Caribbean 'B' v Tong Match Report (by Karl Banks)

After a series of good wins Tong arrived (in various areas of roundhay park) in the hope of another collection of points, unaware of the events that were going to unfold later in the game. All around the oval passers by, kite fliers and the driver of the train for lazy fat people who didn't like to walk were all oblivious to what ridiculous events were going to unfold.

A loss of the toss on a rough looking wicket was not a bad result, and the fact that the Caribb's decided to bat first proved to be an even better one. Mad dog opened the bowling with some hostile and intelligent overs and went for only 8 runs in his open 6. James (four for) Mullaney held up the other end with some straight, accurate over's and after his first 10 had gone for just 19 and crucially had removed 4 of their batsman. Chances were given off either bowler with Martin running in from the deep (chasing the ice cream van) and on the way dropped a difficult chance, whilst Masood (with chants from the pavilion) dropped a slightly easier chance, much to the delight of his former team mates who gave him the kind of reception that he was expecting. Gra han also uncharacteristically dropped one which nearly took down a passing boeing 737. The fielding however was still looking sharp. With 4 byes looking likely and Nick down on his knees in despair James fielded the ball, turned and threw the ball back and with about a foot & a half to spare the batsman trotting in was run out. A great piece of reaction fielding.

The Caribb's limped along in their innings and despite a few heads dropping in the middle part of the innings they never got away and didn't look like setting a massive score. Duncan 'Dog Boy' Hawkins came on for halfway through the innings and seemed to be really on form with 3 wickets for 43 in a long and consistent spell. Well he does have 4 legs ya know. After a long and good team effort in the field the Caribbs were eventually out for 138. All was well, apart that was from James was less than humored at being left stranded on 4 wickets.

After a pleasant tea break, other than Graham having an instant reaction to a tuna sandwich, and a team talk, Khuram & Nick set out to get the total as quick as possible as a few spots of rain began to fall in the passing breeze. They made an encouraging start with fours and singles coming at regular intervals until they were both bowled within quick succession with full length deliveries. Enter Adam and Martin. They both have contrasting styles. It's like putting mustard on jelly. Martin got his head down and played every ball on it's merits. Adam took a slightly more destructive approach by slamming a couple of 4's and a huge 6 which cleared the pavilion, nearly removed a tile and destroy the home of a squirrel, which had probably taken months for it to make.

After one shot too many he was caught and enter Moazam (and the defining moment of the game). Again with Martin holding the bowlers up at the other end, he decided to play his natural game against his old counterparts and blistered his was to the 20's. As the bowler ran in there was a flurry of activity at the crease and with Moazam having a go and the keeper stood up, the bowler and batsman was convinced there was a noise. The umpire (Nick) and the square leg umpire (Khuram) didn't flinch. Granted Nick was texting some bird at the time (kidding). However the Caribb's felt so strongly, they gathered round the unflustered temporary official and began to fiercely object to his not out verdict. He stood still with the air of arrogance and assuredness that we have all become accustom to. They were hostile to say the least and once they realized he wasn't going to be budged they turned on Mozzy, who fired back at them as much as they gave. If he had hit it he would have walked, but still they made things awkward. Graham came down from the pavilion, and decided that he would have his say. Meanwhile on the sidelines James and Karl decided that they would defend the not out decision with the players as they decided to walk off. After 5 minutes of arguing and bickering with the Caribb's they decided to re enter the fray. Mozzy decided that enough talking had been done and decided to take the argument personally and let his bat do the talking. He smashed his way to 60 n.o able supported by the calming influence of Martin (20 n.o) only for some bickering to continue on the sides.

After picking up the points we needed to remain in 3rd position in the league, and not wanting to be involved in some kind of "Roundhay War", we all left for the pub with 27 points under our belt in what was a convincing win and deserved win. We had however forgotten Masood who also got himself involved with his ex team mates. We did express our concerns at leaving him behind at net practice the following Thursday, gladly however he managed to get away unharmed (it would have been unfair for violence to have been bestowed upon a minor anyway).

So another great win for Tong as they tussle for the top positions.....next up Garforth and with several absentees, a tricky tie awaits.