Cricket in Bali - Mighty Lubaks take 2nd spot

The Sidakarya Lubaks took 2nd place in the Bali Tri Nations League Cricket on Sunday with a meritorious win over the Kuta Gekko's. Inspired by their captain Nick Blackbeard, the Lubes won the toss and batted on a worn pitch.

The future Australian Vice Consul in Bali,Brian Diamond opened the batting for Sidakarya with Bali cricket legend Ray Elliot. The 2 proceeded to compile 80 runs with sensible batting under the conditions,before Brian was caught by Steve Eaton off the bowling of Peter Gunn for a tidy 35. Steve Scorgie continued the onslaught with Ray Elliot before the latter was caught by the 'Gun' off Paul Jarvis for 57. Indeed at 1-130, the Lubaks looked comfortable, but Elliots dismissal triggered a minor collapse. This through the unexpected medium of Paul Jarvis ,who tried bowling medium pace for a change on a wicket suited to the same. Four wickets fell quickly including a brilliant leg side stumping by Gekko captain Dan Metcalf and the Lubes struggled to reach 180 from their allotted 35 overs. Steve Scorgie remained 56 not out for Sidakarya and it was undoubtedly his innings, together with Diamond and Elliot, that provided the springboard for a Lubak win.

Paul Hutson opened with Peter Gunn for the Gekks but with the score on 18 -the Gun hit a solid lofted on drive straight to the sub fieldsman Umbu Frenkie Shony on the boundary. Steve Eaton showed some resistance with 14 before being neatly stumped. Indeed a highlight of the day was the exellent wicket keeping by both Brian Diamond for the Lubaks and Dan Metcalf for the Gekkos. This was on a difficult pitch which produced great variation of bounce and the 2 must be commended on their efforts.

Paul Hutson and Dan Metcalf, batted impressivelly for Kuta scoring 36 runs each Dan hit one beautiful zac over mid wicket which was arguably the shot of the day. However their dismissals again triggered a mid order collapse and the Geckoes surrendered meekly to be all out for 124 with Mick Cortenbach stranded on 8 not out at the end.

The new minister for cricket tourism Mick Maher, better known as the 'CAT' was the best of the lubak bowlers with 3-12 from 6 overs. Ray Elliot who had been resting in the shade after his marathon innings, seized the opportunity to return to the field for the final session. Sensing the opportunity for victory ,Ray leapt from his seat like a black mamba famished after hibernation and cleaned up a potentially dangerous 'tail' with 2-8 from 3 overs. Mac also bowled well for Sidakarya with 2-38, while Nick Blackbeard and Richard Simmonds snavelled a wicket each.

Unfortunatelly Mick Martin couldnt reproduce his famous plate winning 6's performance for the Geks and Nathan Mculloch was forced to bat last after a contentious ruling that he was indeed a substitute player from Jimbaran.. However -no excuses, the better team won on the day, placing the Lubaks outright 2nd in the League. The Gekkoes now must beat the leading team -Jimbaran, to stay in the hunt.