Cricket at Tarana

Our cricket team (Kedumba) had a bye on Saturday and so we travelled to play a friendly match vs Tarana. We weren’t sure what to expect, but were pleasantly surprised by how much of the town seemed to be in attendance, and by the level of preparation at the ground. We even had frequent score updates via the pa system! Their club only plays about 3 matches per year and were reasonable, but not polished. Our team, which I captained, had only 3 regular first team players supplemented by part timers and kids (Elizabeth 16, Hugh 13, and Henry 10). The local batting was uncouth but entertaining. The crowd erupted when one of their batsmen ramped our opening bowler for 4, but they never really cut loose and managed 94 from 20 overs (with Hugh taking 3 wickets). We always looked in control in reply, and ended up getting the runs with 2 and bit overs left for the loss of 5 wickets. I batted at 3 and Hugh at 4. We had a nice partnership before I retired for 26, after which Henry came in at number 5 and batted for the rest of the innings. Henry made 19 not out in about 45 minutes and played some lovely shots, mainly off the back foot due to his obvious height and strength limitations. This picture of a square cut when he was batting with Hugh is a perfect example. It was great to see Henry have a good partnership with Hugh who made 13, and a little bat with Elizabeth before she was unfortunately bowled for a duck. After the match I formally exchanged team caps with the other captain as we made speeches over a few beers. It was a great day. Wonderful to play a match with so many in the family.