The Breezer Challenge Trophy 2005
Lamma CC vs Shanghai Dragons
11th & 12th June 2005
As remembered by
Ian “Becks” Beck
The much anticipated 2005 Breezer Challenge between Shanghai Dragons and Lamma CC on 12th June turned out to be a very close contest.
The warm up game against a combined Police – Lamma All Stars team on Saturday saw Nasir on his home ground. A ground he loves so much he stayed on it for the entire match.
The only resistance was Denzyl who scored a swashbuckling 75 from 47 balls to give the tourists some face by getting to 151 all out (with last man standing!) after struggling at 7/54. Nasir and Chris Ball (Police) wrapped up the game with a first wicket stand of 102 before Chris fell for 16 and Nasir finishes with a fine 98 not out as the hosts completed the chase with seven overs to spare.
The Breezer Relays get underway at Devils Advocate
The real competition then started on Saturday night. The Breezer Relays at Devils Advocate in deepest Wanchai were a public affair. Shanghai second leg, Denzyl, was disqualified several times for putting a part of his body out of the field of play (and onto Lockhart Road) as the now familiar “Tower of Beer” was looming ominously in the corner.
A moment of Breezer madness however from the normally technically proficient Lamma boys, and Denzyl finally managing to master his constitution, allowed the Shanghai’ers to sneak in and scoop the fastest breezer downing race, which caused no little consternation.
The crowds starting arriving early on an overcast and very humid Sunday at the picturesque Sandy Bay ground in Pok Fu Lam. The Breezer Challenge Trophy, manufactured by Lamma’s Al Robins (and pool friends), was on show for fans young and old as they streamed into the ground with Breezers and straws.
The Dragons won the toss and elected to field first. Monty Burns and Nasir opened the innings. Deepak and Jason opened the bowling with a good mix of line and a healthy bit of chin music saw. Nasir (4) didn’t bother Kim the scorer too much. Monty (9) followed soon after with what was to become a familiar shot. Lamma should have left the pull shot in the kit bag. Brad (5) and Jonno (1) fell cheaply. Tauseef (24) and Toby (23) making starts but not going on with it. Lamma suddenly in a spot of trouble at 6/78.
A close call for Al
Yours truly came in and poked and prodded for a while but never got going, although still managing a steadying innings of 34 welcome runs. Al (18), in what may be his final appearance for Lamma CC before his return to Sydney, lofted a nice six into the tennis courts, but fell to a good catch from Denzyl.
Enter Dinesh. Found wanting early with a few rib ticklers, he hung around, found his rhythm and responded handsomely to the now familiar calls from the dressing room of “In the Bush” with some lusty blows on his way to 48, including four sixes. A total of 202 at Sandy Bay is usually not enough.
Toby, however, didn’t give The Dragons any time to settle in with a good mix of short, straight and wide balls, taking three wickets in three overs: Tavis (1) and Rakesh (4) and Deepak (0).
Imran then came to the middle and opened his account with a straight six. First change Monty picked up Jason (9) cheaply, bringing Mike to the middle. While Mike was joining the dots at one end, the Imran show was in full swing at the other. But with the Dragons in a bit of trouble, Lamma CC couldn’t hold their catches. Dropping Imran several times (yes..yes..twice by me).
Al and Tauseef kept things tight for a while then, due to the lack of Breezers the night before, Imran had to retire for a while. Mal (2), Denzyl (3) (from an absolute screamer of a catch from Monty running in from the boundary and diving full length to somehow catch the ball left-handed), Pete (2) just gave Imran enough time to catch his breath while Mike was starting to open up.
Monty’s catch put just enough life back into the Lamma boys as Toby came on to bowl the final over, 12 required, with Imran by now out for 84.
The Breezer Challenge Trophy
First ball was an over-the-waist no-ball. Mike then lofted a lovely six over mid-off. Then Mike’s middle stump was uprooted by a well placed yorker and he departed for 62, bringing ringer Ozair to the crease with five to win off four balls.
In true sporting fashion, Toby bowled a wide and they also took a cheeky bye, three from four now needed as the field moved in. A single from the next. Dot ball next, leaving two required to win from two balls. Next ball another cheeky bye attempted, but Nasir behind the stumps was ready. A good throw back to Toby at the bowler’s end and the run-out was executed. Lamma won by one run!
Tension released, all exhausted, but feeling fortunate to play in such a close game. Toby accepted the Breezer Challenge Trophy from Lamma CC Secretary Ian (Chucker) Harling. Another fantastic weekend of cricket almost at an end as the die-hards headed back to Devils...
Thanks to Kim for scoring and Vipul for the curries.
Looking forward to seeing you Dragons next in Shanghai.
