08/11/2022
Match report by team journo Andre Van Der Kaay
Game 2: The Hagley Ducks vs Dubai Diamond Traders
To our surprise, there is no “Dubai” in this team but certainly a few “Traders”.
Our captain Rex (Heindrich Marais) won the toss and decided to field first.
2nd Toss, 2nd win, our captain knows what he is doing when it comes to the Toss.
All the way from the U.K. our stand in player Max Johnson opened up the bowling (and batting) and he was welcomed by the opposition by a good walloping as he travelled for 35 runs in his 4 overs.
The rest of the bowlers had a similar experience with the ball in hand and often had to stare in amazement how a cricket ball can travel further than your fortnightly wages.
With the exception of Ammar (Ammar Vithodawala), who bowled an outstanding 3 overs, collected a wicket on the way and only conceding 11 runs. An economy of 3.67 in this format is absolutely brilliant, well-done Ammar!
Max and Ed (Ettienne Lues) picked up 2 wickets each with Attie (Andre du Toit) and Rex also collecting one each.
The average performance with ball in hand, created ample opportunity for the Diamond traders to put runs on the board and they ended on a healthy 163/8 after their full 20 overs. Fielding however would make you think it’s a bunch of teenagers on the field. Just ask all the wives, they know all about it through the next few days.
The highlight of the first innings was a double play executed by the brilliance of Debutant, Nigel Broadhead (Nigel Broadhead). This is where 2 players can lose their wicket in 1 ball. Well done Nigel, and welcome to the team!
After a brief interval, it was the Mighty Hagley Ducks padding up, bat in hand ready to destroy anything that resembles a cricket ball.
Max and solid CJ (CJ Calitz) opened the batting for the team with CJ falling just sort of a disappointment to score 1 of 5 deliveries. Better get those eyes looked at CJ, it’s not a shame to go blind at your age.
Next up was Andre van der Kaay, and it was clear from the 1st ball that he was not going to be there for a long scoring 10 runs of 5 balls. Half an effort but the economy can be appreciated scoring at a strike rate of 200%. After an interview with his wife she is at least happy with his consistency in sport and …well, life…
Max was scoring well in the background while he lost a few teammates and next in line with the bat was Ed. To his surprise, the bounce of the pitch was slightly different than anticipated and he managed a measly 7 runs off 13 deliveries. Lucky you have a spare few pennies in the piggy Ed, you’ll need them by the end of the season for all the fines you accumulate at this rate.
Ammar was the next batsman to turn up at the crease and for the 1st time the team build a partnership. Great batting from Ammar saw him score 29 runs off 17 deliveries. Now that is something to admire from all the other bottom feeders so far.
Next to the pitch was Attie, and man this guy can play shots only visible in the cricket books you buy at those expensive magazine shops. Stroke play, big 6’s, great running between the wickets you would swear there was selectors around scouting for new players in the Canterbury side. But no, Andre was just trying to impress his expecting wife eagerly sitting next to the field in support. Well done lad, the family certainly have reason to be proud of your performance, at least with the bat that is.
Up next, we had the big hitting machine, Heinrich Rex Marias. Now if you have ever seen an intimidating figure, you’ve probably had nightmares that involve something similar in stature. Big strong and absolutely hates cricket balls, clearly. Unfortunately, his discipline let him down on the day and with a wild swing that could cause the guy fielding at long off a cold, Rex gave away his wicket…bowled after scoring 10 runs off 6 balls. Better luck next time Captain!
Last but not least, our wicket keeper Nigel was in to bat. The team was convinced that Nigel would contribute positively on the day as he had a reasonable day with he gloves, but boy oh boy were we wrong. Nigel faced 5 balls, missed 2, scored 3 runs and went out in one of the softest dismissals the team have witnessed in history. Hope those keeping skills transfer into runs with the new bat Nige!
The team came short and was bowled out for 136/8 in 17 overs.
The team spirit was still very high after the game as the lads know it was just a bad day at the office.
They will bounce back with a vengeance next game and aim to push through the whole 20 overs with the bat.
Best contributors for the day is Ammar with bat and ball and Attie with a great batting performance. Well done you two stalwarts!
Thank you to our sponsors Kendons Business Advisors, the team looks absolutely smashing!
