Day 2 - Game 1 vs Methodist High School (T20) (First win)

Relaxing morning ---- Business in the afternoon

Despite the late bedtime, the coaches were up early to survey the lie of the land. Though each did something different - beach swim, a run, and a shower followed by watching Day 3 Session 2 of the Sydney Test live. It is nice to be in a cricket obsessed country.

The boys were true to their word and at breakfast by 9am, just in time for others to have their third course. For some curry and rice might seem like a heavy breakfast, but the Barker lads jumped straight into life in SL - only time will tell if they continue this path.

After a big breakfast the group decided that aqua aerobics was an appropriate to begin game preparations. With 19 players in the pool, it didn't leave much room for the other patrons but they seem happy to watch this professional unit go through it paces.

Professor Thomlinson captures an elite team preparing for battle.

A 11:30am departure for a 1:30pm game meant the coaches had plenty of time to address the little problems that always arise early on during a tour:
"Sir, do you have tape to fix my bat grip?"
"Sir, are these shorts okay? I seem to have left my touring shorts at home."
"Sir. I don't think it's a massive problem, but I left my wallet on the plane from Singapore last night..."

Game 1 team meeting.

On to the game.
It was to be played at De Soysa Stadium, Colombo. It was once the test venue in that city. While it might not look like that now, you could definitely see how the current infrastructure could have been home to thousands of locals cheering on their beloved team. The change rooms included an air conditioned players viewing area and that's wear we had a nice local lunch of chicken, pasta and salad.

The Barker boys strapping on a feedbag in air conditioned comfort.

After a sound warm up (it was warm - 32 deg - but not oppressive) and a quick chat to umpires, Captain Dan won the toss and chose to bat. It proved an interesting decision early on. 0/1 off 1 over, 0/2 off 2, then 0/6 off 3. The 4th is where things picked up thanks to a 28 run over by Dan. After Opener Harry was bowled, Ryan joined the skip at the crease and the fireworks continued. Balls frequently travelling the distance. There was even a stoppage as Ryan hit one out of the stadium and into a bus driving past. Dan eventually fell for 57 (8 x 4's & 3 x 6's) who was only bested by Ryan who scored a quick 78 (13 x 4's & 2 x 6's). They were ably assisted in the middle by Jenson (32) and Justus (23) - each hitting a "Barter Card maximum" (that's a six for those who watch a little IPL). This led to a very pleasing 7/239 off our allotted 20 overs.

Dan Alleyn scoring a quickfire 50.

Ryan McCoy wondering whether his 50 was quicker than Dan's.

 Then it was time to bowl.

Coach Thomlinson attempting to explain flight for an off spinner to Coach Merven.

Consistency proved to be an issue throughout this half of the innings. While the Barker Boys did bowl some good deliveries, the 24 wides that were bowled were proof that either curry was not a good breakfast option or that it would take some time and thought to adjust to the condition in the sub continent. Coach Thomlinson did mention after the game that the touring group two years ago were a little more wayward in the opening game of their tour, bowling 37 wides. Another factor was the ground fielding. While our young men are used to throwing themselves around on a lush outfield, the landing pads over in SL aren't quite as green. This led to some running repairs of grazes and then ensuing hesitation in repeating the act.

Our middle order piling on the runs.  

Great view from the old scoreboard.

Inside the scoreboard with some of the locals who are only too happy to help.

Wickets were shared around in the end as Methodist High School didn't reach the target but batted out their 20 overs. They ended on 8/85 leaving Barker the victors in notching up their first tour victory. Pick of the bowlers was Ben R with 2/5. Tyler picked up 2, Max got 2 (unlucky not to get 3 thanks to Ryan who had a micro sleep at second slip), Seb with 1 and Oscar with 1.

 At the hotel that night, we had a team dinner to celebrate, and as luck would have it (for those who love gluten anyway...) it was Italian Night - pizza, pasta and no risotto. Coach Thomlinson shouted the players a glass bottled Coke for a job well done today and all were in bed by 10pm.

Travelling Headmaster making a presentation to the opposition coaches.

A great day was had by all.

 A good day.