Pirates of the St Lawrence versus Bengal United
Sunday 1 July 2012
From the Dublin Death Star
Photo by Kat Roche

The records tumbled during a Canada Day run fest when Pirates of the St Lawrence took to the field against Bengal United. Over the course of ninety overs the two sides notched-up a combined total of almost 650 runs. Despite a valiant effort from the home side’s skipper, Angus Bell, Bengal United ran out comfortable winners.

Injuries, infestations and immense hitting were the order of the day when the two sides met at The Candy Fields. The excitement got underway early as a family of surly snakes (approximately 10) were evicted from the tent tarpaulin. In keeping with the traditions of Moving Day in Quebec, they were left to find new accommodation under the shed. While they split without paying the last month’s rent, they did leave a completely intact snakeskin as compensation.

The Pirates fielded first in sweltering conditions and things couldn’t have got off to a worse start. Phil Roche’s express pace proved unplayable in the opening over, but despite some close calls it ultimately only accounted for the Pirates’ keeper Andrew Barrett. Forced to bow out with what was later confirmed to be a dislocated finger, Barrett made way for a Pirates’ debutant, Adam Kelly Morton.

Called upon to put on the gloves, René Bousfield stepped into the firing line and performed admirably. The young Canadian proved to be up to the task and bagged a number of outstanding takes over the course of the day.

While wickets were difficult to come by, injuries came thick and fast. As the Bengal batsmen put on an opening stand of 95, the Pirates were forced to endure a second injury. Thanks to a fielding mix up, the sound of leather on willow was matched by the almighty crack of the ball off Ahmad Rashid’s noggin.

As Rashid went off the ground to ice the Looney Tunes lump on his forehead, the ever dependable Matthew Legault came on as 12th Man. Unexpectedly called into action, Legault took to the field wearing a set of whites that were closer to flood pants than cricket flannels – more culottes than cricket whites.

The comic relief was much needed on a morning when the Pirates’ bowling attack was bossed by the Bengal United batsmen. Scoring at more than 8 an over, the visiting team amassed a mammoth 361 for 4 from their 45 overs. The centrepiece of their innings was a record-breaking knock from Ramesh who retired not out for 165 off just 135 balls – the highest individual score at The Candy Fields.

The wicket-keeper/batsman was ably supported by his Captain, Maninder, who made a telling contribution of 70 from 50 balls and the late-innings hitting of Shiva, who blasted 43 off just 17 deliveries. Shiva’s quick-fire knock was brought to an end by some excellent fielding from Morton and Bullivant, who combined to run-out the Bengal United man, leaving him seven short of his half century.

As Bengal United were putting the finishing touches to their innings, Kat Roche and Matt Legault were forced to contend with a nest of mice in the barbecue.

“There’s a mouse trapped in the barbecue and it can’t get out,” said Kat.

Ever the pragmatist, Matt replied: “I know, let’s light one side of the barbecue. It’s an intelligent creature, it’ll figure it out.”

Inevitably, the mice soon abandoned their new home and shot straight under the shed – out of the fire and into the snake pit.

Faced with what was always an uphill task, the Pirates’ batsmen put in a tremendous effort. The home side’s response was magnificent and featured a number of record-breaking feats. Ahmad Rashid recovered from his injury to put on an opening stand of 101 with the Pirates’ Captain, Bell. The century partnership came off just 14 overs and for a time kept the home team in touching distance of the required rate.

While Rashid departed for 32 from 30 deliveries, Bell set about building a truly memorable innings. Facing 125 balls and notching up 19 boundaries, Bell recorded his fourth century for the Pirates. Finishing unbeaten on 140 not out, he registered the highest individual innings by a Pirates player and became the first man at the club to carry his bat.

Together with Darren Bullivant (37 from 40 balls with 6 fours), Bell put on 74 for the forth wicket and ensured the Pirates batted out their full 45 overs. Despite the home side’s heroics, Bengal United ran out eventual winners, sealing a 75-run victory. Finishing on 286 for 7, the Pirates recorded their highest ever innings beating the previous record of 282 for 8 on a hockey pitch at Dartmouth College in 2009.

Pirates of the St Lawrence versus Bengal United
Sunday 1 July 2012
The Candy Fields, Mont-Saint-Hilaire
Match type: 45 overs per side
Weather conditions: Canada Dry
Result: Bengal United won by 75 runs

Bengal United Innings

Extras 29 (Byes 6, Leg Byes 5, No Balls 2, Wides 16)
Total 361 for 4 in 45 overs

FoW (1-95, 2-138, 3-288, 4-318*, 5-361)

Pirates of the St Lawrence Innings

Extras 51 (Byes 17, Leg Byes 1, No Balls 6, Wides 27)
Total 286 for 7 in 45 overs

FoW (1-101, 2-155, 3-155, 4-229, 5-229, 6-244, 7-274)