Barker Cricket - 2018 Tour of Sri Lanka: Day 14 - Game 7 vs Colts Cricket Academy (Win No. 5)

Barker show why they’re known as the Brumbies vs the Colombo Colts team!!!

A beautiful morning greeted us at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel. It must be wedding season because a number of early morning photo shoots were taking place. After the boys slathered Nutella on pretty much anything at the breakfast buffet – waffles, bananas, pancakes, bacon…

Nutella and bacon stuffed french toast - I won't reveal whose plate this was found on.... #whathappensontour

A 27 minute bus ride had us at the Colombo Colts Cricket ground. The Colts are one of the 20 first class teams in Sri Lanka, home of the current national captain, Angelo Mathews, as well as one of the batters who revolutionised how the 50 a side game is now played, Romesh Kaluwitharana (or ‘Kalu’ to his mates). The oval was lovely to play on and had a very swish club house attached to it; full of memorabilia from their cricket, hockey, darts and billiards exploits.

Colombo Colts honour board. A couple of famous Sri Lankan Cricketers there.

The players dressing rooms with some new accommodation in the background.

Angelo Mathews and 'Kalu' - Colts heroes.

A couple of these rules may be a touch difficult to abide by - "What!!! No skinnies!!!"

Skipper Dan kept the tails streak going with 5 wins and it was decided that we’d set a target. The academy team had 3 underage players in their 13 for the day so it was agreed that a 40-a-side game would suffice. Openers Jenson and Chayton went about posting a big total as the ‘engineers’ of the innings – that was until Chayton received as he described “the ball of 2018” as it pitched and went dead straight, while he played for turn. The Hoff came in to join Jenson and the pair laid a solid platform with a mix of finesse and flair and took the score into three figures. Jenson (46) then played a bit early to one that held up and Luke managed a few runs before he was back in the luxurious pavilion. On that note, we have been looked after very well by all of our hosts; clean sheds, air conditioning in some, and water provided on tap – well, not literally; that could lead to issues.

Dan entered the arena at 5 to instantly elevate the scoring.

Luke solid in defence and then punishing the bad ball; all while his parents look on.

The two elder statesmen posted their half centuries almost off successive balls. Then the threat of retirement had the current First XI players in a bit of a tizz and throwing the bat. Unfortunately it led to Angus’ wicket next ball. Dan on the other hand started dealing in sixes. One more would have meant the second century on tour, but alas his last shot was 5 metres short of the rope when it was expertly caught by one of the Colts boys. A few baffling run outs followed in an effort to get maximum runs for the opposition to chase – and 244 became the target from the allotted 40 overs.

Angus and Dan prepare to face the smallest spinner they would have played against

Nice little leg kick from Dan reaps results.

"I bet you I can hit the Lotus Tower with the next delivery..."

Alex finally gets to raise his bat.

Chicken and pasta was today’s offering and the lads were excited because soft drinks were being sold in the neighbouring clubhouse – Prof. Thomlinson was particularly taken by the ‘Portello’ variety of Fanta which was offered by the man behind the counter. It was swiftly dubbed ‘greatest ever soft drink on tour’. After a nourishing meal, the side took to the oval once more for the bowling innings. Dan and Alex picked up early wickets to get the ball rolling and the chances of a Colts victory dwindled by the over. Ben S chipped in with 3 wickets, including an excellent stumping by keeper Justus who was standing up to Ben’s ‘heat’. Harry finished things off with the final two batsmen dismissed by his wily leg spin (including the ultimate variation for a leggie…the bouncer). The innings finished at 107 which meant a glorious 136 run victory for the touring Reds.

As exciting as the Barker brand of cricket is, some were finding the long, hot days taxing.

Celebratory soft drinks flowed afterwards and the touring party were glad to be back at the hotel early for some chill time by the pool. Mr. Toth and Dr. Merven even decided to make use of the barber inside the hotel with a haircut and a shave just in time for school to start again shortly. Dinner tonight was tinged with sadness as the boys realised this was our last Sri Lankan buffet dinner (tomorrow night we’ll be at the Colombo Cricket Club). Piles of sushi, sashimi, curry, pasta and ice cream was consumed by all and sundry (sometimes in strange combinations). As the boys settled in for the evening in their rooms, the weary coaches turned in as well and, while they looked forward to the final game tomorrow, there may have also been a hopeful murmur about the impending return home.