Last season United CC were defeated in all three of their Chiang Mai Senior League matches by Lanna A, Lanna B and Lanna Juniors as each time they batted first and were bowled out by Lanna’s various bowling attacks. It was welcome news at the start of the new season that the United players had decided to reform as a new version of CMCC and that they would be strengthened by the return of formidable cricketers Ubaid and Ismail.
Those in the know had clearly overlooked the form guide from last season when United had flattered to deceive with the bat and been generous in the field and declared new look CMCC the favourites against an ageing Lanna team in a 30-over Gymkana Club friendly played on a lovely new turf wicket. The scorebook rarely lies and CMCC batted first and failed to see out their overs despite an excellent innings from Aasif and then donated 50 extras as the Lanna batsmen showed the value of experience to reach their target and win an exciting match by three wickets.
CMCC had been looking forward to their new start and their openers Sami and Tanveer set of with a stand of 43, but the veteran combination of Eddie Joyner, often the architect of CMCC / United’s demise, and Chairman Tom Salusbury took two wickets apiece as the batting side collapsed to 65 for 6. This included the vital wickets of Ubaid and Ismail who both fell to brilliant catches by Neil and Shine as Lanna’s fielding suddenly showed a remarkable improvement.
Aasif is another talented cricketer in the CMCC team and he hit six fours and a six in a composed innings of 55 and was well supported by Burhan who was unbeaten on 18 but CMCC were still dismissed for 164 in 26.3 overs. Lanna’s bowling attack produced some excellent figures with the chairman leading the way with 3 for 29 and Eddie making his trip from Li well worthwhile with 2 for 31. Richard Young celebrated his recent return from Cambridge with 2 for 27.
Lanna’s target looked formidable but the total mounted rapidly as Richard Cowles made 49 and Martin Cardno 24 to take the score to a comfortable 124 for two despite a memorable spell of swing bowling from Aasif and CMCC’s cause was not helped by a deluge of wides and other extras. Wickets did continue to fall but Pete Warner contributed his usual captain’s innings and the experienced pair of Young and Holt (Michael) were at the crease when the winning runs came predictably thanks to five wides.
By all accounts it was a great game played in the right spirit by two competitive teams who will surely have many more similar contests throughout the 2015/16 season. Tom’s tea was again enjoyed by all, and both teams gathered together to socialize at the end of an enjoyable afternoon. All is well in the world.