A cracking performance was put in by the Crusaders on Saturday with what turned out to be a resounding victory and a good team effort. The victory was notable as this was our strongest side put together for the year and the result showed. In characteristic style I lost the toss and CCC decided to bat on the synthetic. Toddy and Manoj opened and the first 8 over’s were tight with an early wicket to Johnsen and quickly followed by a sharp take from Saumil in the gully to give Mo the first of his three wickets. Toddy then decided to bowl on a full length for the considerable part of what would be his last over for the day as he went for more than twenty. The new boy’s took over from the Johnsen at the KGBC end with Saumil starting to become accustomed to Hong Kong conditions and Steve Robert’s returning to the fold after a period of absence. Toddy’s refers to him as ‘speed gun’, but I’m not to sure if that is a reference to Steve’s pace or a comparison to his own. The stand out bowler of the day for my mind was Nishil who bowled ten straight on a good line and length and is really starting to perform when needed. CCC made a good total of 9/217 and I am told have recruited heavily this year so thought that they were in for a good showing with a supposed Surrey second’s bowler.

Thing’s started slowly for the Crusader’s with both Killer and Barney being out of sorts. Killer of course is not in the best of shapes, his meniscus problem has now migrated to his back and he does a wonderful impersonation of a statue in full flight. I have recommended that he visit the blind masseuse but as there are no extra’s involved he declined. After the departure of Killer, Hong Kong captain extraordinaire Manoj placed himself firmly in the position as one of Hong Kong’s finest with an exemplary display of power batting. The end result was 107 not out off a mere 57 balls. He was ably supported by the new find Saumil Shah who comes with the highest recommendation from the King of Belgium (if there is such a thing - in fact Albert the 2nd, if anyone is interested). This lad has a class about him that will stabilize the Crusader’s middle order along with the up and coming Akash Sureka who claims to have been struck on the pad just below the moon. Manoj by the way is not in agreement. On the subject of stability not much could be said for the Captain this week who found himself in the middle of the wicket on his bum a victim of the yes, no, Oh F…. For the record that makes 4 inning’s at bat for the princely sum of 0 runs. Don’t be fooled I have been reminded of this from a number of sections.

The winning runs were hit by TJ Willis in fine film star style and Mr Brewbags the old salty seadog was forever grateful as the evening was well and truly upon us. Well done lads.

Captain Scanas.

In reply...

As a footnote to Simon's report.  I did, in fact, go to the blind masseuse and it was the most painful 45 minutes of my life.  He took great pleasure in contorting and prodding me in various places inflicting unbearable pain on my spine.  He took a particular interest in my buttocks, using them for pugilistic practice and giving them a fair old pounding (as opposed to a Barnet buttock pounding).  He was then kind enough to offer up a happy ending of his own persuasion.  I have been converted into a acute myopic acupressure fan.  Thanks Scanas.

Killer

And...

Killer,

Excellent penmanship - you should inscribe a match report of your own one day, far better than providing an annotation about a bloke taking “particular interest” in your bum.

Cheers,

Barney.