Sunday 18th June 2000

Regents Park was once again bathed in sunshine for the Aussie CRAS's much-discussed match against their old sparring partners the West Indies.   The Aussies were still in shock after their first defeat in their history to Pakistan a week beforehand.  Could they bounce back with a much needed victory?

 A surprise inclusion in the Aussies team was opening batsman Peter “Godfather” Musca.  Early season fears were that he might miss the entire season with a broken leg.  However the Godfather was declared fit and this certainly boosted the lads.  Also making his debut for the CRAS was Angus “Gus” MacLean.  Regular CRAS members Phil, Alex Mac and Tone were all unavailable for this game.

 As per usual Johnno lost the toss and the West Indian Captain Uriel decided his team would bat.  From the first ball the Aussies looked sharp in the field.  Buggers and Gus were bowling brilliantly from their respective ends. 

 After six overs Jaap and Kimbo were bought into action.  Kim’s line and length was a joy to watch.  He was bowling an absolute treat and as a result Johnno and Dimi decided to keep him on for his six overs.  Kim's figured ended up at 2 for 15 and was unlucky not to grab a few more wickets.

 Some classic fielding from the CRAS saw the West Indies collapse.  Dimi took a brilliant catch behind the stumps;  Musca held a great catch at first slip and Matty J took a great diving catch at cover.   Dortman chipped in with 0-10 and Martyn 3-14.

 The pick of the Aussie CRAS bowlers was indeed Buggers who after 6 overs had the figures of 4-15.  The pick of the West Indian batman was Artnell who was not out 53.  He was the only West Indian batsman to reach double figures and as a result they were all out for 87 runs.

 The Aussie CRAS target was 88 runs.  The boys knew that their previous weeks batting performance was well before par, and now was not the time for complacency.  Godfather and Johnno, as per last season, were reunited and opened the batting for the CRAS.  They played their familiar roles of “Good Cop – Bad Cop” with Musca keeping the scoreboard ticking over whilst Johnno frustrated the opening bowlers.

 The first wicket to fall was that of Johnno for 4 runs, trapped LBW when he shuffled across his stumps.   Into the wicket came Matty J, who was coming off an unbeaten 37 runs from the previous game against Pakistan.  Surely enough Matty took over from where he had left off the previous week and once again looked in fine form.

 Musca was bowled for 16 runs and must’ve been pleased with his first innings of the season.  The new batsman was CRAS Co-Captain Dimi.  He will be the first to admit that his batting for Season 2000 had not been great, and he was under pressure to perform.  Along with Matty he steadied the CRAS ship and led them onto a comfortable and well-needed victory.  Dimi was unbeaten on 16 and Matty J on 33 runs.  The CRAS were 2-88 after 18 overs with 18 to spare.

 It was another great days cricket where the CRAS's fielding no doubt won them the game and helped them retain the Siggy Memorial Trophy.  Once again it was an absolute pleasure to play the West Indian gentleman.

Man of the Match - Artnell Hammond, West Indies

Match Report by Johnno.

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