Optimists Cricket Club

On 18th August, the Optimists 1st XI travelled to the home ground of Royal Brussells CC for the BCF T20 finals day.

The Optimists were the only side to appear at the finals day two years in a row.

The Optimists batted first against semi-finalist opponents, Arcadians CC and amassed 183 off the 20 overs largely thanks to a great century from Richard Neale who was eventually run out for 107.

In reply, Arcadians could only reach 157-8 off thier 20 overs with Madhu Ramachandran being the pick of the bowlers, bowling with tight lines and good movement. He finished with 16-2 off his 4 overs. Seb Finch behind the stumps also had a good outing with three catches and a very sharp stumping.

The day was extremely hot, reaching tempretures of 38 degrees. A jubliant Optimists side, although rather weary started the next game only 45 minutes later against Crescent CC, the winners of the first semi-final.

Once again, the Optimists batted first and early on, things were not going well with Richard Neale, Tim Barker and Tony Whiteman all being run out. However Desai kept his head and increased the scoring at the right times and he ended on 66. The Optimists thought they had set a target of 159 until the umpires decided Crescents over rate was too slow and awarded us 6 penalty runs...so, 165 it was.

It was a spirited effort from the Optimists in the field under the burning sun. The bowlers all worked hard and the fielding was a gutsy and "never give up" attitude. However, Crescent having not played two games in a row in the full heat of the day (yes, excuses coming, you can see where this is going!) batted well and thier skipper, Nadeem scored quickly along with his middle order to keep up with the run-rate.
It was a tense finish that came down to the final over with 9 needed. It was completed on the penultimate ball with a big 6 to crush the hopes of the Optimists CC.

It was an enjoyable day with many highlights but most importantly sets the side well for the upcoming International tournament in Corfu.