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!
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