Day 9 - Game 4 vs Nalanda College (Win No. 3)

Things are heating up in Colombo

Best night’s sleep on tour. That’s how some described it. Though not everyone was gifted with a ‘pillow menu’ upon arrival. Other tourists (not mentioning names, but regular readers of this blog will know who I’m describing) failed to mention to the coaches that his room had not credited him with a bed at 5pm when we arrived. Instead he thought the mind reading course that all staff go through when employed by Barker would come into play.

I'm definitely a contour sort of guy.

The tour’s best dinner was followed by an exceptional brekkie, then off to Nalanda College – famous past students include Denagamage Praboth Mahela de Silva Jayawardene, or just Mahela to his mates. He was the first Sri Lankan batsmen to score 10,000 test runs. Asking our loyal spectators, the school was a little difficult to find. The coaches were a little worried when Damindah took us down the wrong way of a one-way street. At the end though, a lovely large green oval greeted us with some reasonable batting nets. With storms forecast in the afternoon, administrators decided that a 9:30am start for a 45 over game was in order.

For some, it wasn't hot enough. So a stint inside the scoreboard helped shed those annoying last few pounds.

Skippers Dan and Jack won the toss and decided it was advantageous to set a target for our friendly hosts. In-form batter Jenson was joined by a newly declared “genuine all-rounder”, Alex Veivers. The first ball was dispatched for 4 by Jenson and all and sundry thought that today would see another feast of runs. The second over saw a handy left arm quick start working away and he soon had Big Al trapped in front for a goose egg. Luke came in at 3 and the two 10A’s players seemed to gel putting together a handy partnership, taking us to 50. Then the left hand opener seemed to get quicker despite the 34 degree / 80% humidity we were playing in. He had both Jenson and Skipper Dan caught and Barker were 3/50. The opposition spinners came on and some resistance was shown but Campbell and Skipper Jack were both dismissed for 6, and then Harry for 2. The collapse was unfortunate given the amazing ‘hometown’ support that attended the game.

Luke and Justus were definitely happy to see some familiar faces.

Dr. Merven on one of his many trips to the middle for bandages, drinks and even occasionally, history facts.

Luke was the rock of the Reds’ innings and began to craft a reasonable knock until a ball that spun caught his leading edge and he was out for 30. A new rock was needed, so Ben (or how he is now known, Brandy) put his hand up. From the outset he played a simple game; block the good ball, absolutely hammer the loose ball. Ben R hit seven 4’s and a glorious 6 to craft an even 50 and be the last wicket out at 171. That innings could not have been possible if not for Max, who with Ben R put on a 10^th wicket partnership of 63 to allow the Reds to bowl at a reasonable target.

Max and Ben R walking off after a 63 run 10th wicket partnership and providing the Reds with a chance for victory.

Traditional chicken, pasta and rice for lunch allowed to troops to recharge and hear the message that bowling in the corridor also needed to be on the menu today. Last game’s 48 wides couldn’t be repeated. Dan and Alex started miserly enough, but the heat was getting to the quick bowlers. Oscar and Tyler followed, but their opening bats were proving stubborn to remove. The brains trust decided that taking the pace off the ball might prove beneficial. Seb started miserly and began throwing the ball up and it brought success with Nalanda losing their first wicket at 66. Ten minutes later, Seb bowled the other opener through the gate and it was 2/73 – game on!

Their number 3 looked to up the tempo, but a brilliant catch behind the stumps by Jack made it 3/83. Ben R re-entered the game after a stint off the field and he provided a game within the game – pick up sticks – 4/107 and the game was in the balance. Dan threw himself the ball and it proved successful. Add to that two fantastic run outs to Seb and Luke and the travelling Headmaster was giving the thumbs up. From there, the Reds always though they had it in the bag. Another wicket each to Dan (2/28), Seb (4/23) and Ben R (2/19) and the Reds had triumphed in a fantastic game. A jovial post match celebration and the tourists waltzed (you get it – ¾ time – 3 wins from 4 games – ahhh, don’t worry….) back to the hotel rather happy with their efforts.

Barker and Nalanda - What a game!

Skipper Dan makes the post game presentations.

Recovery swims are always better when you win, and todays was no exception. The only worry for the coaches was their ability to get ahead of Ben S in the sushi line at dinner – and again, success. Little did we know he had some pre-dinner sushi at 6pm. A good night’s sleep on a contour pillow after a hot day should prove fruitful for tomorrow’s adventures.

View from the hotel window - the locals will have a hit at any opportunity.

Just a quick bite to get us through to dinner - Can't wait to see the room tab tomorrow at check out...