The Great Escape against the HAC

Timed Match. LNZCC 161 all out (41.1 overs). HAC 158 all out (44.5 overs).

Everything was going to plan. The skipper had selected an impeccable team, got everyone to the ground (roughly) on time and had even assembled a strong supporting crowd of parents, WAGS and general hangers on. The HAC grounds were stunning as always, with the groundsman somehow managing to keep the outfield lush despite the hosepipe ban (don’t ask don’t tell). Following a smashing pitch report courtesy of Mitch Croft and Ross ter Braak, the skip proceeded to win the toss and put his feet up, secure in the knowledge that 300 runs on the board and the prospect of nice beer at tea was all but certain. The batting line up read like a list of LNZCC Who’s Who – the season’s leading run scorer Dan Robinson opening up with Scott Devine, ex-Chairman Josh Wright at 3, Ross ter Braak at 4, Jacob Vanner in at 5, fresh off a century at Flashmen … Such was the talent on offer that Tim McClean (top 5 run scorer this year to date) was pushed down to 8 in the line up!

As is often the case – particularly with regard to LNZ’s batting – the Gods of Cricket had other ideas. The HAC pitch has traditionally been high scoring, but some very tight bowling, combined with a just enough nibble off the pitch, ensured that would certainly not be the case today. Dan, Josh and Scott fell early leaving LNZ floundering at 21-3. Ross and Jacob set about steading the ship, and an 82-run partnership followed – Ross scoring a run a ball 48 before missing a straight one from Ilija Krunic. Jacob continued his run of form however, playing sensible and measured cricket to get to his 58. Wickets however kept falling around him, mainly the result of some beguiling and accurate left arm orthodox bowling from Steve Reeve who ended with a very tidy five wicket haul for only 13 runs. It left the LNZ scorecard in a sorry state; all out for 161, with every batsman except Ross and Jacob in the single figures.

An exceptional bowling performance would be required. And Nick Teulon started it well, bowling an aggressive 9 overs on trot, and securing the early wicket bouncing out Ritzema. Michael Gane then struck in his first over, and HAC found themselves 41-2 and under a little pressure. The HAC skipper Laurence Bax, then started hitting his straps, and we felt the game slipping away as HAC reached 50 and then 100 with no further loss. 60 odd runs needed, 8 wickets in hand and plenty of overs and time remaining. Despite Dan ripping leggies out of the rough, and some continued tight bowling, wickets eluded us, and the result seemed a foregone conclusion.

Throwing caution to the wind, Teulon and Ross ter Braak were brought into the attack just before drinks. The change worked – Bax falling for 61 after being drawn into a false shot by Teulon – the high ball claimed safely by Dan after the keeper decided he wanted none of it! Reeves and Omkar following for ducks – the former again outfoxed by Teulon (who ended the day with 3-43 off 12), the latter unlucky to deflect his first ball from Ross onto the stumps via pretty much everything in between. Dan’s leggies then claimed the scalp of HAC regular Ed Haines, and shortly after a long hop from Tim McClean got much more than it deserved – and HAC found themselves at 118-7. Game. On.

Enter the Gane Train. With the score at 153-7 he struck gold – Mittal (18) falling to a great catch by Ross in the deep, followed by an absolutely storming one handed catch by Jacob at mid-on to dismiss Stewart for 15. Hattrick ball. A very tight LBW shout to win the game. Turned down. A few extras and they only needed 3 more to win. One wicket in hand. Neither batsman (their 10 and 11) looking comfortable. Fielders surrounding the bat. It was so tense that even a rose soaked Vorn on the side-lines was temporarily silenced.

And then the coup de grace. A short one from The Train. Fended to square leg. Hanging in the air. Time stood still. The skipper was there. Waiting. Waiting. Could he catch without gloves on? Nobody knew, including himself, until he actually caught it! And then pandemonium once one and all realised the win had been obtained against all odds.

Victory secured we retired to the pub, and attempted to console the opposition by buying them many beers. A great day was had by all (and a great night by some by all accounts!). Proof if ever more was needed that low scoring games can be just as enthralling and entertaining as a high scoring boundary fest. Thank you to HAC for the great hospitality and another excellent close fought game of cricket. Till next year…