Optimists Cricket Club

The last 2nd division match for the 1st XI started in the morning with a last minute replacement for Will Heath who was stuck in NY on an airport. Fortunate enough Phil was ready to take his place in the starting XI, so we had a full team. Rain stopped 10 minutes before starting time and Joost decided to field first in these wet conditions (with the long grass) in order to have a posible advantage if rain was to follow.

A very good tandem bowling partnership of Suresh and Pandian lead to two wickets in the first 9 overs, including Belgian international Simon Newport for 3. The bowlers were changed round often and this resulted in wickets for all bowlers, where Ananad Pattabiraman continued his good form and took 2-12 off his 3.1 overs. Phil Burleigh and Iqqi were the main threats and took 3-14 off 5 and 2-13 off 7. Antwerp CC was all out for 91, with a small footnote that we missed 7 chances in the field.

Tea was skipped, but it seemed Seb was hungry for food, as he fished outside off stump for his second ball and got caught in the slip cordon in the first over, which brought the skipper to join Paul Monico in the middle. Paul and Joost kept the scoreboard ticking and after a decent partnership Paul had enough and attempted a shot we have seen so much in this league, the hoik over mid wicket. Unfortunately the ball went straight in his stumps and a partnership of 73 ended. Tim Andrews and Joost finished it off in the 18th over for the loss of2 wickets. (Monico 36, Mees 38*)

Leaves me to thank all the players for the great season we have had this year. Great efforts both in T20 competition and by winning the 2nd division in Belgium this year. Special thanks to Mick Swithinbank for scoring for us again this season. Thanks as well to Rob Deed for bringing the champagne and Battin on Sunday to celebrate the promotion. Next year will hopefully be as successful as this year!

Joost Mees