The Hustler team lost their semi final game against Diamond CC in a thriller of a game last sunday.
The day started off with a torrential downpour leaving the teams and spectators running for cover for a good hour leaving lakes of water all over the outfield in an unplayable condition. Once the rain had stopped there was another 40 minutes delay to allow the outfield to dry as best as it could before the umpires told the captains the toss and game would go ahead at 2pm.
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| Just as well the rain we had wasn't as bad as this but it got close. |
The game finally started and with more rain interuptions during the Hustler innings throughout, the Hustler faced their alloted 25 overs scoring a healthy 180 for 9. Good contributions coming from King, Ravi and Basil.
Another rain interval was then followed by more rain as the Diamond innings staggered to get going but with all the breaks and rain, they were still up with the required run rate needed.
It all boiled down to needing 5 off the last over with only 1 wicket left. Diamond's 10 and 11 batsmen scored the winning runs with a ball to spare to see them reach the finals in a fantastic game that swung both ways for both of the teams to keep the fans on the edge of their seats right to the end.
Even though Hustlers lost the game, it was a great spectacle for all the supporters who came to watch and was a very enjoyable game to play in for all concerned. We would like to wish both D Diamond and Diamond CC's all the best in next weeks final.
The Hustlers team can still stand tall and not be ashamed to lose as they proved that on any given day they can be a match for any team and can take positives from this season especially with the emergence of Retesh with both his bowling and fielding. Ravi (20 wkts & 296 runs), became the seasons Top Allrounder and Chris became the Top batsman (5 fiftys and two 100's), in Division 2. Five wicket hauls came from Amar, Terry and Ravi (twice, including a hat trick), during the season and fifty plus scores from Cliff, Deo, and Basil. It really was an outstanding season for the Hustler squad who all played well throughout the season. Keshore had his moments both on the field as well as off it, Mikey fielded like a champion, Mohan bowled his heart out all season, King was superb in his limited performances, Mukesh batted with great power with some enormous blows, Derek did a great job as assistant manager while Jai was away, Devya was immaculate with her scoring, and Sati was fantastic with her support and food preparation as always. Even watching Dilan running around all season with a bat in his hand on the sidelines getting some practice in was fun to watch.
We at Hustlers would like to thank all our sponsors for the generous help you gave us this season and we appreciate that from the bottom of our heart, and most importantly, our fans who came and gave us great support week in week out all through the entire season.
Hopefully, when the new season starts we will go one step further for you.
Thanks also go out to the SFSCL for allowing us to complete in the Division.
See you all next season when once again we step out onto the cricket field looking to play hard, play fair, and make more new friends on our travels around South Florida.
The fat lady maybe singing for us right now but just remember ladies and gentlemen, " Elastic is still only two dollars a yard to put your panty's back in order"..........that really was the best joke we had all season and I still can't help but smile when I hear that. The dogs hopefully will also not be barking too much next season as well when we bowl.
Be safe and be happy everybody until next time we all meet.
Hustlers 2 CC
