Business vs Daredevils

The day was set for a grand game of cricket. Unfortunately our bus driver decided to do a bit of sightseeing around Pudong, and rocked up one hour late. This of course didn’t dampen our spirits, but it did cause us to miss the action of Pleasure on the other pitch.

Denzyl was first to the ground where he warmed up by playing with kids that are a far better standard of cricketer. He was given one task, and of course he managed to fail us. Denzyl, given the job of tossing up, due to the captain’s lateness, was unable win the first battle of the day, and so we went out to field in the Sunday sun.

The early proceedings of the Devils innings, was nothing more than comical. Arvinda and his fellow opener, who will be known as “Village” did nothing to promote good cricket in Shanghai. However, they did put on some quick early runs that helped the Devils make a good start to the game.

The Devils innings was very carefully put together. I know from unfortunate past experience, that the Devils do prepare well for games, and from their batting style, it was very clear just how they prepared. It’s clear that the Devils have been watching videos of K2 games of the past, and have now taken to the tactic of only playing cow shots! They did however mount a total of 231, which considering the shots played was a very generous total. Good bowling from Filthy (3 wickets) and Cranky (2 wickets) helped keep the Devils total reachable.

In return, the Bashers were confident that they could knock off the runs, and get back to The Camel for a celebratory fine session. However this was never to be. The Bashers early order batsmen were scoring quickly although they were also losing wickets. A usually tentative batsman in Filthy did however take the game to the Devils, and although wickets were falling he stood firm.

After a string of wickets fell, the scene was set for Cassius. It seemed everything in Shanghai stopped, as everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of him batting on his return against the Devils. With Filthy on form and powering into his 20s, it looked like a Bashers revival was on. However injury (cramp) forced a hobbling Filthy to get a runner, this of course would be his downfall. Filthy was to be given run out in controversial fashion, even though no one was completely sure if he was out. Filthy did the gentlemanly thing though, and walked after a lengthy discussion. This helped dry Sanjay’s tears.

Out stepped the man of the match, none other than Oscar. After a couple of prods at the Devils bowling attack, Oscar took the game to the Devils. He dispatched pretty much anything the devils could throw at him, and even put in a bit of sledging. Cassius, who looked like he was starting to find his form with a couple of boundaries and a six, couldn’t quite make it sweet revenge against the Devils, as he was stumped on 34.

The lower order fought until the very end. Oscar, Sinbad, Cranky, and Leppa batted with a never say die mentality. However, the Devils total was too much for the Bashers to chase down. And while Leppa’s dog was pissing all over the eski, he was being bowled for the Devils to win the match. A grand effort form the Bashers saw them finish on 185.

• Sunday 17 April 2011 SRFC Near
  Daredevils 230/10 (8.30)
  Bashers Business 185/10 (3.85)

This is but the first game of the season. A long and successful season awaits the Bashers this year.

2011 Division One

Notable performances:

Bowling
Filthy 3 wickets
Cranky 2 wickets

Batting
Filthy 20
Cassius 33
Oscar 39

It’s better to lose a Basher than play for the Devils.