Pirates of the St Lawrence versus Superstars
Sunday 21 June 2015
Thackeray Park, Ontario.
Match type: 35 overs per side (10 wickets)
Result: Pirates won by 4 runs

Early arrivals at Thackeray Park were greeted by the cheerful Loraine, who smilingly informed us that we were “going to get your asses kicked”. And for most of the day, it looked as though she was she was going to be quite right.

Loraine herself was part of an impressive opening spell where Pirates, perhaps running on low energy at the end of the tour, threw away some soft opening wickets. A solid innings from Singh and some late hitting from Ashtaputre and Mendhurwar brought on a respectable total. And so a close game beckoned.

Pirates opened up with some good enough bowling, moderated by some generous concessions from the captain not only in respect of first-ball wickets for beginners but also the overturning of an LBW for no obvious reason. But a couple of wickets down, Deepak launched the most extraordinary counter-attack for the Superstars. hitting ball after ball not only out of the ground but over the high netting that protected the surroundings and far. far across the other side of the car park. to loud squeals of delight from the Superstars perched on the stand. Pirates’ head started to drop, and the fielding became atrocious. Deepak’s voluntary retirement (matching Singh’s for Pirates) brought some respite. Pirates regrouped to contain the opposition and overcome some stubborn defence to edge the win, ending a day of social cricket with aggressive fielding in dusty and humid conditions, far from the recreational tour you might have imagined.

We were all smiles at the end, as Pirates and Superstars exchanged trophies. This see-sawing match sets the event up as an exciting regular fixture.

Pirates of the Saint-Lawrence Innings

Extras 23 (Byes 5, Leg Byes 0, No Balls 4, Wides 14)
Total 191 for 9 in 35 overs

Superstars Innings

Extras 4 (Byes 0, Leg Byes 4, No Balls 1, Wides 39)
Total 187 all out in 35 overs