Sir William Hoste

6th Sep 2014 - Vis (Croatia)
Won by 64 runs - NRR = 1.83

The opening fixture against the Sir William Hoste Cricket Club was scheduled for an early start. However, after a delay to allow the pitch to be swept and the opposition to arrive, the game did not start until gone 11. Captain Mark Jolly showed his mettle immediately by negotiating that CIPA would bat first. This maximised the number of players who could hide from the hot Vis sun. Justin Wilson and John Hull drew the short straw and set out to face the Vis attack. After a slow start, runs were starting to flow when Wilson uncharacteristically chipped the ball to gully for an average destroying 21. The wicket brought tour organiser Stuart Lumsden to the crease and he and Hull set about the home attack with a series of unorthodox and occasionally chancy strokes. Drinks were taken at 120 for 1.

Hull succumbed to the first ball after drinks for 52, allowing the more elegant Simon Thomas to the crease. The scoring rate picked up further, and even the dismissal of Lumsden for 56 did not slow it. With James Duffy, Thomas put the bowlers to the sword before falling for a well made 75. A late cameo by James Shearman and some lusty hitting by Duffy brought the 300 into sight. Andy Spurr came to the crease with only 4 needed from 3 balls, but so as not to embarrass the hosts, took only a couple to ensure CIPA closed on 298 for 5 after 30 overs.

In response, the Hoste’s innings was tied down by a tight opening spell from Tony Williams and Chris Milton, sharing three wickets between them. This did bring the home side’s star player Craig to the crease early, and from out of nowhere, the chase was suddenly on. After a barrage of sixes and fours, Spurr briefly put the brakes on with a remarkable triple wicket maiden. With Andy Grant taking a wicket first ball as well, surely that would be the end? The respite was only brief however, and with CIPA starting to flag in the afternoon sun, and Craig reaching a very rapid hundred, there was suddenly a real chance of losing the game. Neither Captain Jolly nor Dave Prothero could stem the flow, so the skipper turned to Lumsden, who finally removed the key man for 120. The home side were determined not to give in, and with CIPA loanee Heston Orchard hitting some good late order runs, there was still a chance. CIPA finally got themselves together and put an end to proceedings with the opposition making a good 234.

Both sides were able to retire to the bar, happy with a game well played.

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