Download BOCC WIN THE ATLANTIC CUP What a thriller! Who would have

BOCC WIN THE ATLANTIC CUP
What a thriller! Who would have thought that the Atlantic League could have produced such
a gripping play-off finale? Come to that, who would have thought that any match would be
stirring all involved to such a fever pitch on Nov. 7th?
A beautiful sunny day provided pleasing contrast to the wet and wintery semi-finals of the
previous weekend. An immaculately cropped outfield, slowly warming from a hard overnight
frost, was very fast. The late arrival of the Paki Hawks however, always destined the side
batting second to declining light – and so it proved. PHCC won the toss and elected to insert
the BOCC. Much muttering amongst the pre-match greybeard pundits opined that anything
short of 150 runs in the foreshortened 30-over match might be difficult to defend between
two evenly matched sides. None anticipated quite the drama that was about to unfold.
The BOCC teasingly amassed 142-9 against a very accurate all seam PHCC attack. A useful
score, but far from dominant. In yet another fine team effort, many batsmen contributed –
and were needed. as successive batsmen got established. but then perished before taking full
advantage. Shariq again provided a fine start, scoring characteristically quickly to top score
with 28. Blessed for once with a long batting line-up and the initial run-rate hovering north of
4/over, spirits were high on the sidelines as Gavin, Raj and JK all managed 20+ against
unforgiving bowling and very committed (and voluble) fielding, with wickets in hand.
Suddenly the running between the wickets went from sublime opportunism to a comedy of
errors. Dilpreet, looking ominously comfortable was run out by a country mile on an illjudged call from the other end. Culprit Nadim, no doubt anxious for redemption, backed up
over-enthusiastically shortly afterwards and was run out at the non-strikers end. Still no
matter, for Kalim was looking well set and striking the ball frequently and well, and we still
had the semi-final hero in Tahir arriving at the crease. Things go in threes of course: exit
Tahir, run out without troubling the scorers. Anxiety had replaced optimism on the boundary,
as well it might at 121-9 with just three overs to go and Thommo walking to the wicket! The
only player apparently unperturbed was Kalim, who with high strike-rate had already
unleashed two fours and looked in total command. At 21* (is this Kalim’s highest score for
the club?), with an assist from Thommo’s straight bat (6*), he brought the total to a
creditable outcome.
The Paki Hawks innings turned into a roller-coaster of emotions as the fortunes repeatedly
swung one way then the other. A fairytale opening spell with the new ball by JK and Tahir
saw PHCC reduced to 12-3 after 6 overs. Tahir’s (1w) movement off the seam and Jonno’s
(3w) late outswing kept hearts in mouths with much playing-and-missing. Seemingly then,
the batsmen became increasingly fluent and the swing stopped: the score mounted at a 5-7
runs/over clip. With many bats still to come the pendulum had swung. Next up, Bobbi and
Gavin did little initially to stem the run-rate momentum, though the odd wicket was nibbled
away. Furious mental arithmetic a constant companion on the field, none of it auguring well,
as PHCC became increasingly aggressive and successful runners between the wickets. Then
more drama: their most dominant batsman (sorry, no scorebook, no name) dropped as if
pole-axed after a particularly sharp single. Hamstring pulled, he was carried off the field. An
instant motivational reversal and both Gavin (3w) and Bobbi (2w) struck as the twilight slowly gathered. Just as the BOCC
could scent sweet victory with exuberant high-fives multiplying, back came the hamstring
hero, leg strapped, with a runner.
Thus the nail-biting last 10 overs started. He carried on just where he left off, favoring aerial
straight drives that went a long way. The target was becoming punier: runs required of
8/over became 7/over, became 6/over. Tahir rang the bowling changes and ultimately Raj
had the unenviable role of closer thrust upon him. A bright spot throughout had been the
quality of the BOCC’s outfield catching of deep, towering hits. Gavin in particular, safe as
houses, pouched three and kept us in the game. Eighteen balls remaining, 18 runs needed.
Meanwhile, indifferent light had become downright murky. When Shariq ruefully complained
he couldn’t see the ball from behind the stumps and fielders began calling directions to each
other, you knew it was dark. The batsmen nevertheless were still swinging straight down the
line and making contact. Raj strikes, another catch: one to go, ten runs needed…..six runs
needed. Then the denouement: yet another deep towering hit….would it carry….just who
was the fielder out there anyway? Only a vegetarian with a major carrot habit would have a
chance….aaahhhh, it was Krish, underneath….how could he see it…AND SAFE !!!!
PHCC all out for 136 and a major trophy in BOCC’s hands! Great kudos incidentally to Ravi
from Knights CC as the exemplary neutral umpire. Dispassionate, objective, consistent and
fair to all – a job well done. And kudos too to very worthy opponents who fought all the way
and in the best of spirit. A great pity in way, that one team had to lose.
MT 11/10/09