Whilst the National side were doing battle at the ICC European Division 2 competition in Belgium , the Optimists Cricket Club were to host a side from the UK for the week-end. The Privateers cricket club are part of Turville Park Cricket Club which is actually where the Vicar of Dibley was filmed.
The Privateers arrived on Saturday morning a little worse for wear having sampled the delights of the Bernard Massard tour followed by a trip to the Mousel Canteen and the Bars in the Rive de Clausen. Naturally, the Optimists tried to cease the advantage and ask 11 tired and slightly hung-over guys to the spend the first part of the afternoon in the sun fielding – no chance to get any rest! Unfortunately this was the only advantage the Optimists were to have though.
Batting first, the Optimists never got going. The Privateers bowling attack was steady and each batsman managed to find a way to get themselves out. Phil Burleigh offered some resistance at the top of the order with some typically Caribbean style shots but was eventually caught on the boundary. Simon Baker started to steady the middle of the innings but again, reached the late teens and again was out. The Optimists total of 124 all out was not a great one and required some exceptional bowling if the Optimists were to stand a chance of winning.
Baker and Samir Kalra opened the bowling and both were swinging the ball but the Privateers batsman were solid in defence and very quick on anything loose. Respite did come with the introduction of Mike West who removed one of the openers thanks to a fine catch from Chris Evans. Although many bowlers were used, the Optimists had to be satisfied with the solitary wicket before the target was reached. So convincing was the win, a beer match was organised before both teams settled in for a curry at the Pavilion.
The next day, the Optimists were out for revenge and who better to take charge than Madhu Ramachandran, ex-captain and chairman and was playing in his first game for nearly two years due to injury. Once again, the Privateers were asked to field first and unlike the previous day had to really battle hard to keep the runs down and take wickets. Piran Merkl was the pick of the batsman who scored quickly with some excellent pull shots and straight drives and soon reached a well-deserved 50. Roshan Vishwanath then joined Merkl and gave a fine display of some powerful hitting. Roshan particulary targeted the Privateers spinners and hit some huge sixes before eventually being out caught for 57.
The Optimists had a set a big target in their 40 overs of 217.
The bowling was shared around with everyone bowling well and to tight lines. Merkl continued his form with the bat to the ball and bowled particularly economically and managed to pick up a wicket. James Barker led the way though with 2 wickets which was just reward for bowling a good length and generating good turn. The Privateers were also close to the run-rate but when the opening bowlers were re-introduced to contain things the runs started to dry-up again and the Privateers were 8 runs short of the winning total.
It was a great week-end of friendly and social cricket and we hope to be able to host the Privateers again next year.
Photo: Both Optimists CC & Privateers CC