The Stallions resumed their rivalry with the Elephanites on Sunday the 7th of November holding a clean sheet of three wins out of three games played today. The day started off well despite there being some minor showers in the days prior to the game. The Stallions captain Gane was seen practicing the art of tossing the coin more than his batting and bowling. After having seemingly mastered the odds of his winning, the coin was tossed up and lo & behold, Gane lost the toss and the Elephanites decided to take first lease of the wicket.
The openers were batting quite well and were soon at 30 runs for no loss by the 4th over. At this stage, opening bowler and lead guitarist for the Stallion’s Ryan Bastians (now aka “Floor”rider), wounded after chasing his dreams the night before got Manlan to sky one that was gobbled up by Davin after a quick skilful juggling display. We were all “very confident” when he was under that one. This brought in the Army player (do I need to say “cricket player”?) Suresh, who together with Jude took some very good and tight singles and kept the scoreboard ticking without much fuss. However, one too many attempts led to Jude being run out when the score was 66. Number 4 bat Kasun threw some lusty hits over the ropes and took the score to 110 when Suresh very nicely caught at point by the very reliable Floor-rider for 33 runs off the bowling of Cinci. Cinci was bowling brilliantly for the Stallions and tied down the batsman with his left arm spin, while Shehan kept picking wickets at the other end to keep the pressure on the opposition.
During this time Damian did a “Keshan” and tried to make out with the ball that had his nose injured in the end. All along during the chase, Mohan quite famously known as “Eddie” was seen running all over not knowing where his field placing was as he had been having a meeting with the spirits the night before. After a few big hits at the end, the Elephanites were all out for 202 runs on the last ball of the 30th over. Shehan bowled best for the Stallions and took yet another 4 wicket haul, and was well supported by Foor-rider, Kosala, Cinci and George (aka Devinda).
The Stallions started their chase with the in form Gane and Floor-rider. Floor-rider, after a few lusty blows that missed the ball, was out bowled in the 1st over for a duck. Kosala walked in at this stage and steadily built the innings for Stallions. The runs seemed to be coming in quick time, and soon the Stallions were at 80 for 1 by the 14th over. At this stage, the Stallions faced a mini collapse as Kosala and the reliable Sagara were both out leaving Damian to face the hat trick delivery. After almost being caught off the hat trick delivery, Damian soon was off the mark and started the rebuilding process. During the course of this partnership, Gane completed his second consecutive 50 and looked to take the game away from the opposition. As the run rate continued to climb for the Stallions, Gane was out trying to force the pace for a well compiled 62 runs. After a couple of hits to the fence, Damian was out leg before to Jude who was making the ball talk without being heard.
Cinci soon followed and this brought in the rescue act by Davin and Jiffry. The 2 batted confidently and always kept the Stallions abreast of the needed run rate. After smashing Shaun for 16 runs in the previous over, Davin was soon out forcing the pace which brought the pressure back on. Jiffry was out soon being bowled by Jude. Shehan and Eddie had a good partnership bringing the game ever closer. Shehan made some lusty hits but this didn’t seem enough as the Stallions ended up losing by an agonising 10 runs. Kasun and Jude bowled very well to capture 4 and 3 wickets respectively.
The Stallions bowling was an improved performance as they restricted in bowling extras, and the fielding had some moments that were really good. The batting still seems a weakness as although there is fire power, it rarely seems to click. Let’s hope this fire power comes to light soon as the festive season also draws nearer.
Contributed by “One crushed toe”
Edited by “Rat”
