Anza III vs SIA 2

ANZA III signed off the season with a big win on Friday. Winning the toss and batting saw us well-positioned at 4/80 at drinks with Tony Edmondstone unbeaten on 40. The second session brought us 100+ runs with the highlight being an unbroken 8th wicket partnership of 57. Rohan ended with 8 not out while Tony accelerated with his last 45 runs coming off 22 balls. Tony finished on 95 not out, a serious fine for 100 avoidance. ANZA finished on 7/183 our highest score of the season.

We started well in the field with Clive picking up a wicket in the first over. With James Howlett bowling tightly and Clive picking up wickets, SIA 2 raced to 4/77 after 11 overs. James picked up a wicket thanks to a tremendous diving catch by Rohan in slips. At drinks they were 6/106 with Tony and Rohan both taking wickets. Their number 4 bat was hitting the ball cleanly and they were well ahead of the run rate. It would come down to whether they could keep up the run rate without losing wickets too quickly. Tony then picked up 3 wickets in his next two overs to settle the issue. Their number 4 was held by James Howlett at point and John Dick completed an acrobatic diving catch at square leg to remove their number 9. Rohan then bowled their number 10 bat to end the match, ANZA III winning by 65 runs.

Batting
Tony Edmondstone 95*
Chiro 15
Mark Cordiner 12

Bowling
Tony 4-0-18-4
Clive 6-0-51-3
Rohan 3.4-0-23-2
James Howlett 5-1-22-1

Champs had their first win of the season

4.57pm....as I was walking back to the pavilion, the Champs seemed to have self destructed again. Chasing 145, we were 73 for 3 at drinks and with Geoff seeing the ball like a watermelon we should have polished this one off easily....but in true Champs fashion before you could say .....faaaark....we were 96 for 6.

4.58pm in walks Tony.....his signature white helmet glowing in what otherwise seemed like another dark hole for the champs to climb out off. As he passed me, all I remember saying is "Geoff is on fire....support him....bring it home mate"

5.00pm.... after 1hr 40min at the crease, 54 balls faced and 56 priceless runs, solid as a rock Geoff once again as predictable as mohammad amir, pulled. The sound of bat on ball was as clear as Times of the World sound editing and somehow the umpire only saw the ball hit pad.....Out. Was this once again God telling us something.

Geoff walks off the ground with another fantastic innings but I'm sure feeling something missing..next walks in fearless klaus.

5.07pm....with champs on 97 for 7, 22.1 overs gone, 48 left to get in 8 overs. This is where the Champs comeback story starts. Tony dispatches the ball to the boundary and then klaus and tony run a few quick singles. Just when it looked like some momentum was building.... in an effort to get the runs klaus skies one.....champs 108 for 8.

5.08pm... Disco walks into the cauldron. Tony awaits. 23.5 overs are gone and 37 runs are required off 6 overs.

Champs are still not accepting a comeback in the making. How dare we wish it....hadn't we wished before only to be disappointed. The boys were too scared to dream it seems....

25th over saw tony hit 2 beautiful fours and some great running with disco saw champs reach 125. 20 runs left to get in 4 overs. We are back!!!!! I thought as I sat next to the scorers. From there I started counting down the runs, 19, 18, 17,........4 runs....u beauty.....13 to go, another 4 ....u ripper....9. Tony was on fire. Disco running like never before. These Champs weren't giving up.

The sidelined Champs had walked out of the water logged Anza dressing room and sat cheering at the boundary next to the side screen. A few more quick runs 1,2,1,2 and champs were down to 3 runs to win in 2 overs. We could taste it, we could smell it.....hadnt we been this close before...maybe not.

5.24pm....24 mins after his arrival and 30 runs later in 22 balls....our knight in white helmet faulted to a good ball and the stumps fell. The sound while sweet harmony to the bowlers ears....rattled the Champs.

Yours truly walked in slow motion into the pavilion to see how lord gibb was faring. Never before have I seen him speechless....but not scared. Out he walked... padded up, with gloves on BUT no bat. Has he lost it I thought...I did't blame him. We were all in lady gaga land. Thankfully he crossed Tony in time and took his bat.

Lord Gibb ....delivery 1....comes forward..well played into covers.

Delivery 2...wide ball.....2 runs to go.

Delivery 3....wide ball....a tie...

Delivery 4....I'm standing behind the pavilion like a little child half seeing the action as if its a horror movie.

The ball strikes his pads...the whole team is up in the air appealing....What a tied game? No no no...this can't happen to the Champs....no bloddy rain wash outs for us...no bloody wins and the only tied game in the bloody season...and its us...no,no,no....

The champs watched the ump....but no movement. We are still in it boys!

5.27pm......delivery 5....lord gibb goes forward and plays the ball into covers.....he runs as does disco....as do the champs onto the field... The rest is history.

The half hour I described was the end of what was a true Champs performance. In the field the bowlers performed great. Lord gibb leading the way with only 22 runs off 6 overs and great support from klaus with 20 of 5 and 2 wkts...who also delivered (I believe) our first wkt maiden. Howard also delivered two quick wkts in his three overs. Some very smart bowling by phil who was unlucky. Jim and yours truly also grabbed a wkt each,for the stats.

Fielding was good...with only life threatening catches being dropped.
Ben seems to be in the firing line, they couldn't get past him so they tried to go through him. Chiro once again put his body on the line only to suffer some damage to his thumb...nothing serious I hope chiro. Tony's efforts in the field were as impressive as his batting...as sub keeper he took 4 catches and a stumping...he had already paid his keep even before he went out to bat.

Total of 144 runs conceded with the champs giving their usual 33 wides....otherwise the bowlers were unplayable.

Amongst the batsmen,other than tony's heroics, disco/klaus support and Geoffs batting which has been consistent thru the year.....Lord GIBBS winning run will be remembered by all.....as we left the ground I'm sure I heard him say....
"That was fun".

Well deserved Champs.

Signing off......

Mm

Match Report :: Anza Div II vs Mucc Knights

Another hot start and things went well from the beginning with MUCC skipper calling wrong and thus allowing us to choose to bat first.
Richie and Corbon laid in a solid start on a very wet outfield coming in to drinks at 73-0 after 13. Both fell early in the next session bringing Chris Walker and Pat together. The two most productive batsmen in the side added 60 runs together to bring the total to 156 before Pat wandered far enough down the wicket to give the keeper time to collapse onto the stumps from several paces back. Another few wickets fell in relatively short time before Tony provided good support to Chris. After a big straight six to the long boundary Chris was well caught trying to repeat the shot for 55. Tony kept the scoring moving and we went into the last over 222/6 hoping to reach mid-230s. However a hat-trick of boundary catches and a last ball stumping saw the final score of 224 all out off 40 overs (and one of the weakest and most expensive 7-fors you'll ever see - but still, a 7- is a 7-!
224 on a very slow outfield was pretty competitive total until out stepped a Jayasuriya bat-alike. Same stance, body shape, backlift, aggression, shots, etc. Both Clive and Chris Sweet took some stick, although Clive winkled out the other opener with a top edge taken well on the run by Chris at shortish fine leg. Pat came on after just 4 overs to try and break through Jaya-clone, but it looked like more of the same with 2 wides and 2 slapped boundaries until a corker yorker did the batsman completely (34 including 8 4s). 2-45 off six overs! Clive induced a little nick, well taken by Robert standing up to the stumps in the next over (and another couple that didn't reach Pat at slip) and with Pat bowling to 2 slips, 2 gullys and a backward point the batsmen were intent purely on survival. Pat struck again in his third over to make the score 66-4 after 10 overs. Chris returned to dry things up completely and Corbon came on for one over before drinks which only lasted 3 balls before the batsman ignored the turn to see his off stump rattled. 5-73 at drinks was a matchwinning session.
Our good friend Nara was the new batsman after drinks and with his partner fashioned a 51 run partnership at a fairly careful pace before a couple of failed bowling changes cost double figure overs. Corbon came back for a second spell and broke the partnership, and the next one first ball, while Tony came on at the other end and bowled his usual tight stuff picking up a couple of wickets.
MUCC finished with 143 all out so a 9-1 win to Anza by 81 runs.
Highlights were many:
40 from Richie and 39 from Corbon - opening partnership of 78 in under 15 overs.
55 from Chris W and 31 from Pat - partnership of 60 in less than 10 overs.
26 from Tony.
Tony, Ash and Chris S caught in consecutive balls in the last over, all on the boundary!
2-48 from Clive
8-0-22-0 from Chris S
2-30 from Pat
8-1-21-4 from Corbon
2-10 from Tony
No byes, a catch and no missed chances (and a lot of good saves down leg) from Robert

Anza Champs Stats: Champs vs Phoenix

Just a quick note on the stats this week as I'm off to the airport shortly.

4 catches down put down in the first 8 overs. A certain stumping made uncertain by a certain umpire. It was also going to a tough day for the Champs.

It's never great to hear the batsman running down the wicket laughing at us and telling each other that we "are not catching anything today". I asked one of the batsman about this and he explained the comment away because he was "from Sydney.". As baffling as his batting.

Yes and that made me a little ticked off cause only we are allowed to laugh at ourselves. We don't need to outsource this particular pleasure.

Anyway as to the stats. An excellent 4 20 for for the Disco was only marred by his 6 over avoidance. Having our most productive and economical bowler bowl one short seems a little profligate on our part. The Disco pole vaults into the leading wicket taker this year after what was a very slow start. Anyway, enough praise in this direction because he can manage this chore well enough himself so suffice to end it on an upbeat note that the Disco still remains the wearer of the Dumbo cap into the next match.

The trunk on that cap went through more hands yesterday than Suzie's Phuket on a Saturday night.

With his two wickets the skip finally overtakes the Rev in second position on the leading wicket takers with 58 scalps now to the good. I was mistaken about MM bowling his 200th wide though and I apologise for that. It was of course his 300th.

I checked to see if Flynny was next in line on this score but let's just say, give the lad time.

There was very little of note on the batting side except to point out a fine Champs debut for Howie P who blazed his way to 32 off 60 balls which shot him straight to number 31 on the batting table in just one innings.

Ben Leonidas Dunn took a further 5 runs off his 300 run guarantee target for the season. Only 267 to go or, on current averages, in 33 matches time. The Spartan 300 may have had better odds.

Interesting to note just how much the skip has to do in bowler planning. Only 3 bowlers have bowled more than 26 overs this year with most bowling well below their quota. In fact only Gibby, Vishal and Lawrence have averaged 5 overs a game. It's hard work being a captain and having to juggle that many bowlers.

In fact this is by far the biggest transition year in Champs history with 11 new caps being handed out. The Skip had done an excellent job of keeping us competitive despite the need to gel the new team after losing several of our best performing players. Get behind him and as MM stressed, get to nets if you can. I certainly need to.

Kit packer this week went to Mark Wotif Flynn which I admit was a little tough given how outstanding he was in the field. Best on ground all day and jolly neat job on the kit as well.

Ashes Cup game next lads against the Brits on the 4th Sep so please try and make yourself available for this.

Match report :: Anza Div III vs Marina, 24 Jul 2010

On a fine but damp Turf City B, ANZA III resumed their season following 2 washouts. With debutantes in Mark Cordiner and Robert Williams and a return to 3rd grade for Jodie Wachter our prospects were looking good.

Clive won the toss with his Australian 50 cent piece and elected to bat. Garry Hawker had been ill all morning but strode out with Shubham to get us started. Unfortunately Shubham was soon striding back having been bowled. James Bostock batted well for 16 whilst Garry had to retire hurt with double vision after scoring 13. Tony and Mark Cordiner took us to drinks on 2/53. Both batted well for a partnership of 47 being dismissed in their teens. Jodie and Clive put on 42 for the 6th wicket raising our total to 138, probably 20 below par.

The skipper was confident that if we bowled and fielded well we could restrict Marina 2 to less than this. Unfortunately we let ourselves down with several catches being dropped. Clive and James started solidly but Tony was the pick of bowlers with 2/22. Rohan also picked up 2 wickets and Clive one wicket. Howie led the way in the field with a direct hit runout and Robert Williams gave an excellent performance behind the stumps. Also notable were Tony's catch at point and Rohan's effort as he slipped on the turf, smashed his head on the ground and still held on to the catch. Marina were 6 down when they passed our score with 5 overs to go.

Fortunately we have this Sunday morning to redeem ourselves.

ANZA III 7/138 in 30 overs
Clive 39 no
Mark Cordiner 19
James Bostock 16
Tony 15
Garry 13 retired hurt

Marina 2 6/141 in 25 overs
Tony 6-0-22-2
Rohan 6-0-42-2
Clive 6-1-25-1
James 4-0-29-0
Shubham 3.3-0-21-0

Match report :: Anza Div II vs Island CC, 25 Jul 2010

History was made on Sunday...and without a ball being bowled. Mark won the toss and took ANZA Div 2's coin toss season average above .500 for the first time in living memory. It was also the first fine afternoon for what seemed like weeks, so why not make the opposition sweat it out in the field. The Turf City outfield was still soggy and anything north of 200 would be challenging.

Richie & Corbon again led us off, and again Corbon was in a hurry. He let his intentions be known early by lofting his first ball down the ground and soon followed with a glorious flick off the legs that sailed over the Turf City grandstand. Both opening bowlers were copping some stick but got a measure of revenge when Corbs tried to swat a fuller one and was bowled for 22. Chris Walker came in at #3 and he and Richie took the total to 72 at the first drinks break. We were cruising along nicely at almost 6/over with only 1 wicket down. Richie was happy to turn the strike over and Chris was starting to find the boundary. The second session proved a lot toughter than the first as Island brought on their spinners and slow-mediums to really take the pace off the ball. The boundaries dried up on the slow outfield but we had wickets up our sleeve. Richie fell for 23 just after the break but Chris & Dave Jacq batted steadily and took us through until the 23rd over when Chris was unlucky to be run out 5 short of his half century. DJ (24) was even unluckier, given out lbw attempting to glance one that would have missed leg stump by a mile. Four for 128 in the 27th. The run rate had slowed due to the constant barrage of nude balls, hand grenades and dippers but the outfield showed little signs of quickening and we were still on track for a 200+ target. A few quick wickets brought Ash & Mark to the crease and the pair put on a rapid fire 65 in 8 overs, mixing quick singles and twos with a handful of sixes. Mark fell for 40 off 25 and Ash finished undefeated on 28. Our total of 9 for 226 looked pretty adequate given the slow ground.

And so it proved to be. The Island top order was pinned down by Mark & Clive early and were 1 for 22 after 10 overs - Clive claiming the wicket with a nasty outswinger that the batsman played all around. Clive again bowled his 8 overs straight and finished with a fine 2 for 31. After the drinks break Ash & Tony bowled non-stop for the next 16 overs and, aided by some watertight fielding, they effectively took the game away from Island. Their batsman couldn't get any partnerships going as wickets fell consistently. Ash bagged three of their middle order and Tony picked up 1 while only going for 28 off his 8 overs. Our ground fielding was sharp and though a couple of difficult chances went to ground the batsmen were made to work for everything. We picked up 2 runs out including a superb one handed pick-up, spin and throw from Ash at short cover. Chris Sweet came back to snare their last man and Island were dismissed for 146.

Nine points to the good guys!

Andhra CC up next this Sunday at TC A.

MC

Match Report :: Anza Div IV vs SCC

When I woke up this morning the signs were there for a great day’s cricket.  After a week of storms and the Singapore meteorologist telling up there was going to be typhoon tail storms from China hitting over the weekend, it was great to see in the paper that these had blown away.  Clearly the meteorologist had not been at Dempsey Fields.

I arrived late but was met by black clouds and 21 players standing out in the middle.  The umpires didn’t like the water on the ground!  Having convinced the umpires that the water on the ground was fine, it then began to rain, or rather sprinkle and threaten to rain.  So it was a deferred decision until 8.30.

Now we could have thought that an abandoned game would give us 5 points and push us up the ladder but that sort of thinking isn’t in the Champs’ psyche.  We are a bit like the “300”, never retreat, never call a draw, never surrender and go down fighting.  Maybe we should practice not being like the 300, because I’m not really into this dying thing!

However, the umpires decided that the game would be reduced to 25 overs per side – how we lost 10 overs in a half hour delay was a bit unclear.  After the dilemma of choice last weekend it was reassuring that the captain returned to usual form by losing the toss.  “I would have batted first anyway” he said.  So bat it was.
And bat they did.  Homi and particularly Ashwin got us off to a flying start, scoring 30 off the first 5 overs before Homi was caught.  In strode Geoff, confident after strong batting performances over the past few games (a sure sign!).  The next over he was back in the pavilion having scored 3.  “3” he cried, “will I avoid kit packing?”  “It was only 2” calls out Lorraine.

Ashwin and Chiro then proceeded to put on 18 before Ashwin fell to the first of 2 dodgy decisions of the day.  LBW on the outside of the roll playing a ball that if he had left it was a wide!  Ashwin, looking good, gone for 29.

Feroze joined Chiro in the middle and they proceeded to add 32 for the next partnership before Chiro fell to the second dodgy decision, a snick (more like a clunk) onto the pads given out LBW.  Even their opening bowler down on the boundary shook his head.  Chiro had found some form too, out for 23.

A 56 partnership between Feroze and Tony Waters put us in great shape at 141 off 21.3 overs which brought the gun blazing Munib to the crease.  Averaging over 40 this season, Geoff’s only comment was “had Munib left himself too late in the batting order”.  Perhaps he had but 1 ball later he was back, bowled going for the tonk (Geoff didn’t know whether to commiserate with Munib or punch the air for joy at avoiding kit packing duties).  The next 3 wickets went to runouts as the team tried to grab every run before the umpires declared over 1 ball short in the last over.  Finishing score 162, very defendable on the soggy Dempsey ground.

Captain Munib didn’t give his “Just have fun” speech.  He was far more serious and determined today.  In fact there weren’t the usual laughs as we went out to bowl.  We smelt a win.  Both openers, Lawrence and Vishal opened solidly and looked threatening.  And we didn’t have to wait long before Lawrence in his second over took the first wicket with a catch to Tony and the SCC captain was gone.

We had to wait until over 9 before Ashwin picked up his first wicket, a juggling catch to Disco at first slip.  47 after 9 was keeping us on track.  Next over Munib trapped the batsman LBW, a beautiful ball, before putting one down just before drinks off his own bowling.  The batsman works with Disco, so he wasn’t keen to see the catch go down.  Fortunately Munib redeemed himself after drinks with the batsman facing one 1 more ball before he took a fine 3rd slips catch for Ashwin’s second.  End of the first over after drinks and the SCC were 4/66.  The number 3 batsman troubled us all day scoring 60 until Disco took out his middle stump with a well flighted ball.  5/119 after 21.  SCC needed 44 off 4.

Lawrence and Disco were down to bowl the last 4 overs.  An interesting combination - opening bowler and slow 3rd change.  Although each of the next 2 overs were reasonable tight 1 lose ball in each left the equation at 22 off 2 overs.  Still the pressure was on SCC.  SCC’s number 7 was playing in his first game for the SCC Jaguars.  He’d scored 5 singles from the first 6 balls he faced.  He faced up to the first ball and smashed it straight down the ground for 6, then another 6, two singles and another six.  20 off the over, leaving 2 to be scored for an unlikely SCC victory.

Disco came on to bowl and his first thoughts were “don’t bowl any wides!”  The first ball was a repeat of the early wicket ball and the SCC batsman was gone LBW.  A great start – was the impossible possible?  Next ball a single into the gap and then another single off the 3rd ball delivered victory to SCC and another loss to the Champs. 

The team took the loss pretty hard, the Skip even harder.  He had strategically played the game well, but the win slipped through our fingers.  We had been in control for 23 overs.  Cricket can be such a harsh game.
I blame Clarky – calling us the Chumps all season has put the hex on us!
This is now twice this season that SCC has snatched victory from an ANZA side.  Is Dempsey a hoodoo ground for ANZACC?

At least ANZACC had one victory for the morning.  Disco and Geoff’s boys rolled up fresh from the Under 10s Howzat Cricket Sixes Competition, where they had played in the ANZACC sponsored team, with gold medals around their necks and proceeded to present an extra medal to the ANZACC President.  At least that’s one bit of silverware (gold) for the ANZACC cabinet this season.

Results:  25 overs a side game
ANZA batting first scored 9/162.  Feroze 44, Ashwin 29, Chiro 23, Tony W 17 (GF 2)
SCC scored 6/163 winning with 3 balls to spare.  Disco 2/24 off 4.3, Ashwin 2/26

Match Report :: Anza Div IV vs SPA2

“lets have some fun” were the last words the champs heard from my lips before they entered the wet and wild ground of Turf City B at around 2 pm.

The drama had started well before that. With the rain well set in and the umps smoking away under the shed, we like our SPA counterparts were ready and raring to take the field. This was going to be our day…rain, hail or shine.

Eventually the rain god had a snooze and we were on the ground for the toss. “Oh Shit…what do we do”? I asked all but the groundsman. With the drama’s of two weeks ago where a wet ball help create some Champs folklore, not to mention some very tolerant umpiring, I was ready to bat first. My preference for batting was also based on some simple Vegas mantra..... 6 losses in a row while chasing... Surely batting second would do the trick. “But”…...as a skip i've learnt there is always a "But". With the weather the way it was, knowing the target was the smarter non Vegas approach.

As the coin hit the ground, I heard the ump call out “your call”. He was staring at me and I was staring at the sky. As the milliseconds became seconds and nearly a minute. I could here the Champs over my shoulder mutter... "oh shit he's won the toss". Screw Vegas.... I lost money there anyway.... “Fielding it is”. 

So back to the wet and wild. Champs took there positions and Klaus started what I consider as one of the best bowling efforts we have seen by a champ this season. Within his first 3 overs, he had 3 for 14 runs and SPA under pressure. Klaus ended the day with 3 for 25 in 5, with 10 wides masking an otherwise great spell. The new and improved, Lord Gibb, after a shaky start, found his rhythm and polished off the 4th SPA batsman. SPA were 4 for around 50 and we were feeling good.

Ashwin and James followed Lord Gibb and Klaus. Ashwin as always gave 100% but with no scalps to show for it. James bowled beautifully and after 3 overs was 6 for 1 wkt....but got some unfair punishment and ended at 28 for 1 in 5.  The Champs went into the break with SPA at 5 for 78 after 14 overs and feeling confident. Unfortunately that's where the momentum was lost, that's when the Champs led by yours truly lost the plot and SPA's prayers to Allah paid off. In the following 9 overs SPA amassed a total of 156 doubling their efforts of the first 14. Sorry Champs, 30 runs of 3 overs from your skip was unforgivable and painful. Disco, I'm sure also felt the pain as he ended with 16 in two overs. During all this the champs fielding was above par and Tony and Chiro, showed once again why they are the safest hands in the team.  All in all despite great efforts by Klaus and James, the bowling effort had much to be desired. 32 wides in a 23 over game makes life a little bit tough. 

With a target of 156, the drizzle and a bunch of devout Muslims waiting for the Champs, the mood was still good. Plenty of banter and support. Not for a second did anyone want a washout. We were there for the kill. Tony and Ashwin padded up and walked in with simple instructions... "have fun". With the rain as unsure about it future as Mrs  Nasir (Samosa goddess) was about Lord Gibbs proposal for marriage, Tony and Ash had to ensure 89 runs off the first 12 overs, just in case the rain gods got angrier. 1st ball ... well left ......2nd ball..... Tony jumps only to find the ball hitting the top of his pad, the champs in the shed yelping....”no that's too high”....and the ump, who by the way has drunk enough of our piss post our losses then anyone else, raised his finger. Champs not off to a good start.

Enters Mr Reliable, Champs original skip....Mr Forday. Little did the tea tottling, 100 plus drinking Pakistani's know that they had a Son of Jerusalem amongst them. It was no surprise to see Geoff continue in his merry form and dispatch the ball to the various corners of the ground. He was keeping the strike, come what may and after 5 overs, Geoff was 21 in 28 balls and Ashwin had faced only 1 ball. "Allah o Akbar" ....”god is great” was the cheer from the SPA squad as Geoff succumbed to a lose delivery and skied it. Champs 2 down with 28 on the board in 6 overs.  

I arrived at the pitch with Ashwin in good spirits. Ashwin and I pushed the total to 54, with Ash helping me through my shots and ensuring I don't do an afridi. The Pakistani fielding made ours look like Champs. Every ball was followed by yet another field change. They were as organised as the taxi rank in lahore. With the total in mind, style afridi was the solution. But there was a glitch. A leg spinner named Arafat... Yasir Arafat?. Another Son of Jerusalem. "Allah o Akbar" they roared as Ashwin frustrated with the short pitch, ankle high leggies founds himself outside the crease.

Next on to the ground comes a champ who I feel for the most. Someone, who since joining the champs has made the most appearances at nets, both scheduled and on his own time, has run ragged in the field, has been supportive to all and yet awaits his day in the sun. Homi we determined to stay the whole 23 overs. But before he could start we came off for drinks after 12 overs with 55 on the board and a large but achievable 101 in the next 11 overs. With 3 wickets down we were far from out of this one. The boys in the shed reminded us of the need for speed and that's what the game plan was.

Homi's entrance was confident and exit was painful. Like a true champ his face said it all. Unable to deliver for his team his only concern. A mistimed hit saw Mr Arafat catch of his own effort and send homi home.  

Chiro's stint at the crease while short, was full of wisdom. With his help we got the runs flowing again and in 5 overs we took the score from 56 to 104. Leaving us with 52 off the last 6. Achievable given what we had achieved in the last 5. Chiro and I were fired up, the rain had nearly stopped, I for a second even imagined calling zahrah to tell her to bring the kids and some extra beers to the ground as we had won. "Allah o Akbar"  they cried and chiro starts heading for the shed. This was the over in which chiro and I were aiming to unleash.....

Klaus's arrival at the pitch was comforting. Here is someone who gives 100% in whatever he does and as a skip I would have him on the pitch even before myself. He is a proven run maker both with intelligent singles and big hits when required. We knew what was required....just hit the bad balls and the rest would come. Klaus stuck around for a few and in his attempt to keep the runs flowing, played one on to his stumps. Champs 116 for 6.

This was truly a day when Allah was listening. After a few “Allah o Akbar”, the muslim in me also forgot about the much anticipated beer call and looked to the sky. I was rewarded with a few dropped catches and enough time on the crease to register an enjoyable but hollow 54. Even Allah gave up on me and yours truly skied one, leaving the Champs 7 for 118.  

The champs story doesn't end there. What happens next is what makes the champs the champs. James, Disco, Ben and Lord Gibb, all entered the ground to win. They all gave there best and went down fighting. These are the true champs who game after game, bowl and field their guts out, to the point where they start seeing two chiro's behind the stump and then give another 100% as batsmen. This season they have been called upon to deliver again and again, both with the ball and bat. In true champ style not one has ever complained. The last blow came in the last over, lord gibb attempting a 6 lands short, into the hands of jubilant Pakistani.

Champs our bowling was patchy and batting well below its potential. 32 wides and only 3 batsmen in double figures is well below our standard. Having said that, Champs it is a pleasure to play with you all and an honor to be your skip. I'd rather lose all matches with the champs then win one with anyone else.

Mm

Match report :: Anza Div V vs British Club, 11 Jul 2010

Tom Woods blasted 78 off only 42 balls to provide the perfect platform for a resounding victory for the Feisty Fifths over the British Club at Turf City on Sunday.

The Fifths were asked to bat with the ground still bathed in early morning dew, Spainy later admitting that if he would have won the toss he would have also inserted the opposition. If the British Club thought that the early morning moisture would make it difficult for the batsmen to score, they were mistaken. Tom and Mark got the Fifths off to a flier, putting on 128 for the first wicket, before Tom was smartly stumped for 78. His innings consisted of nine four's and three sixes. Their partnership flourished despite much sledging from their team mates on the sidelines. Appeals were heard from their fellow ANZA players anxious that they might miss out on their opportunity to hit some easy runs; they needn't have bothered.

Once the first wicket fell, others quickly followed. 128-1 soon became 156-5, as Geoff (4), Mark (42), Robert (3) and Jodie (8) all departed in quick succession. Spainy (5) and Josh (19) put up a little resistance, managing 20 for the sixth wicket amd taking the total to 176. Paul made 10 and was one of only five batsmen that made double figures. Josh and Jim (8) got the total over 200, but the second highest partnership of the day came from the last two batsmen Lawrence (23*) and John (8*), who put on 27. Fortunately the Fifths maintained a healthy run-rate throughout, leaving the British Club facing a daunting 239 to win.

They needed to get a off to good start but they never found themselves in the hunt.

Captain Spainy and Lawrence opened the bowling and the British club found the going tough. Geoff took a blinder of a catch with his legs off Lawrence for the first dismissal. Spainy then bowled the other opener with a leg cutter leaving the British Club on 32-2. This brought Chris Pardey to the crease, clearly anxious to get the scoreboard moving and did so with a couple of good boundaries. Paul took a great catch at mid-off off Jim to dismiss White (15). Ali (0) didn't last much longer, being run-out smartly by Mark in a race to the bowler's end from mid-wicket. The British Club were struggling at 62-4. Prakash who had taken 3 wickets during ANZA's innings came in and with his repertoire of only one shot managed to strike three fours before walking across his crease andbeing trapped in front by Jim. By now the British club's required rate was well over 10 runs an over and despite Chris Pardey and Andy Watson putting on 53 for the sixth partnership they were struggling to hit the boundaries they needed. John got Pardey (64) out lbw and was unlucky not to pick up another wicket when Jim took a one handed catch on the deep mid-wicket boundary, only to throw the ball back as he started to fall back over the rope. Lawrence picked up the seventh wicket as the British Club tried to get an additional point by making 180. Their skipper Andy Watson remained unbeaten on 28 off 32 balls, but the British Club finished well behind at 176-7, also failing to get that extra point - will that come to haunt them in the future? ANZA's 62 run victory was well deserved.

Special thanks to Geoff who was conned into packing the kit. I suspect that will be the last time that he'll take his team mates word for it that he was the lowest scoring batsman.

ANZA V 238 - 9
Tom 78 off 42 (9x 4's, 3x 6's)
Mark 42 off 45 (3 x 4's)
Lawrence 23* off 30

British Club 176-7
Lawrence 6-0-2-26
Jim 6-1-2-32
Spainy 6-0-1-35

By James Howlett

Match Report: Anza V vs IIT

As is standard for ANZA, the opposition won the toss, however what is not standard was the opposition sending us in to bat, especially as there were only 8 players on the field for the first over. Skipper Spainy unveiled the new batting order which contained a few surprise promotions, most notably for those who were in the Anza Sloggers Sixes side that knocked out Skipper Spainy's Anza Champs last week ( although it was all a coincidence he claims ).

So it was that Paul and Howard opened the batting to a wide open field, with the plan to take their time and settle in. This plan didn't last long as the runs started to come quickly, especially for Howard who was finding the boundary regularly. A bowling change brought results for the opposition with Howard holing out to a great catch over the back of the head skyer. Out came Koushik, but the new partnership didn't last long, with Paul trying to dribble one down leg and sending an easy catch to backward square leg. Koushik soon joined him in the pavilion, out to a dubious LBW.

Runs started to slow down for Josh and James as the real openers started to apply pressure, luckily for James, Mark finally remembered his call of "Noonan" to throw off the fielder when James skied one ( Howard and I thank you for finally remembering ). During this partnership, our new recruit from America Aaron was heard to remark that in his six weeks in Singapore he had never really seen a downpour. Well, that was tempting fate just a bit too much, as just after Mark's "Noonan" call saved Josh, after he danced down the pitch to make sure the ball was not a no-ball, the heavens opened up. Aaron got to see a moderate downpour in Singapore, as those from the British Club game remarked that this wasn't a real downpour and that they should have seen the one at BCC.

Some period of time later, and the match was reduced to 20 overs, and the word was given to James and Josh to get the run rate moving, which the promptly did, with James hitting a lovely straight six. Unfortunately the heavy ground meant most of the runs would need to be made running between the wickets, which proved too much for Josh, playing his second game of the day, run out. This brought out the skipper, and James continued to pile on the runs. With the last over coming up, El Presidente Peter Clarke, who was padded up to come in next, made the outrageous claim "I guess I won't be needed", next ball saw Andrews stumps knocked over and another claim from El Presidente.

Fortunately no other wickets fell, ANZA V were 5 for 136 after 20 overs
After a short break ANZA took to the field with Lawrence taking the new ball with Simon. Lawrence was spot on, however Simon's bowling was a bit wayward, with the fourth over first bringing joy with a wicket, and then Simon was forced from the attack due to dangerous bowling, the slippery ball working against him. Mark completed the over and Lawrence continued his economical spell from the other end. Mark also picked up a wicket with his second over, however sundries were starting to add up, with the ball slipping out of the bowlers hand with maddening frequency. James replaced Lawrence after his spell and picked up a wicket in his first over, going into drinks IIT were 3/57, with ANZA looking the goods.

Unfortunately it was a different story after drinks, as there must have been something in the Alumni drinks because the batsmen started going after the bowling. A few errors in the field, a couple of dropped catches (including a groin splitting slip from myself) and a missed stumping, were all the batsmen needed. After the missed chances the batsmen tried their luck and kept finding the boundary.

Alumni needed 4 off the last over and got it easily, a missed opportunity for an ANZA win.
With our heads bowed, we headed to Harry's to watch the Aussies beat the poms in the Union, so we at least had that to celebrate (except for James)

Batting
James - avoided a 50 again - 46 not out
Josh - 27

Bowling
Mark Flynn 1/25 off 4
James Dickinsen 1/28 off 4

Debutants
Aaron Simmons
Mark Flynn


by Paul McLean

Match Report :: Anza Div V vs Jelutung CC

I had a sense of apprehension leaving the 5 division squad to the second in command. And like the captain of the Titanic awaking from his slumber to find his beloved ship sinking in to the depths of the ocean, I found the team in disarray

Not much to be said really, we lost miserably to a side that had one good bowler who, when pitched on the wicket was unplayable (well im hearing that a lot from the top order)

Anza was put into bat with a reasonable batting line up. As been on several occasions this season without a full side. The air was humid (from what many were saying) and the ball was swinging like an unhinged door in a cyclone. After many wides Tom was the first to depart before his time for 1.

Fast forward to just after the break and the score was looking like an uneven soccer match at 9 out for 63 and if it wasn't for Geoff Forday's heroics for arriving to his scheduled 4s game prematurely that's where the score would've stayed.
Both Geoff and Lawrence toiled and survived another 3 overs before Lawrence committed a grievous error in having a part of his body hit by the ball before going anywhere near the stumps or in Singapore whats known as LBW. So the results

Score 113
Lawrence 23
Geoff 14
Phil 15
Sundries 46
7 batsmen not making it past 2 runs

So defending 113 the guys set upon the task of choking the runs and taking wickets. Lawrence kept on contributing by keeping the run rate to a minimum and ending with 1 for 10 off 6 overs. Unfortunately the other bowlers fell by the way side and conceded more than the asking rate to achieve the score. Dropping a number of catches didn't help the matter and the opposition passed the total in quick fashion with a 9 point result in their favour.

Again its good to see the fighting spirit of the 5ths this season even against all odds we come up with a win, however on this occasion there no joy and more lessons learned.

To play on the Titanic theme we had our very own version of romance shared between Jack and Rose Dawson. Now imagine that last scene where Jack is about to plummet into the cold abyss clutching Rose and in the process saving her. Now.....just change Jack with Phil "the all talented Younger" and Rose with a Tiger beer and you will get the picture

Written by Spainy who was not present at the match

No thesaurus was hurt in the making of this match report

Match Report :: Anza Champs vs Andhra CC at GIIS on 12th June, 2010

The mood at the ground was optimistic, almost expectant, as each Champ arrived at GIIS to play Andhra CC2 yesterday. The Champs had not had a win this year and there was a certain resolve about the group which had each and everyone of us feeling confident as we awaited the start of the match.
Munib won the toss and elected to bowl. His reasoning was simple - let's know what we have to chase.

Klaus opened the bowling with Lord Gibb and the two of them got the Champs off to a seriously good start. At the end of his fifth over, Gibby had just 15 runs scored off him. Giocomo, who had come out of retirement for the match, was shouting "have a go" as the two Andhra openers blocked ball after ball. It appears the sledging had the desired effect - Lord Gibb claimed his first Champs catch on the boundary off the bowling of Feroze. There were hugs all round - this was certainly looking like the Champs day! By the end of 15 overs Andhra were just 1 for 82 on the divisions smallest ground.

After drinks things did not go all the Champs way. Both Ashwin and Feroze continued the good bowling of Gibby and Klaus. Feroze claimed 3 wickets in a spell that included just 1 wide, whilst Ashwin was 0 for 33 off 5 overs - a tight spell which was marred by one six. Andhra decided to up the tempo. The second 15 overs produced 158 runs, almost double the run rate of the first 15. They had set a target of 241 to win. This was still considered a modest total on a 250 - 280 ground.

Tony "Muddy" Waters and Geoff "Mr Reliable" Forday opened the batting and it wasn't long before a wicket fell. Tony was gone for 4 in the first over trying to smash a wide delivery. Ashwin replaced him and with Forday made a sound partnership of 48 before Ashwin was bowled by a good delivery.

Controversy ensued following Homi's dismissal for 5 - a turned down LBW appeal found him runout as he awaited the umpire's decision with a foot slightly out of the crease. Nervous smiles on the faces of Andhra players filled the players pavilion at drinks. This may have been because drinks had been called one ball early - Forday hit the ball out of the park for six, bringing the Champs to 140 runs to Andhra's 82 at the same stage. It may have also been Lord Gibb's suggestion of an end of match fight following Homi's unsportsmanlike dismissal.

Feroze and Geoff continued their 82 run partnership after drinks before Feroze was clean bowled for a respectable 30. The batting collapsed after this in a session that included two ducks. The only shining light was Munib who followed up his good bowling with a Captain's knock of 40. His dismissal saw the Champs all out for 213.

Lord Gibb asked if he would have to pack the kit as he never faced a ball, then suggested that it was time for the fight. The Andhra players cleared the ground surprising quickly. The Champs sipped beer in the pavilion rooing the loss, each player resolving to do better the next time. Champs Man of the Match was undoubtedly Forday with 65 off just 51 balls.

ANZA III vs Wanderers Match Report

Following on from ANZA V success in the morning ANZA II completed a winning combination on Sunday at Fernvale.

Winning the toss and batting, Garry Hawker was run out second ball to get us off to an inauspicious start. Shubham made 16 while Tony Edmondstone held the top order together with 39. Phil Davies who was not well came in at 6 and batted through to the end making 47no. Not much else from the batting but we did manage to bat the 28 overs (reduced to a brief rain break) with Venky and Phil putting on 13 for the last wicket. A score of 160 on Fernvale B would be difficult to defend but the slow ground would help.

Things started well with Clive getting a wicket off the first ball of the match (again). Clive and James Dickinson each bowled out their six overs keeping things tight and taking wickets. Clive picked up two more with catches at 2nd slip from Tony and a ripper at first slip from Rohan. James picked up their number 3 caught behind by Chiro. After 12 overs Wanderers were 4/38. We lost our way a little over the next few overs with Wanderers scoring 50 in the next 5 overs. Rohan came on and bowled their number 5 and had their dangerous number 6 caught at long on by Venky. Shubham tied up the other end and with 3 overs left they needed 37. Shubham kept it tight and Tony picked up 2 wickets in the last over to see them fall 17 short

Anza Magazine July 2010:: Going from strength to strength

Going from strength to strength


What a difference a weekend makes. On the Friday, your humble scribe was contemplating what theme he might go with for ANZA’s fabled sports issue. Fortunately, with ANZACC’s season in full swing and the cricketing gods smiling on the club this year, at least once the game has begun (though often not long enough for us to finish a match!), I was saved from writing a treatise on the art of coin tossing.


While I’m sure a number of our skippers might welcome some insight into an art that somehow bewilders them week after week (Clive Tilbrook being the notable exception), ANZACC’s improving on-field fortunes in the 2010 season demanded the spotlight (thankfully).


Since our last instalment, all side have played league matches. Our 5th grade side, led by Andrew Spain, was looking the goods against the old foe as they racked up a sizeable 208 at the British Club’s home ground. A solid foundation was laid in the first 15 overs by a half-century from Phil “the Younger” McNicholas and Mark “Felix the cat” Cordiner. While neither innings can be said to be chanceless, Cordiner certainly rode his luck, affording the Poms nearly half a dozen opportunities to hone their catching practice on his way to a ‘solid’ 46. Special mention should be made James Dickinson, our Mug of the Month, for his decision to jinx Mark by commenting that “two fifties in the innings would be great”.


Moving up the grades; the Champs, the club best performers in 2009, have had a difficult start in 4th grade’s 2010 season with some very narrow losses. Sadly, regular brain explosions in ANZA’s top order have undone strong bowling and fielding efforts (aided by the spectre of having to wear the dumbo cap should you drop a catch), preventing them from breaking their duck, but their skipper assures the first win is not far off (and is willing to put money on it!).


Third grade opened their account with a Lazarus-esque result against the Police. A solid start from openers Garry Hawker and Shubham Gupta opened the innings on a soggy outfield but a steady procession of wickets made it look like the cops once again had ANZA pretty well pegged. Once Chiro “Jimmy” Gupta strolled out to the crease to join club newcomer Chris Walker at 5/65, however, this perp walk quickly turned into a prison break. Chris, having marked his ANZA debut with a half-century in the previous match, was again on song and accumulated runs almost at will, finishing with his second half-ton in as many games. Chiro, on the other hand, was at his destructive best. The ball disappeared to all parts as “the son of Kerry (Packer)” raced to 50 off a mere 20 balls, finishing with 68 off 34 and propelled Clive Tilbrook’s side to an imposing total of 181.


After the break, Singapore’s finest were contained by some tight bowling from the skipper (4 for 10) and James Howlett. This noose continued to tighten and within a few overs, the cops were reeling at 4/19. Things continued to look rough for the Gurkhas as the bowlers shared the wickets around once the openers took a breather. Eventually they were skittled for 115, giving the side their first win of the season and a hunger for many more.


ANZA’s second grade side, however, were the real stars of the month. Having brushed aside the Kallang Colts a couple of weeks earlier, Mark “Hammer” Christensen’s side took on SIA. Richie Kenner, having flown in especially for the match, was still a little dazed but able to maintain a quiet vigil at one end while Corbon “the corpse” Loughnan came to life. Pat Kelly joined Corbs in the 10th over once Richie decide to do the honourable thing and skied one to the keeper. What followed can politely be described as carnage. The next 12 overs brought 114 runs before Corbs departed in the nervous nineties. The following 12 overs were even more immense, yielding 155 runs Pat Kelly smashed the bowlers to all parts on his way to 146 of 74 balls, including 14 sixes and 7 fours and getting him our SunSense Man of the Month award. At the other end, Dharmik Kumar had relatively quietly gone to 53 off 33 balls. Although the innings finished with a flurry of wickets, ANZA had piled on the pain to score 359 for 8 off its 40 overs. (Note: Pat has been suitably punished for his 150 avoidance).


After decimating the opposition’s top order in the first 3 overs, SIA began to complain they had better visibility landing in Western Europe than against our bowling attack. Fortunately, the umpires agreed with our skipper and demanded play continue. Yet, as SIA had turned into BA, the match came to an unfitting end with ANZA taking the points on a walkout by the air hosties.


Turning to this month’s one remaining award, the Harry’s Hero, won this month by Corbon Loughnan. After regularly taking the helm in Kev Robertson’s absence in the first grade last season, and being a permanent fixture at the top of the run scoring list, Corbs has continued to be the perennial clubman in 2010. Prior to his 100 avoidance against SIA, Corbs took over on a few moments notice (and without his whites!) against MUCC, as Hammer welcomed a new member into his family. Hopefully, Corbs will continue to contribute both on and off the field.


Interested in playing competitive or social cricket in Singapore?


If you’ve recently moved to Singapore and are looking for a new club, or feel like getting back into the thick of the action after taking some time off, e-mail the club at info@anzacc.org.sg or dreamers@anzacc.org.sg and/or come down to the Ceylon Sports Club (101 Balestier Road) on Thursday nights between 6:30 and 8:30 pm for nets and post-practice socialising. Hope to see you there!

Match Report:: ANZA 5th Div versus Mariners CC 2

As Hannibal famously said 'I love it when a plan comes together!'

And that is what happened at Turf City on Sunday when Anza V's, strolled to victory over the hyped up and over excitable (for 8am on a Sunday morning) table topping Mariners XI.

The plan was that good, it was not shared with everyone, only a select few fielders were aware. It was though put into practice from the first over after Anza were put into the field and was repeated numerous times until I ran out of fingers and lost count. The plan was...drop catches.

This might seem strange, but it worked. You see the habit was, well, ahem, catching as Mariners proceeded to drop even more and thus make the chase a little bit easier for us.

This though should not detract from what was an outstanding win from an Anza team that was missing some key players.

After electing to bat the Mariners got off to a fair start as the wet ball proved difficult to control for Anza. Their number one and number 4 both got half century's but the bowlers put together some good spells and ensured the total didn't get out of control.

‎Younger was the pick, finishing up with a 'michelle' and strangling them at the death, as a score that was looking at the halfway point as though it may hit 250, stumbled to198 all out in the 27th. Spainy, Goodman, Howie and Clarkey all chipped in with wickets supporting the makeshift strike bowler

Honourable mentions must go to Tom 'Mitten Hands' Woods who took a great running catch, and also Clarkey who took what has now become known as the 'cleavage' catch!!

After a rain delay had cost us 2 overs, the Anza openers, Tom Woods and Younger wasted no time in getting stuck into the Mariners bowlers and assisted by 43 dropped catches by their fielders raced us to 79. In the 9th over when Tom left for a good 39 Geoff and Younger departed close together not long after, and this left Jodie and Mark to keep the scoreboard ticking over, which they did, with some lusty blows from Jodie, who eventually departed for an excellent 43. Mark was keeping Jodie company, but not quite middling the ball.

Mark's past though caught up with him soon after, as hidden in the grass in turf city was a disgruntled former debating opponent of his. In about the 20th over this sniper struck and after a quick single Mark hit the deck and we all thought he'd been shot. There was no movement. Turf city as a whole stood still. Clarkey and Younger rushed out to resuscitate him, and soon news filtered back.. He was ok... the shot had missed. He had just got a bit of cramp. After some rousing inspirational words from Clarkey (Man, up and princess, were three of them), Mark did just that and proceeded to middle just about everything including a huge straight six.

Eventually he was dismissed 6 runs shy of his 50, but by then the Mariners were beaten. Shoulders were slumped, their one man cheering band had gone home and Anza sensed the scalp.

Josh did the honours and put the game to bed with 5 balls remaining. A great win for this side against a team who turned up expecting an easy win and with this result Anza have confirmed they are a real chance this year for some silverware.

As BA Baracus, less famously said "I pity the fool who goes out tryin' a' take over da world, then runs home cryin' to his momma!

By Simon Goodman

Match Report :: Champs vs MUCC Braves at Fernvale, 22nd May, 2010

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
It was bowling to a plan, it was batting without one
It began as a day of hope and turned into a day of darkness

And so it was. Saturday afternoon at Fernvale, the scene of so many happy ANZA memories in recent times. The rain had stopped and the ground looked a little slow and to our surprise their captain said “you blokes have a bowl we’ll bat first”.

New chum Lawrence Heavey opened from one end and James Howlett from the other. Both bowled with superb control and soon had the opening batsmen struggling to score on the normally free flowing Fernvale. Two quick wickets from James and suddenly MUCC was struggling at 2 for 20 odd after 6.

Inspired bowling changes kept the pressure on with Feroze and Munib replacing the openers and keeping the scoring in check. A wicket to Munib’s had us on top and with “Ferocious” bowling beautifully from the other end the runs had really dried up. Then just on drinks Feroze struck a vital blow trapping one of MUCC’s batsmen dead in front (and for once the umpires finger went up). Drinks – MUCC 4for 66…and immediately after Feroze struck again trapping the second victim in front. 2 in 2 balls and when Munib picked up his second the Champs were sensing it was going to be our day.

Plenty of spirit from the boys with lots of” let’s not let it slip”. And we didn’t. Ben Yeoh and Phil the Younger came on and kept things tight despite the batsmen starting to have a go. B1 yet again broke a dangerous partnership before James and Lawrence returned to close out the innings. The fielding was on song and the Champs were on top.

A run out off the last ball say MUCC all out for 146. James 3/37, Munib 2/29 (and because you’re a client Munib I won’t mention how many wides), Ben Yeoh 1/15, Lawry 0/33, Phil 0/16 and Feroze was back to his awesome best with 2/15 off six with that rarest of Champs events; a maiden over!

147 to win at Fernvale and we thought here’s the Champs first victory of 2010. The game was ours to lose and in true Champs style that’s when it went pear shaped.

Geoff and Younger opened and looked good for the first 17 balls. Then Geoff unsheathed his infamous pull shot on a slow low pitch and was caught at square leg.

1 for 12.

Homi joined Phil until Phil got a good one and was skittled.

2 for 15.

The procession had begun, as Feroze strode out confidently and expectations were high following his return to form at the bowling crease. Less than 3 over’s later Feroze was caught in the deep and the Champs were a little rattled at 3 for 24.

B2 joined Homi and then had a brain explosion running himself out, ensuring Kit Packing Duties remained in rightful hands.

4 for 26.

Chiro came and went (5 for 29) and when Homi departed with the score at 44, the top six batsmen had contributed a grand total of 24 runs from the bat. The celebration from the MUCC bowler at the fall of Homi’s wicket was a new low and rubbed more than salt into a very raw wound.

Josh Ghosh and Fearless Leader set about holding the innings together, but Munib was bowled and the Champs were plunging deeper into a batting abyss at 7 for 50. Plenty of glum faces and mutterings about “how had it come to this?” in the change rooms. Seven bats back in the shed and half the overs more or less gone…forget the points we were now playing for what was left of our dignity. And any dignity the top 6 had left was completely shredded when Josh and James Howlett set about playing straight, preserving their wickets and pushing the singles for the next 12 overs. But unfortunately the top order had left them too much to do in too little time and eventually Josh fell trying to lift the run rate with the overs running out. Lawrence came and went but B1 steady as a rock along with Jimmy H saw the side past 112 which gave us 2 points.

What started out so promisingly ended with a whimper. Full credit to Josh and James for showing the top  order how it is done…

I’d like to say at least we got two points or blame Spainy for hanging around like some ghoulish Angel of Death, but the fact is if the batsmen had applied themselves in the same manner that the bowlers did we would have romped home. Too often we played cavalier shots and lacked a feel for the situation which really just required occupation. It shouldn’t escape that Josh and James had the highest partnership of the match and we still found a way to lose.

The bowlers were excellent, the fielding on song but the guys occupying the top 6-7 spots have to do more than set out to avoid kit packing duties.

The positive is we still have plenty of the season left but it’s a pretty empty feeling to keep losing these games we should be winning. Let’s stick together and make sure the next one counts.

Match report - ANZA Div 2 vs SIA @ Fernvale 16th May, 2010

After struggling for batsmen all last season it was extremely pleasing to be able to pick 10 of them for this game - Chris Sweet's rapid fire 54* a few weeks back certainly elevated him into that status.

The only non-batsman in our team promptly lost the toss and was shocked to hear the opposition captain say that we could have a bat. Without stating the bleeding obvious, the heat was stifling and we were glad they were out fielding in it. Richie (having just stepped off a flight from the US) and Corbon opened up steadily...or should I say Richie did. Corbs, on the other hand, was in a definite hurry taking 12 off his first three balls faced including a straight hit six that set the tone for the rest of our innings. The score was on 43 in the 9th over when Richie top edged a hook/pull to the keeper for 10. Pat Kelly joined Corbs at the crease, taking the score to 1/75 at the first drinks break. We were targeting another 250+ score.

That all changed after drinks as the runs really started to flow. Both batsmen were scoring off virtually every ball and there were plenty of boundaries amongst them. Corbon brought up his 50 with another four and Pat soon decided that boundaries were much easier than running ones and twos. The run rate since drinks was around 10 an over and both batsmen were approaching their personal milestones. Unfortunately Corbon didn't get there as he skied one to mid wicket for fine 93 off just 60 deliveries. The pair had put on 114 in 12 overs. It was to be the second biggest partnership of the innings.

Two for 157 after 21 overs, and 300+ had become the new target - although not for long. Dharmik was the new man in and wasted little time getting among the runs. His first scoring shot went for six and was followed by Pat reaching his first 50 for ANZA later that over.

The hitting seen in the next 12 overs is best described as brutal. Those 72-odd balls yielded a mammoth 155 unbeaten runs, 122 of them in boundaries (including 17 sixes). Pat had raced along to 89, spent 3 balls in the nervous nineties and then brought up an amazing century with a six over the bowler's head that was still on an upward trajectory as it rocketed over the sightscreen. Not content with a mere ton, he upped the scoring rate even further after that, hitting 40 off the next 10 balls. This included 28 in a single over, one ball of which was a dot. Pat was dismissed soon afterwards, the deep cover fielder taking an athletic one-handed diving catch. His innings of 146 came off just 74 balls with 14 sixes and 7 fours. ANZA were 3 for 312 in the 32nd over.

At the other end and virtually unnoticed, Dharmik had snuck up to 45 off 30 balls and brought up his second 50 in succession with a lofted six. He was caught a few balls later for 53. With 350 now looking likely, the middle order came out with just one intention. Pete, Gav & Chris all cleared the rope before Tony, Paul & Ash took us to a mammoth 359 off our 40 overs. The innings had featured 28 sixes.

With storm clouds on the horizon we wanted to get the minimum 16 overs bowled as soon as we could. SIA needed to reach a Duckworth/Lewis/Parabola target of 184 off 16 overs and then hope that it rained. They weren't going to win it any other way. Their opener made his intentions clear immediately. He took 15 off the first over from yours truly including a nick through slips and a French cut. However Ash Perrott at 2nd slip pocketed a sharp chance off Chris Sweet next over and their opener was gone. The game then turned farcical as the new batsman immediately complained about the light to the umpires. Ordered to keep playing, the other opener took off for a quick single on a ball hit to mid on. Tony Edmondstone picked it up and knocked the one stump he had to aim at out of the ground with the batsman well short. The new man was in no hurry to get onto the field despite the umpires maintaining that the light was still sufficient for the game to continue. Their captain argued the decision with the umps for a few minutes, the new batsman finally made it to the crease and four balls later was back in the sheds as Chris removed his off stump. Three for 19 off four. The SIA captain then refused to send the next batsman out to the middle. Their not-out batsman was happy to continue and was quite embarrassed by the whole scenario. The light hadn't changed much and the umpires' decision to continue play remained unchanged. SIA were told they would forfeit the match if they refused to play but their captain was belligerent and ANZA was awarded a forfeit with maximum points. Despite the 10 points, it was a disappointing way to end what had been a very memorable game.

Proud Skipper

ANZA 8 for 359 off 40 overs (28x6)

Pat Kelly 146 off 74 balls (14x6, 7x4)

Corbon Loughnan 93 off 60 (5x6, 7x4)

Dharmik Kumar 53 off 33 (5x6, 2x4)

SIA 3 for 19 off 4 overs

Chris Sweet 2 wickets for 1 off 2 overs

Match Report Anza Div III vs Police at Police Ground

ANZA III's season got on the board with a resounding win against the Police, a team which has proved a real bogey side to the club over the past few years.


This really was a smashing victory in every sense of the word as batters and bowlers combined to leave the Police reeling after they seemed to be on course for yet another win against the Club.

The late arrival of the Police riot bus meant the game got off to a delayed 30 minute start by which time Clive had tossed to take advantage of the 33 degree heat and opt for extra time in the shade for the team.

A very heavy ground saw Garry and Shubham get off to a solid and steady start before before Shubham edged one behind and left for a well made 15. Garry went a few runs later to bring royal pair candidate Phil Davies in to join second gamer but already a half century scorer, Chris Walker.

The two came in for drinks at 51 with both looking comfortable playing dabs and drives (I'll let you work out who did what). But as is standard form now for ANZA, drink had proved a downfall for all of us over the years. Phil, Geoff and Clive all left in pretty quick succession without adding too much and at 5-65 at the end of the 19th over, it looked like early doughnut time for Singapore's Finest.

However in came Chiro and in a eye catching performance turned the game right on it's head and took us from hoping to crack 100 to wondering if 200 was possible. Chiro proceeded to tee off against everything the Police sent his way. A 50 in just 20 balls was built around one 25 run over where Chiro smacked four big 6s in consecutive balls. Just to prove he could swing from both ends, Chiro then took 18 from the next over.

Almost unnoticed in all this was another excellent innings by Chris who notched up yet another well paced 50 and he really is looking the goods for the season.

Chiro finally gave in to swing exhaustion and was bowled for 68 made off just 34 balls and which included seven 7s and three 4s.

Spainy added some additional pain including a six which even caused the Police Captain to remark that just benchmarked how poor they were performing.

On that pitch and ground our score of 181 would take some chasing down.

Their chances of doing this was pretty much at an end within 10 minutes of the re-start as skipper Clive's first two over see him end with figures of 3 for 6. Helped by some very tight bowling from James Howlett at the other end, our opening 9 overs saw the Police reeling at 4 for 19.

In fact it would not be till the 11th over that the Police total more runs than Chiro scored in just one over.

Chris had a good all round game picking up another wicket. However the other key performer of the day was Rohan whose crafty flight saw him pick up three wickets in a somewhat surprising seven over spell. yes seven overs according to the book. Thank you umpires. Thank you scorers.

Shubham wrapped up the tail with 2 wickets in two balls and he's now on a hat trick in the next game.

So in the end the Police were taken out by the outlaws for just 115 runs and thus a comprehensive and well-deserved victory for the IIIs who become the third ANZA team to notch up a win for the season. Excellent stuff.


Batting
Chiro Gupta 68
Chris Walker 51
Shubham Gupta 15
Andrew Spain 13no


Bowling
Clive Tillbrook 4-10 (5 overs)
Rohan Wilson 3-46 (7 overs)
Shubham Gupta 2-10 (2.3 overs)

Match report ANZA V vs British Club at British Club

When all was said and done, rain looked like the winner at the end of the day...

ANZA V looked to continue its winning streak (currently at 1) on Saturday, against the British Club. Spainy kept his perfect record with the toss, and we were put in to bat under sunny skies and on a slightly bouncy track.

The new opening combination of Tom Woods (14) and Phil McNicholas put on 48 runs in 6 overs, to set the perfect platform. Phil and Mark Cordiner then took the score through to 93 without further loss at drinks.

Discovering he was 3 short of his maiden 50, Phil sent the first ball after drinks to the fence to bring up the landmark. He celebrated by repeating the shot, except aiming straight at the midwicket fieldsman, departing for 51 off 48.

Josh Ghosh (20 off 12) entered and the next four overs yielded 43 runs, before he was bowled by a straight delivery. Mark (46) was finally dismissed LBW, after 4 catches went down off his batting. Jodie Watcher (13) was snaffled by Bacon, Howard Pederson (16) was also caught, and James Dickinson (10) was bowled as he tried to free his arms.

Special mention goes to Peter Clarke who was run out coming back for a second off a wide, departing with 0 from 0.

At the end of our innings, ANZA V was 207 all out off 29.5 overs, with the skipper (and current Harry's Hero) carrying his bat (8*). A fair score, given that 200 was the target, but probably a few short of a knock-out.

The response started well for ANZA, with Lawrence Heavey starting with a maiden, and taking a wicket off the first ball of his second over. But with the British Club 20-1 off 3 overs, the rain started. And despite some initial optimism from the skipper that we'd be back out in half an hour, even the most die-hard cricketers would have admitted defeat to the weather about the time Dunearn Road was submerged by the canal.

So the game was called off and the points shared accordingly. And, when all was said and done, the bar at the British Club was probably the biggest winner at the end of the day...

By Mark Cordiner (formerly undiscovered talent)

Match report ANZA 1s vs MUCC, 8 May 2010

With Mrs Skipper popping out a wee skip early in the morning of the match there was a late change to the team with Geoff Forday coming in at very short notice – thanks Geoff. In all the excitement stand-in skipper Corbon left his whites at home so Phil went out for the toss in his place and won. Note to self, hide the whites next time you stand in and make someone else toss again, it works better.

Corbon, in borrowed whites, and Richie opened up and with help from the bowlers Anza raced to 39 before Corbon played a limp shot to mid-off at the end of the 5th over. Pat (49) joined Richie (53) and the two added a further 88 runs. Both started to struggle in the heat and 3 wickets fell quickly before Phil and Paul started a recovery and at drinks (26 overs) the score was 166-4 with a lot of batting to come – looking good for another 250 odd score. However the heavens opened during drinks and with the ground resembling a lake the game was called off without a result.

Match report ANZA 1s vs SCA Colts, 2 May 2010

The game got off to a rare good start when we won the toss and elected to bat. The SCA Juniors were unfortunately short of players and played with only 9, leaving plenty of gaps on the field.

The juniors opened the bowling with a senior, player-coach Mahesh, bowling slow mediums. Richie was brilliantly snapped up by a tubling first slip second ball and Pat mistimed a pull from a very short ball straight into the hands of midwicket to leave ANZA 0-2 after the first over. Corbon and David settled things down again adding 60 for the third wicket before Corbon was given LBW for 33. Dharmik and David continued the restoration adding another 20 runs before David skied a catch (25) to set off a mini collapse. With some help from the umpires and some poor shot selection ANZA slipped to 84-6, in some trouble. However Dharmik found a solid partner in Paul and they put on 64 runs together before Paul was caught for 22. Chris Sweet then gave good support to Dharmik before cutting loose to great effect in the last few overs. They added 103 runs undefeated for the 8th wicket, Dharmik finishing with a chanceless 92 no and Chris 54 no, including 5 sixes and his last 44 runs off just 14 deliveries.
This innings saw both of Anza's usual batting faults, no 'big' score and too few significant contributions, solved and the final total was 251-7

Mark started with some very hostile bowling and quickly had one of the young openers back with just 9 runs on the board. However ex-Singaporean player (what, he's 17? and still an ex-Singaporean (senior) player) Timothy Singham was looking totally in control and found good support from his no 3 Rezza as they added 64 for the 2nd wicket before Pat broke the partnership. After that wickets fell at regular intervals as Ash chipped away at the batting and Timothy flourished at the other. However after James too a good running catch over his head from Ash's bowling with eth score at 123-5, Timothy was forced to try and up his pace and hit Ash straight to Corbon at point next ball. The SCA lower order kept contributing though and after Ash finished his spell with 4-43 the last man in, Mahesh, counterattacked hard. The last pair added 64 to take SCA to 212-8 before the last wicket fell. Things may have been a lot closer if SCA had of had a full compliment of players.

Standout performances from Dharmik 92no, Chris Sweet 54no and Ash Perrott 4-31. However it was overall a good team win with contributions from many sources.

Anza Magazine Article Jun 2010..

The 2010 cricket season has begun and the signs are promising

Philip McNicholas takes us through events thus far

ANZACC’s 2010 season has gotten off to a promising, if not winning, start with many players putting in commendable efforts.

Our new 5th grade side has gotten off to a great start, recovering from a difficult first match to post a strong victory that could have turned out very differently. In the first match, on the recently re-added and relatively small GIIS ground, the weather and Captain Andrew Spain’s atrocious luck with coins conspired against the team. The outfield was sluggish to say the least and keeping your footing was difficult. This made things particularly difficult for the side as unlike other clubs in Singapore, most ANZACC players are often reluctant to use the aerial route. Thankfully, James Dickinson is not one who is encumbered by this affliction. His arrival at number 5 in the order and a swift 48 helped push the team to 140 in their 24 overs. After a “modest” tea, Captain Spain and his side set about defending the total. Sadly, the short boundaries made this a difficult task, and the opposition were swift to reach the total.

The highlight of the ANZACC innings in that match (and winner of our new Mug of the Month award) goes to the skipper for his dismissal. Having missed a cover drive, and sensing something was amiss with his technique, the captain chose to practice his shot to ensure it did not happen again. Unbeknownst to him, and much to the amusement of his teammates after the game, the opposition keeper was alert enough to notice the batsman remained out of his crease. The keeper then casually threw the stumps down with a gentle underarm lob in between the third and fourth practice swings. Needless to say, Spainy was not pleased.

In their second match, the weather and the skipper’s problems with coins continued to dog the side. Once again, ANZA was sent in to bat on a well sodden outfield and boundaries were at a premium. Matters were not helped by glacially slow bowling and batsmen with as much patience as a toddler on Christmas eve, leading the side to be 3 for 30 off the first 6 overs. Fortunately, a string of partnerships, involving Phil “the Younger” McNicholas, Jodie Watcher and Koushik Muruthy helped guide the side to a somewhat respectable 140. Sadly, a rush of blood also reached the Younger’s head, bringing the innings to a close with 7 overs still remaining. A display of disciplined and hostile bowling from new ball pair James Dickinson and Lawrence Heavey got ANZA off to a great start with 3 wickets in the first 7 overs. Supporting bowlers then came on to turn the screw, especially Peter “El Presidente” Clarke who took 4 wickets, including a juggling effort that would not have looked out of place in a circus. The gung-ho batting mentality of the opposition and a fantastic effort in the field eventually led ANZA to a 40 run victory, giving Captain Spain and his team the first ANZA league win of 2010.

The other league side to venture onto the field so far this year was the ANZA Champs, beginning their 2010 campaign in the 4th division. The end-of-season break took its toll on a number of the bowlers as they struggled to find their range, adding about 40 to the opposition total. Others, such as Ben Yeoh who took 4-41, used the time well and reaped the rewards. Fortunately, the fielding effort stemmed the flow of runs, keeping their target to 206 off 30 overs. The batsmen then went about their work, with newcomer Ashwin Sanketh (20 off 24 balls) and stalwart Geoff Forday (34 off 42 balls) kept the runs ticking over but Geoff departed shortly after drinks, bringing the skipper, and our SunSense Man of the Month for June, Munib Madni to the crease. His valiant and violent 60 off 32 balls took his team close to the brink of victory. Sadly, his wicket fell with 20 runs still to get off less than 10 balls and with it, the chances of victory grew slim. In the end, the Champs were 14 runs short, but gained some valuable match practice as well as signs that a good season with both bat and ball awaits.

We have created a new award to honour other notable on- and off-field achievements by ANZA players, the Harry’s Hero award. In a strange twist of fate, the inaugural winner is 5th grade captain Andrew Spain. Not only in his brief reign has he clinched ANZA’s first victory of the season, but he has also taken it upon himself to help his team gel and get to know one another through hosting a number of social gatherings early in the season.

Interested in playing competitive or social cricket in Singapore?

If you’ve recently moved to Singapore and are looking for a new club, or feel like getting back into the thick of the action after taking some time off, e-mail the club at info@anzacc.org.sg or dreamers@anzacc.org.sg and/or come down to the Ceylon Sports Club (101 Balestier Road) on Thursday nights between 6:30 and 8:30 pm for nets and post-practice socialising. Hope to see you there!

ANZA III vs Horizon Match Report

The early arrival of players at Fernvale A meant a stress-free beginning to the season for the skipper. Clive won the toss and decided to bat with the instruction to bat the 30 overs. James and Garry gave a solid opening stand of 26. Chris Walker came out and proceeded to bat beautifully holding the innings together. Support came from Geoff Forday, Chiro and Rohan before we ended at 7/150. The III's leadership group (Clive and Phil) lasted 3 balls (2 of them legal) for 0 runs. A solid start to the season but may be 30 runs short of what we needed.

Horizon came out batting like a whirlwind reaching 1/51 after 6 overs. Rohan and John Dick came on slowing things down with them 1/105 after 12 overs. They maintained that rate ending up passing us in 18 overs.

I was happy with solid batting of many and the bowling and fielding was good. We need to score a few more runs and slow the opposition down.

Chris Walker 66 off 57 balls, 1 for 32
Garry Hawker 17
Chiro 15
Clive 1 for 34
Rohan 1 for 35

Clive

Match Report :: Anza Champs vs Colonial CC at CSC on 24th April, 2010

There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me - you can't get fooled again.

Just what were we thinking? Playing cross batted shots on a pitch where, the term seamer had more relevance to a coal seam - more mineralogical than aeronautical. Yet four of us, to the same bowler, played the pull shot or went back on the crease to balls which had more chance of striking oil than lifting off from Heathrow.

After missing the ANZAC Day fixture last year, the Champs were back to represent the Club in the traditional annual match up. Unfortunately it was a 2 Up battle where our "Come in Spinner" did the business but it was the batsmen's turn this week to fail to go on with it after solid starts. Disappointing to say the least and there will be a few of top and middle order batsman mentally re-playing the correct shot for some time to come.

After the skip won the toss (pause) we had the joy of watching the Wild Colonial Boy opener take 12 runs off the first three balls he faced. "Hey ho" I thought. "This could be an interesting day."

And it was. In fact, it had all the makings of a great war movie. Blitzkrieged early to put us back on the beaches. A great rearguard fight back from then on. Friendly fire to take out two of our players. An offer by one of our key men to take the commander out the back to settle it one on one. And finally, almost a triumphant victory by two unsung heroes.

It had it all. Plot and sub-plots galore. A match more representative of a curious mixture of boys-own Guns of Navarone penetration but spliced with an undercurrent of the military genius of F Troop's Corporal Agarn.

0-64 was pulled back to 6 for 91 in just 5 overs as Lord Gibby (2-33), Boom Boom Munib (3-33), Disco (2-10) and Benny Yo Yo Yeoh (1-25) all stopping them in their tracks as well as taking regular wickets. It really was a very good effort by the bowlers this week and they got us back in the game.

Unfortunately some wayward deliveries and intelligent batting as well as a couple of dropped catches saw the late order bottom 4 wickets more than double the score from that point and this despite Younger taking 2 in 2 balls to finish off the innings. Skip, he's on a hat trick next time he has the pill so in true Champs style you should retire Younger from the bowling crease.

Oh, and we halved our wides/no balls to a "mere" 22. A rounding error in Champs-speak.

We let them get away at the end but a chase of 189 at Ceylon was well within our abilities if we played sensibly and built our partnerships. well, that was the plan...

Feroze and debutant Tony opened up and open up they did. 47 runs in less than 5 overs. Feroze (33) played the angry man role and smacked them up, over and through. However both then fell in quick succession and Homi was given a tough call to see us go from 0-47 to 3-56 in two overs. "Hey ho" I had thought as I went out to bat. "This could be interesting".

A partnership of 30 consolidated things a bit before I tried to pull a ten pin bowling ball delivery. Poor effort.

Jimmy Packer Chiro did a Tiger and came and went to earn kit packing duties.

Skip and Younger then began building a partnership which looked like it was going to get us home. However Munib (22) must have been in the loo and missed Tony and my removals. Younger (13), Disco and Ben left fairly rapidly after that and like the Melbourne Storm, we were looking gone for all money.

No, not really and not quite. Cometh the hour, cometh the men. Klaus (34no) and Lord Gibb weren't going to give this caper up and worked the ball and occasionally smoked the ball to get us oh so close. It was an Ashes Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz Champs style. A partnership of 32 was only brought to an end when what looked like a sure 6 was caught by a leaping Colonial.

Not quite enough but valiant nonetheless. Ben Dunn't do the Kit Anymore was good enough to come down and cheer us on and lead a worthwhile post mortem.

Five partnerships below 10 really did us in.

A win is coming. It can't be far away.

And so to the stats.

A new cap was handed to Tony Waters who becomes the 47th Champ player. Well done Tony who also chimed in with 2 good outfield catches.

On the bowlers, Disco returns to the number one position with his 2 wickets. He now has 58 dismissals to the 57 of the absent Rev. With the paucity of wides from his bowling stats since moving from speed of light to light of speed, Disco has brought his economy rate below 6. Must have something to with his new found control and  calmness.

Munib's 3-33 means he is now just one behind Disco's number of three wickets hauls.

Younger's 2 wickets moves him into 8th position, his highest ever ranking.

Munib also advances on the batting side with his good start to the season seeing him overtake Skip Slimbrick in number 3 position, his highest ever ranking.

Klaus' fine knock means he breaks back into the top 10 again and a not out boosts the average as well.

With his rapid fire 33, Feroze becomes the 9th Champ to score more than 300 runs for the team. More to come there.

There is some symmetry in writing this review on ANZAC Day. Not quite there with a victory but enough élan in a gallant defeat to bring us hope of a better campaign on other fields of endeavour.