Kudos to Vinod for writing this wonderful article.
This was the most anticipated and billed as the toughest game of Round 1 for Hawkes. A glimpse of all the tension was visible on the day when game got abandoned due to rain. Team management worked hard to reschedule the game this weekend as most players were available this weekend.
Week started with emails flying with lot of suggestions and analysis. Piyush's email had all the fielding positions assigned to players; Pranai had suggestions around batting, bowling and wicket keeping. Don had analysis of runs needed on Fischer Park, opponent’s strength and suggestions around how to be focused for the win. All this activity reminded me of the days when I started playing cricket in Bay Area 10 years ago. We use to be bunch of friends playing only for fun and then decided to be more competitive and joined TCA. We started analyzing every opponent, ground conditions, strategy to surprise the opponents, extra practice during weekdays etc. The desire and hunger to be the top most team goes a long way, it took lot of dedication and effort but over the years we did win every single format of multiple tournaments at least once. I see the same hunger and desire in Hawkes now :-)
The entire team was on ground practicing when opponents were still trickling in. It was one of those days when you question if it is spring or summer. It was cold and windy morning even though Sun was out with clear skies. Ground looked like more of a golf course than cricket ground. First surprise of the day was when opponents put the pitch perpendicular to what I thought will be the regular pitch. Second surprise was when I heard we won the toss ( Raj claimed that his presence is what made the difference ).
Pranai and Vinod started the bowling steadily with Pranai getting the first break assisted by excellent uphill running catch by Vinay. At the end of 4 overs, Seamers were around 10 runs in 4 overs with loss of two wicket taken by Pranai. Piyush started his over with couple short pitch balls but quickly settled with his line and length to get a fast moving snick taken by Raj in slips. Vinay was as usual fast and furious. Uneven bounce and wind assisting the bowlers justified that decision to bowl first was the right decision. Opponents were 32 for 4 wickets at the end of 10 overs. All the bowlers were bowling to the field and hardly gave batsman any opportunity to score and were well supported by the fielders.
After the break Don, Vinod bowled some very tight overs and Seamers were pushed on the back foot. With still 5 wickets in hand, Seamers had no other choice but to go after the bowling. Couple big hits in the last two overs got them to a respectable score of 73. None of the balls they hit were bad, it was just that batsman took the chance and risk paid off. They made around 20 runs in last two overs.
Sunil from Seamers ended up making 25 not out followed by wides as the second highest score for Seamers. Don, Vinod, and Piyush ended up with economy of less than 3 runs per over. Vinod finished with 7 runs in 4 overs and Don gave just 12 runs with 2 wickets in 4 overs. Piyush gave 6 runs and Raj 8 runs in two overs each they bowled.
73 was still a good total for Seamers to defend given the ground and weather conditions. Mitesh and Purab made the intentions clear by scoring 9 runs in very first over with Mitesh hitting an excellent boundry. Mitesh was out soon trying to hit against the wind. Anil joined Purab and continued his good form. He ensured to not lose wicket as pitch was very unpredictable but also ensured to punish bad balls. From 12 runs in 4 overs, Hawkes reached to 44 in 10 overs with loss of Purab. Ravin and Anil continued to play with caution and soon it was evident that Seamer had given up. Piyush's call for a single challenging the Slips was amazing and highlight of some of the quick singles Hawkes batsman took. This is the area Seamers failed because they never concentrated on quick singles, either they blocked the ball or tried for big hits.
In the end to finish the game with big bang, we lost couple wickets trying to hit 6. Even though scorecard says we lost 7 wickets but Seamers were never in a position where they threatened Hawkes. A very good win for the team and Hawkes making to Platinum for the first time was a great feeling for all the members.
Hawkes has announced its arrival in the big league :-)
Vinod was adjudged man of the match for his bowling and Anil was awarded player of the week for his excellent batting.
Cheers.
-written by Vinod Pasi-
