never wavered. Their players seemed to have a new found determination ala FCC.

 

Enter Vishwa, who bowled with guile and accuracy, which proved a bulwark against the KCCC advance.

 

KCCC nonetheless remained within striking distance. With 3 overs remaining the KCCC needed 24 runs with 5 wickets to spare.

 

Not even the introduction of Charl was able to contain the rampant KCCC. It must be said though that Charl was clearly not firing on all cylinders having been ill previously.

 

Salim bowled the final over with KCCC needing 9 runs for victory, and promptly watched the first ball sail over his head for 4.

 

It came down to 2 runs required off the final ball (again).

 

KCCC was able to complete a quick single to tie the score with the FCC retaining the Pingtung Cup by the narrowest of margins.

 

The KCCCs Hendry was named man of the man having batted for the entire innings remaining 36 not out and picking up the wicket of the two FCC openers.

 

What a weekend of cricket!!!!!!! I hope we have many more

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