Forest Gump managed it and he had steel cages around his legs.- comment overheard during the 2nd innings.
The 24s franchise lost to Sindlers Inc by 26 runs yesterday in a heated affair that left the fan gaping for breathe at times. A record number of people came out for this do or die fixture, one. She was the wife of one of the opposing players...yet we couldn’t help but wonder about the small tag on her lapel which read "rent-a-crowd." The 24s elected to field first after unanimous decision by the collective mind (there was not a toss, well except no.6 from Sindlers) and managed to restrict the Sindlers to a low 95 runs. Sindlers innings was characterised by ebbs and flows with the first partnership between Mandy and Roger managing to droff up a record 53 runs in the first four overs. The 24s could’ve fared better if the bowlers had been more disciplined. At least three dismissals were disallowed because of minor no-balling indiscretions. However, in true 24s fashion they fought back restricting the next two partnerships to 12 and 2. The sweet taste of victory could be tasted by all except the umpire who was by now in a world of his own, fidgeting with his pencil and no doubt creating a work of doodle art unmatched in contemporary times. The final pairing from the enemy accumulated 28 runs thanks in no small part to no.6.
No.6 was brought up in the highlands of the Cape Flats were he learnt his warrior craft from the Americans and 28s. He is a fighter ladies and gentleman and he showed it when he began chirping the umpire before the first ball had been bowled, leading all and sundry to think "Has his diaper been changed?" He also wins worst chirp of the day…WMD overheard him say "Nye man, voetsek, jou ma se po*s, ek satt satt satt tzy!" Nicely put by the Shakespearean Rashaad Staggie.
He managed to score a handful of runs and the 24s could’ve done better had they taken a difficult back net catch late in the match. However, the 24s were confident that 95 runs was an easy ask and off only 96 balls the task of getting these runs early on fell on the shoulders of the highly capable Grant "too cool" Harrison and Suzy "Forest" Simonsz.
The first ball was well kept out…
...partnership of 9.The second pairing of WMD and Miyako the M.O.M started off well with a few lusty blows from the hairy chested Mills and Boon like WMD. Running between the wickets was good and MOM must be praised for her do or die mentality. Playing it like its hot has been given a new meaning by this at times adventurous player. The 7th and 8th overs proved decisive however with yet another import, Oliver, bowling super quick and nipping it off the astro, taking two wickets off the Weapon. WMD was shocked that his front foot lay rooted to his crease when his wickets went flying. There is no doubt that WMD’s cricket buddies would surely have made him do the dipper for this rookie mistake. However, again the 24s had a chance and with a partnership of 29 they were back in the game.
Enter Nagmeto Nic and the oh so talented Catherine TNT Johnson. This explosive pairing showed what level headed cricket play could accomplish. Finding the gaps and running hard they put on an impressive 33 runs for the third pair. For all the Forest Gumps out there this is how one runs between wickets and plays professional action cricket. Nic was dismissive of the bowling punching holes in the field while Cath backed up her man with quick thrusts and parries that lead this reporter to believe that a career in fencing may well be an option.
Captain Rob and the elegant Trinity strolled out confidently to play off the final four overs from Mandy, Oliver and no.6. This task in itself proved to be too much for the courageous pair who can not be questioned for their dedication to the side and will to win. If only other pairings had shown as much heart the game may have been closer in the end. However, chasing down 95 was, in the end, a bridge to far. The bowling was magnificent at times and must be praised for its accuracy. For all his bluster and whining no.6 and his boyfriend Oliver bowled lovely lines and lengths.
Our thanks to the Cricket Action Committee of Africa (CACA) for supplying the venue and the Western Province wicket keeper for Sindlers. Also thanks to all the fan who came out to support us.
Just a quick note on next weeks game: It has been decided by the Drinking committee that all players will be required to have 3 drinks before the next game in an effort to raise the spirits of the team. Also please invite all and any friends to the event, we can save money on hiring supporters!
This is Andre Colling reporting from his room at home and signing off, Goodnight Seattle.
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