Optimists 1st XI started its T20 campaign officially on Sunday after the first match against MCCB was cancelled earlier in the season. Opponents were Leuven CC, playing one division below the 1st XI in the regular Belgian League. With overcast conditions, Optimists were sent in to field first after skipper Joost Mees continued his poor tossing form in the Belgian competition, we got off to a flying start with Iqqi claiming wickets in his first two overs and Arjun bowling through a fine spell of 3 for 15 of 4, with good catches taken by Taral and Joost. Wickets fell steadily after the early inroads and consistent sharp fielding and proper bowling resulted in Leuven being all out on the last ball of their innings for a total of 81. Even a rain break or Kumar´s personal watering break could take the focus away from us finishing the innings. Iqqi ended with 3 for 11 of 4, where Taral and Nealers took a wicket both, whilst giving away only four runs per over or less.
Debutant Yassar and Tony opened the innings, but Tony chopped one on to his stumps in the second over after which Joost, Nealers and Taral displayed some nice shots around the ground to keep the scoreboard ticking. Timmy Andrews finished the match off with a slap over mid-wicket of the most gentle of slower ball bouncers, which was a fitting end to the match. Batting scores to mention: Taral 22 of 15, Nealers 21 of 20, Joost 18 of 15.
Next match July 13; double header T20 in Antwerp, more details to follow.
Joost Mees
Picture: Tony Whiteman regails the younger generation with tales of past glories, while skipper Joost checks online if the rain is ever going to stop.