The following match
report is provided courtesy of the Meraloma
CC website.
Hong Kong vs.
Meraloma XI at North Brockton Oval, 24 June 2001 (ICC Trophy Warm-up)
Despite a spirited
effort the Lomas were beaten by a Hong Kong side who have much to look
forward to at this years ICC Trophy. It wasn't all plane sailing for SAR
boys though as Jennings made a hard hitting 97 and at one stage during
the home sides innings an upset was in the making.
On a bright and breezy
morning at Brockton Point, Hong Kong won the toss and backed themselves
with the bat first. Malik and Chaudhuri opened for the visitors. Both
looked a little shaky early on as they got accustomed to the wicket. Once
they had got the pace of it they both started to bat well. Malik in particular
showing some classy stroke play. The first wicket fell with HK on 79.
The youngster Chaudhuri, bowled by Parkyn for 33. Hong Kong stalwart,
Mark Eames joined Malik at the crease and played anchor man as Malik started
to open up. These two took the score on to 157 before Malik was caught
behind off the bowling of Tate. He ended with 87 which was the base around
which a big total was amassed.
HK skipper, Stuart
Brew came to the crease and made a quick fire 55 of 46 balls, hitting
5 fours in the process. Eames was finally out, caught smartly at backward
point by Gary Smee of the bowling of Loth. His 41 was a good supporting
role allowing others to attack the bowling. The final total was 260. All
the Lomas bowlers worked hard with Donaldson's second spell and Tassies
'lob swing' being the pick of the bunch. The home side were however somewhat
disappointed with a few missed chances in the field.
On the back of a century
the day before against Salim Akbar, Parkyn had high hopes that were sadly
dashed when he skied a short one from Zubair. The same bowler would also
claim the wicket of Cilliers, who was timing the ball well and would have
been disappointed to get out. The home side in trouble at 17 for 2. Hawes
joined Goldsmith who had worked hard early on but was smartly caught at
second slip, of the bowling of Jamshaid. Smee was also caught whilst trying
to get after the medium pace of Lama. Jennings then joined Hawes at the
crease and the tide slowly started to turn a bit. These two steered the
innings to the drinks break and got the total up to 90. A big effort would
be required in the last 25 overs if The 'Lomas were to make a serious
assault on Hong Kong's 260. Jennings rose to the task magnificently, striking
the ball to all parts of the ground in an entertaining display of aggressive
one day batting. With Hawes pushing it about in a supporting role they
managed to get the Lomas within striking distance....
These two pushed the
score along past the 100 mark and with Jennings punishing some of the
HK change bowling a thrilling finish was in store. For the Lomas it was
not to be though as Hawes was run out with 33 to his name. Jennings however
continued his assault but was unfortunate in that he was running out of
partners. He ended up holing out just 3 runs short of his ton. A great
knock that with some better communication at the crease could have been
a match winning effort. The Lomas would eventually succumb, 64 runs short.
A great day with several
lessons hopefully learned by both sides. A big thank you goes out to everyone
who helped out in the preparation and the game day itself. Huge effort
from all-many thanks!
All the best to the
HKCA for the rest of the trip. Thanks again for coming.
Hawesy
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