Roseville CC

Despite the scorching sunshine, our second game was also under threat of cancellation due to the overnight rain. Australians are obviously not used to rain affecting their matches and any slight moisture in the air is greeted with pessimism and shouts of ‘not a chance of playing today’! After being informed that the game would not take place at the intended ground as it was ‘waterlogged’ (?!?!), André’s organisational skills came into their own and he set about arranging an alternative council ground. Half an hour later and we were all set for a 20-over bash. Great work from Penfold there!

Martin celebrating a stumping off Arvind

The pitch actually had an amazing view perched on top of a spit of land overlooking the bay and the ocean – although the strip was artificial and the ground was postage-stamp sized. We batted first and despite early losses posted a respectable, if below-par, 141, with Reuben smashing 2 huge sixes on to the roof of the pavilion. The opposition made short work of our total and although we took regular wickets – Arvind taking a 3-fer and Siva picking up two run-outs – they got the runs with 4 overs to spare.

So with an early finish we headed down to Balmoral beach for some frolicking in the sea! But this was also washed out as a huge downpour came and forced us to take shelter in the nearby fish and chip shop. Very tasty!

Reuben & Siva on Balmoral beach

In the evening, we headed off to the Oaks in Neutral Bay to sink a few Merlot’s or Carlton’s and we rounded off the evening with a game of pool – India vs Rest of the World! It was a tense thriller with much strategy being discussed and shortly before we were kicked out, I potted the winning black into the side pocket. India went off skulking and muttering something about a decision review system…