May 16th, 2006
Fouling Away to Limbo Land
Six runs required off six balls. This is the moment of glory that every bowler desires. One would hope for luck to be on their side, but it isn't, as the umpire on the opposing team do not want you to succeed. The opposing umpire resorts to foul play to frustrate you and the end result is your team losing a crucial match and series. Hurt and disgusted, you go and discuss the issue in civility, but the answer you get is "the umpire decision is final." The rage inside wants to cause harm to the umpire, but the captain tames you down and tells you to hold off the anger till the next game.
Foul play seems to be a common problem with teams that cannot arrange for neutral umpires during league matches or lenghty series as it costs an arm and a leg just to have someone adjudicate a game for 7 hours. If each team paid an hourly wage to umpires, it would definitely create a new part-time position which I am sure a lot would be interested in. This novel concept will hopefully add to the creation of extra jobs in a crisis-sticken economy resulting in the reduction of the percent joblessness in this state.
Game 2 will be rememberd as the day of foul play by the umpires. The bowlers conceded a little over 36 wides where at least 40% of the wides were deemed unneccessary. Calling a wide ball on the line is definitely something that the Xpress bowlers have to protest against the opponents in Game 3, that is, if the scenario were to occur. Granted the length was not so controlled, still a level of fairness is required to have a decent series.
The Xpress are now 3-1 since the reorganization. Despite the loss, the morale of the players is at an all-time high for the upcoming game this Sunday. The management have their line-up prepared and are confident to win in order gain an upper hand in this crucial series. After the series, the team is hoping to pack their gears and tour to neighboring states for some friendly matches. Exposure is the main theme for the team and hopefully it will be achieved before the start of the fall season.
Submitted by: Adnan Khawaja