Sir William Hoste

13th May 2023 - Vis
Won by 135 runs - NRR = 6.75

The touring team arrived at Plisko Polic remarkably fresh, and feeling that the previous day's ferry cricket more than enough warm-up since the previous game some 9 months prior.

The opposition were still waiting for a few players, so the toss was 'negotiated', then re-negotiated so CIPA went into bat and provided a few sub fielders.

John Hull used the brand new club bat to hit the first six of the day, and Justin Wilson was getting into his stride when Hull was outdone by a low full toss (although he assures us it was a yorker).

This brought Tom Fraser to the wicket. Despite shouts from the boundary to pack behind square on the off for the trade mark late cut, Tom managed to reach 50 in just 44 balls. Wilson followed with a 55 ball 50.

After drinks the orders were to accelerate, which were performed with aplomb - Fraser taking just 23 more balls to reach his second century for CIPA and a well deserved retirement.

Wilson was running out time to complete his century and did not want the record of the only CIPA batsman to carry his bat on tour so was bowled on 85 off 79 balls.

The second wicket partnership was a staggering 247 runs - a record I think will never be bettered.

Jon Bailey and Bruce Torrance wrapped up the innings with some strong hitting, setting a target of 284.

The opening spell of bowling was relatively tight, but the victory was by no means assured. The spectres of Corfu then threated to return when Richard Fish bowled his first ball for the club which was dropped. Another drop went down in the same over and Corfu's seemingly untouchable record of 13 drops in a game was looking at risk. Not long after however, Justin Wilson turned things around by grabbing a square cut just above the grass to remove Craig, the century hitting batsman who clearly hadn't lost his touch from nine years ago.

This set up the stage for the victory, CIPA allowed batsmen to return and lent a few of our own players to make up the numbers. Jon Fleming batting admirably for the opposition.

Sir William Hoste managed to scrape to 20 overs, by which point all who wanted to bowl had done and everyone was more than happy to retire to have some refreshments on the restaurant patio under the shade of a vine.

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