Bashers vs Maharajahs Lumberjacks, 9-10 October 2004

SCC Newsletter Report from the Anti-Basher:

Saturday Match
In the first of two crucial matches between these two sides battling for third place, the Maharajahs were quickly on top as the Bashers lost early wickets.

Ian Syer batted superbly to give the Bashers hope, and despite a few wobbles in the Maharajahs innings, Sanjay Anugula eventually saw them home with some powerful hitting.

The match was enthralling thoughout, not without passion and controversy… the Maharajahs should be commended for calling back a batsmen after an unforgettable incident!

Sunday Match
Having lost the Saturday match this was a must-win for the Bashers – a win would take them around 6 points ahead of the Maharajahs, who would still have a game against the Hot Dogs to play.

The Maharajahs again bowled well, and only that man Ian Syer held them up again and took the Bashers to a barely defendable 130 off 30 overs. Mayank Purwar and Deepak looked to have put the Maharajahs in a winning position, but the Bashers fought back. Mal Collins then took a crucial catch in the deep to remove Sanjay and the game was in the balance… and then unbelievably controvery struck again. After much debate it was the Bashers turn to do the sporting thing and recall a batsman, and the Maharajahs were left needing 8 off 12 overs with 2 wickets remaining. A tie would have been enough for them to guarantee finishing on higher points than the Bashers… and with effectively one run needed from 5 balls with just one wicket left the situation couldn’t have been any tenser. Two dot balls were bowled, and then the Maharajahs went for a single with the ball hit straight to Ian Syer. He threw it into Paul Turner who somehow dropped it but recovered just in time to the run the man out and claim a memorable 1-run victory for the Bashers.

The statisticians are currently checking the points tallies, but it’s believed that the Maharajahs will need around 6 points from their final game against the Hot Dogs to finish third!