Match 1: June 11
The first ever match of the Morioka Cricket Club in a spectacular (and, according to one observer,
"controversial") tie. The teams were split along national line with the Bradman XI, led by Aussie Karl Sutherland, made
up of players from Australia, Canada, Papua-New Guinea and Japan. Brit Boy Michael Lasseter led the Botham XI which
consisted of players from England, Bangladesh, the USA, New Zealand and Japan.
The game was a 15 over affair which meant both teams had 90 balls to score their runs. Michael Lasseter
won the toss and elected to field. Sent in, Karl set about providing a wonderful exhibition of controlled hitting.
He reached the compulsory retiring target of 30 runs with an effortless cover drive. He was ably supported by Canadians
Jamie Bruce (18) and Aaron Dyer (5). Japanese player Yasuharu Shuhama added 7 usefeul runs and Aussie Robert Smith
added 6.
The Bradman XI had compiled a target of 72 runs requiring a run rate of over 4.5 to win.
"I was hopeful that 72 would be enough", Karl said after the match.
Michael Lasseter opened the batting but was soon out. Wickets began to tumble and it looked like the
Botham XI would suffer an early humiliation. However, rookie Ryan Thomas Miller made a glorious debut piling on 21 runs.
He was assisted by Yuko who made 6, but held up an end. After a few more wickets fell the Botham XI's chances looked
dim. Enter Charles Lord.
He treated the crowd to some delicious strokes, particularly off the middle of the stumps. He compiled
a quickfire 22 runs and swung the match in the Botham XI's favor. Then it was Karl's turn to bowl the last
over with only a few runs to victory. He snared three wickets in four balls and the match looked over. James Hareyama
and Brian Evans came together at the end and somehow managed to escape with a tie.
Man of the Match was Karl for his wonderful bowling and batting and his selfless actions on the field.
Karl and Jamie were the best of the Bradman XI batters while Kiwi Charles Lord and American Ryan Miller were the pick of the
Botham XI.
In the bowling department, Karl, Aaron Dyer and Yasuharu were the most successful bowlers for the
Bradman XI, while James Hobbs and Ryan Miller were the most successful bowlers for the Botham XI.
Thanks to all who turned up to support our fledgling endeavor.
The Second Game
Bruce Unleashes Power Batting!
Canadian Jamie Bruce handed Karl Sutherland his dream result on Sunday - a series win in his first
season of captaincy. Jamie Bruce proved to be the difference between the two sides. In one Katrina Brown over
he smashed 16 runs to seal the match and to move to the top of the ladder of highest batting aggregate. He also picked
up three wickets. An incredible all-round performance.
James Hobbs' Botham XI started confidently and early runs accumulated quickly. However, the departure
of the captain saw a run drought and a tumblng of wickets. The side limped to a score of 44 off the 15 required
overs.
The Bradman XI faced a runrate of only 3 an over. Karl elected to drop himself down the order
to give others a chance to bat in the chase to overhaul the small total. Two wickets fell in the first three balls and
some tension was restored to the game.
Enter Jamie Bruce and his powerful hitting which ended the game early. He was ably assisted by
debutant Par from Turkey.
Post-game Karl accepted the BBQ Ashes trophy on behalf of the Bradman XI. Karl was also named
Player of the Season. Player of the Match went to Jamie Bruce.
Sunday Perfect Day for Cricket
Some 26 adults made their way to the ground now know as Shijushida Oval for the final of the BBQ Ashes
Trophy. Despite low scores we had a great day of cricket. Highlights included Jamie's 16 run over, James Hobbs'
great wicketkeeping, Par's wicket maiden and Karl's sporting rotation of his batting lineup.
We had a great bbq afterwards and a few drinks. It was great to see people from eight countries
just spending time together. Countries represented included England, Australia, the USA, Japan, Argentina, Turkey, Canada
and New Zealand. We look forward to more cricket in the future.
Ben Sakurai Triumphs in Dream Debut
Ben Sakurai had a dream debut on Sunday scoring 40 runs in two innings, snaring one wicket and
fielding extremely well. Expert commentators were comparing his dominance to Botham's 1981 triumph and "Massie's Match"
from the 1972 Ashes tour.
Our final match of season 2006 took place in good conditions at Shijushida Oval. Rest of
the World Captain Adam McCahon won the toss and elected to field, mainly prompted by a rumor that Karl Sutherland was to make
a late appearance at the game.
The Northern Alliance began well with captain James Hobbs opening with Yasuaru Shuhama. Runs
began to flow almost immediately. Ben scored 30 runs and was forced from the field by the compulsory retiring target.
Captain James Hobbs compiled 28 before he was bowled by the lethal Denis Russa from Tanzania. Jamie Bruce
(7) and Takafumi Hosokawa (5) were also among the runs.
The Northern Alliance, made up of players from Japan, Canada and England, accumulated 81 runs.
The only bright spot was Denis Russa's 4 wicket haul. His deceptive action produced a number of deliveries which kept
low.
The Rest of the World run chase began well. However, the 5.5 run rate was always a big ask.
Katrina Brown (NZ) was the star for the World team. She was assisted by Brian Evans (13 not out), Ben Sakurai (10)
and Yohei Baba (6).
In the end the World team fell 21 runs short of the target.
"There were just too many runs by the Northern Alliance. The target was gettable but the Alliance
backed up their batting with tight bowling," Adam McCahon commented ruefully over a beer after the game.
An ecstatic Alliance Captain James Hobbs added, "It was a great team effort. The debutants performed
well for us. Ben and Cael both made impacts on the game. Cael's accurate bowling and strategic fielding helped
restrict the World's flow of runs. I was happy to come up with my first win of the season as captain."
2007 Final
Dramatic 07 Final
The Northern Alliance and the World
XI tied in a dramatic final at Shijushida Oval on Sunday.
The Northen Alliance batted first.
The umpire's reluctance to give LBW decisions and the ever-reliable batting of Hobbs and Bruce gave the North a great start.
After James fell for 13 off Babu and Jamie retired on 30, the North innings began to crumble. Seven ducks and one 2
were recorded after the two "J Boys" departed. Yasuharu offered the only resistence with an unbeaten 6. The North
slumped to 61 after looking like cruising to any easy 100 runs.
Abidur was confident that the World
XI could make the target. Babu made a good 19 to start the innings on track. However, Abidur (10) and Mishra (7) both
fell as they were looking certain to carry the total past 61. In the last three overs Dean, Morgan and Vernon attempted
to get the 14 runs required for victory. The battle was neck and neck for a time. With one over to go 4 runs were
required for victory. Rookie Laura Sopkowe bowled the last over. Scores were tied with one ball to bowl.
James positioned himself well and took a grateful catch off Vernon to end the match in a tie.
"It was great match in difficult conditions
with the ball keeping low," James Hobbs said.
World XI Captain, Abidur Rahman added, "I'm
really happy for the result. I did think we'd get the runs but James, Jamie, Sage and Laura were particularly tight
in their bowling."
Umpires Dr Ivo Sabandra and Brian
Evans named Jamie Bruce "Player of the Final" with a fast 30 and two wickets.
Brian Evans noted the efforts of
Yasuharu and Shimpei on the day. "Both guys supplied food and kept everyone happy with their cooking. It was very
generous on their part".
