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.
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.
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