Optimists Cricket Club

Optimists welcomed the visiting side of Zami CC, former club in Holland of OCC skipper Joost Mees. A 35-over match was agreed on in order to have time for a curry and then a quick trip to a local British bar to watch some minor football game.

Zami CC batted first and began with great intent, but the first wicket fell with only one on the board. The big shots kept coming, but so did the wickets and as a result the ZCC innings never really gained any real momentum. ZCC were eventually all out in the 30th over for a sub-par 129.

In return, the Optimists opened with Arvind Pandey and Jeroen v.d. Knoop who scored respectable 28 and 17 each. Big gun and skipper Joost Mees came in at three only to be bowled first ball, much to the delight of his old team-mates.

Despite this small hiccup, the Optimists rebuilt and with Tim Barker, Aanand Pandey, newcommer Steve Clarke and finally Steve Evans, the target was reached in the 29th over. This was excellent news, as it meant lots of time to tuck into the excellent curry buffet, courtesy of Raju Sati and his New Dehli restaurant.

Will Heath

Picture right: Joost Mees receives the Zami CC shield from Denis Naudin ten Cate. For more photos, check out the photo gallery