Hong Kong Cricket Association
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ICC Trophy - Toronto, Canada, 28 June - 17 July 2001

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