Optimists Cricket Club

On the weekend of 16/17 May, we were delighted to reciprocate our recent visit to the British School of Paris by welcoming their Under 15 team to Luxembourg. As they arrived a few players short we were able to offer them some additional players to provide for a balanced match.

Saturday 16th May

Batting first Luxembourg set off steadily despite losing two early wickets. However, the innings soon flourished thanks to a splendid century partnership between James Barker (38) and Charlie Ramsden, (52 n.o.) in just17 overs. The run rate slowed somewhat in the later stages, following the return of the fast bowlers, with the innings closing on 164 for 3 from 30 overs.

In reply BSP matched Luxembourg’s run rate for the first half of their innings, despite also losing two wickets. However, the game swung definitively Luxembourg’s way in the 17th over when James Barker clung on to a fine return catch from guest player, Karan Garg (29), breaking a 55-run partnership with Tom Papatheohari. A second wicket in the over reduced BSP to 75 for 4. Although Tom continued to a well-made 68 wickets fell steadily at the other end. With BSP’s last man departing in the final over with the score on 140 Luxembourg achieved a well-earned victory by 24 runs. Also worthy of mention are two sharp slip catches by Rahul Goel and a superb run-out throw by Piran Merkl.


Sunday 17th May

Under menacing skies BSP chose to bat first. They accumulated runs slowly on the rain-soaked outfield. However, following two quick wickets, captain Henry Collins was joined by guest, Piran Merkl. These two accelerated quickly, adding 70 runs in seven overs before Henry was bowled for 61. A flourish of late runs brought the final score to 147 for 3 from the allotted 25 overs, with Piran 35 not out.

While Luxembourg were just ahead of the run rate for the first 15 overs they were unable to accelerate in the same way as BSP had done. Trying to raise the tempo Timothy Barker holed out for an entertaining 45, which included a six and seven fours. The later batsmen found the rate of nine an over beyond them. Wickets fell in quick succession and, despite a few lusty blows, the innings closed on 121 for 7, leaving BSP winners by 26 runs.

Both teams could take much satisfaction from their victory and pride in the way they combined to create entertaining and sporting matches. The success of these first two meetings between Luxembourg and the British School of Paris seems certain to lead to regular trips in the future.

Roger Barker