Cricket in Bali

Play at Jibabore Photo © ICC

Soni Hawoe's team took on Ray Elliot's side on Sunday on the plush green Bukit oval in the middle of Udayana University. The pitch was well prepared and played truly producing an even contest of good standard.

The game marked the return of Paul Ingram sporting an English suntan after several months on the continent and in the U.S.A. John T rolled in from Java for a game, while club stalwarts Phil Moriarty, Alan Wilson, Paul Jarvis and Ray Elliot graced the hallowed turf with their presence. Both Wayan and Umbu were missing having had minor motor bike accidents during the week.

It was an interesting encounter won by Soni's team with the last 2 batsmen at the wicket. After winning the toss, Ray shocked the crowd by deciding to bat first and his team produced 128 runs. The significant features of this inning were a neat 31 from Yeri Rosogna featuring some nice drives and leg glances and an equally stylish 32 from 14 year old junior prospect Suda Arsa. The latter is rolling his wrists on both cut and sweep shots and with more time like this in the middle, could build a temperament for higher things in the world of cricket. Ray Elliot chipped in with 30 not out at the end including 1 towering 6 from a bowler who shall remain anonymous. The innings was also marked by some fine bowling from junior Putra Darmawan who took 4-25 from 6 overs. It is good to see the juniors continuing to progress after their recent trip to Oz, and thanks must be reiterated to both I.C.C. and W.A.C.A. It is to be hoped that this educational cricket trip for leading Indonesian junior cricketers will become an annual event.

Soni's side achieved this total of 128, with the last 2 batsmen, Soni and P.J, at the crease. Significantly young Nengha Swardika chipped in with a gritty 16 from 47 balls with a technique which noticeably improved during his innings. John T, Yeri and Ray were amongst the wickets while Phil bowled 2 overs of impeccable leg spin reminiscent of Shane W, when he used to play. I still like the way Suda is hitting that bowling crease. If he has that intensity when he is 18 there will be some batsmen ducking for cover.

All in all a great day was had by all.

A social game is scheduled for next Sunday at the Bukit - 11:00am; and the Sidakarya Lubaks are scheduled to play the following week against Udayana. The question is - can Nick Blackbeard's Lubaks match the might of Dan Metcalf's Bali Geckkoes this year -- only time will tell.