The Friendly Cricketers League Kicks Off

Two games down in the new Friendly Cricketers League and the Ducks sit proudly lower down the table on nil points... however spirit is still high! Captain Tim Wade has made a few notes for your pleasure...

Blighty Ducks v Rising Stars | Saturday 13th January @ Dubai International Cricket Stadium

I had never seen so many Duck’s arrive for a fixture so early and looking in general good health for 8.30am on a Saturday. Once we figured out how to get in we made our way to the changing room which was the biggest I had ever been in. Dave hung the flag, we had the kit on and we were warming up in the stadium. The Ducks had arrived!

The pitch was a pretty standard flat mud cake. We lost the toss and were asked to bat, which we would have done anyway. Jacko and Morler got us off to a steady start, playing to plan of getting us to a platform to build on at 18 overs. Jacko was punishing the loose ball and the board ticked over at a steady rate. Morler was then given out LBW and Alan continued the good work with Jacko, getting us up to Wilko’s magic number before departing leaving us at 69-2. I slapped a few with Jacko before charging and missing one and the Ducks were 120-3 after 17 overs. We had the platform we wanted to push for 175 plus but some improved bowling from the Stars and some early season rust meant we fell away at the end but we still finished with a decent score of 161-6 from our 25 overs, mainly due to Jacko holding us together with a very well made 70 not out.

I backed our attack to contain that score on the big outfield and we got off to a great start with Duck debutant Luke taking two in two, both to great catches by AGJ at mid-off. We had them 5-2. The Stars continue to go for their shots, so whilst we picked up another 2 wickets they were always up with the rate. Luke cleaned up their number 4 and AGJ snared one. I fancied once the field could go back we could contain them but a combination of some excellent batting and average bowling meant they were always up with us. We were able to apply pressure in small doses but then we let them get away again. They eventually chased us down with over 3 overs to go.

It was a massive disappointment. We were a much better all-round side than them, but we got done by a superb knock of 83 not out in 47 balls and a solid 54 from their number 6. We allowed them to score all around the stadium and we need to be far more consistent with where we bowl moving forward. Full and straight is the key. Their bowling attack was nothing special but they pitched everything up and limited our scoring options. We sprayed both sides and bowled short and full. That was the difference. We go again this week, I hope some of the rust has been blown away and we need to learn from last week.

Finally, massive thanks to Scott for coming along as 12th man, to Lawrence who came along with some serious camera equipment and his whites (has he read the sheet this week?????) and to all our Duck supporters. We had more than the North v South first class game.

Tim

Blighty Ducks v Roaring Lions | Saturday 20th January @ Dubai International Cricket Stadium

After our disappointing defeat to the Rising Stars in week 1 we were back in the stadium pumped to put things right in game 2. Rob, after a trip to Saudi was especially fired up and after a decent warm up and some inspiration from Rob we were good to go. The Roaring Lions are a decent side with a strong history in this competition and we knew it was going to be tough. The first two overs were top drawer, keeping them to 7-0 with a few balls swinging and beating the edge. They then started to tee off, with one guy smashing it and after 10 overs they had a 100 up. I pulled up lame which did not help but a few bowling changes and fielders out helped us peg things back in the middle overs. Louis bowled a cracking spell, restricting the runs, our ground fielding was decent getting a couple of run outs and we clawed our way back. Our catching is best left unmentioned! They swung hard again in the last few overs and got themselves up over 200, which could have been a lot worse at 100 -0 after 10.

We were faced with a big total to chase, the biggest score in Ducks history. Lame me decided to open up and be positive as running was not an option and last 1 ball. What a great day I had. Tom Swung hard, tried his best to get caught but they were having none of it. We were gradually getting further behind the rate and as wickets fell we were never going to get close. The innings ended with Wilko being plumb LBW, flush in the box. Summed it up really!

Again, I do not think we were that far off them. We are just playing experienced 25 over sides who know these conditions. If we can pick up early wickets and take our chances we can restrict teams. With the bat we need to be more positive but we are not playing our natural games. We will get better and we are certainly a competitive side in this league. Now for this weekend against one of the favourites! Be good to turn them over, especially as Ben still walks funny to this day after his time at GEMS.

Tim