The final day of the festival brought our final game against the "NY Aussies" team, containing a number of regular members of our cricket team. Bragging rights for the year were at stake so it was taken seriously on both sides.
I won my 3rd toss and batted first. Pretty much everyone chipped in over the course of the innings, and we were bowled out for 160 in the final over. I was not out at the end, I think I scored about 10-15 coming in at #8. On this ground (Merion Cricket Club), this would be enough if we bowled and fielded well.
And we did bowl and field well, again, everyone chipping away and taking wickets on a regular basis. I was involved in two run outs, one hit to my right at cover and the batsmen setting off for a suicide single...and another when they tried an all-run 4 and I was the cut off thrower who got it to the keeper in time to get him out. The highlight of the innings was the confrontation between Patrick (a Mad Dog playing for the other side) and Bert, our young West Indian fast bowler. Much had been said (by Patrick) about how Patrick was going to dominate (tongue in cheek I think) so here was the time to prove it all. Bert got him with the classic 1-2 punch - a set up ball, short of a length over the stumps at great speed, pretty much cut him in two...followed next ball by the fast yorker - Patrick jumped out of the way (I think he was backing away as the ball was about to be released) and it crashed into the base of middle stump. Tony literally doubled over with laughter and Patrick managed a smile as he trudged back to the pavillion. A great way to end a fun festival.
So overall, it was a lot of fun - 3 wins from our 5 games and everyone had a chance to get involved. Our play improved over each game and, despite a horror first day, we played quite well overall. Now our regular season starts as we prepare to defend our World Series League championship.
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