Credit: Optimists Cricket Club

On Sunday 15 April 2018, the 1st XI from the Optimists Cricket Club in Luxembourg set about defending their BCF 2nd Division title with an away trip to Mechelen to play Eagles CC in their first match of the season.

Upon arrival, the ground was water-logged on one side. Although everything looked like the match would have to be abandoned, some hard work from the Eagles CC to try and clear and drain the water - using some interesting techniques! - persuaded the umpire the game could go ahead. Due to the time taken, the match was reduced to 20 overs per side.

Richard Neale lost the toss and, wisely, the Eagles decided to bat first. After a brisk start from the Eagles, 26-0 in 3 overs, Yatin Bhamare trapped their danger-man, their opening batsman, LBW and this was the lead for wickets to start to tumble. Reinhard Heyns was brought into the attack and picked up a wicket with his first ball before quickly taking another in the same over. Girish was brought on at the other end and also took a wicket in his first over and the Eagles were reduced to 41-5 off 7 overs.

20-over cricket is known for the fact that anything can happen - then entered Tejinder Singh who batted excellently. Although riding his luck at times, he demonstrated some clean and powerful hitting and was ably supported by the Eagles skipper, Ismail. Singh went on to carry his bat and scored 92 off 49 balls with 9 sixes. Richard Neale managed to dismiss his opposite number and claimed one more wicket with Atif coming back at the end to claim a wicket, but Singh had ensured Eagles secured a very good total on a ground that had long, wet and - in parts - a boggy outfield. "Singh is King" were the chants as he walked off and were probably fairly accurate!

Still, Optimists (living up to their name) were not fazed and were hungry for victory, looked to start positively with Tony Whiteman and Ben Embleton opening the batting. The Eagles' bowlers bowled tightly and with Whiteman departing for 6, Girish went quickly, and that left Ben and new batsman Vikram Vijh to put on a counter-attack. Both were cautious but looking to hit the bad ball until Embleton was finally dismissed for 22 with the score 45-3 in the 10th over.

Unfortunately, the middle order collapsed and the Optimists were in trouble at 58-6 in the 12th over. Richard Neale then joined Vikram Vijh. Vikram particularly started hitting some powerful shots that sailed over the boundary for sixes, and the Optimists were starting to turn things around. With two overs left, the Optimists were on 120, and needing 25/over is always a tall order. Vikram went down fighting and scored a brilliant 64 off 40 balls before eventually being caught. Some excellent shots and spirit were given to the cause right up to the end.

Yatin Bhamare joined Neale for the final few balls and the Optimists were able to get to 129-7 off their 20 overs.

It was always going to be tough as our style of cricket requires quick outfields rather than boggy ones. However, lots of positives to take away from the match and a long season ahead.

The Optimists are looking forward to welcoming Eagles back to Walferdange where the home team will be looking to make things right...