Match Report Hustlers v LHCC

The day started off badly for Hustlers when the skipper, Basil, and another team member, British, were made to wait for another player, Ravi, while he took time polishing his head for 45 minutes. Having arrived at the planned pickup point late, the vehicle was running late as well.

The 15 seater finally left after 10am with time to catch up after the late departure. With the driver's foot down and passing most vehicles on route, the Hustler squad arrived into Veterans Park before the game start time and were quickly ushered to spin the coin.

Being it was Amar's birthday, some players thought it would be lucky to let him spin. He duly lost the toss so plan A didn't not work as his being lucky tag dissappered very quickly. LHCC decided to bat first with temperatures recorded at 94c. After a proper baking in the sun the LHCC team amassed a respectable 178 for 8 off their 25 overs.

The Hustler team fielding was once again a letdown with a few bad attempts at stopping boundaries as well as a few dropped catches. Just these errors on the field cost Hustlers around 25 runs which eventually came back to haunt them.

Hustlers Cliff and Chris opened the batting and at the break they were at 70. It may have been a solid start to the run chase but not quick enough as the run rate was still high and steadily climbing. Chris was out first with the score at 93. The remaining batsmen all tried to hit boundaries to keep up with the escalating run rate with Mukesh and Mike being very destructive. A middle order collapse pretty much ended Hustler hopes of a victory but it still went to the last ball needing 4 for a win. Sanjeev was unlucky with his attempt at finding the required boundary as news filtered in during the game that Breakaway had lost their last game as well meaning a semi final game scheduled against Lehigh Indians CC.

Before everybody starts thinking that Hustlers threw this game, I would like to say it was a very good performance by the LHCC in beating us. They beat us fair and square simply because they were better than us on the day and we wish them all the success next season as they are a top side.

LHCC defended their 178 score magnificently and with their bowlers bowling straight and accurately, they played like a top side rather than a mid table side.

The customary drinks were once again downed at Mukesh's house before the journey home and we were all treated to Cliff's roof beating expertise as well as Amar's attempt to sing for amusement.

Even though we lost in this close game we are still able to look forward next week to our semi final game which will be against Lehigh Indians. This means another road trip to Lehigh for us but with plenty of amusement on board, the journey will be another fun one in our biggest game of the season.

We would also like to wish Amar a very happy birthday for reaching his very first half century. His cake was cut and shared around in between all the usual liquid refreshments. Congrats mate on your special day.

Happy birthday Amar

Week 14 Results

Lehigh Indians def Miami Royals
Vikings CC w/o Renegades
Guyana Heat def Breakaway
Wildfire def Starlite
Lehigh C.C. def Hustlers 2
Warriors – BYE