August 21st, 2006
Striding to New Grounds (Part 1)
Las Vegas Cricket Club is gaining more exposure in the Las Vegas valley, as they become the first team ever to get community recognition. A recent article published in the Henderson bi-weekly newspaper made front page in the sports section. The one-page column explained the diversity in the club and featured a few players who are making strides in the team. The club hopes to gain members who are interested in the both leisure and competitive aspect of the sport.
Road Trip – Are we Back Yet?
Las Vegas Cricket Club took a little road trip during the Fourth of July weekend to Salt Lake City, Utah where they played against Davis County Bombers and Salt Lake Cricket Union. The trial and tribulations of gathering a team on such short notice resulted in a setback for the team. Only six players from LVCC were able to participate in the road trip. LCRC were kind to donate three of their players who performed reasonably well.
Match 1: Davis County CC versus Las Vegas Cricket Club
The team departed from Vegas at mid-morning and arrived in Salt Lake City, UT in record five and half-hours. Most of the players did not get any rest from the night before and showed signs of fatigue on the field. Upon arrival, the Davis County CC welcomed the visitors. Avi, the captain, won the toss and decided to bat first. The pitch condition was seaming and quick, making it difficult for the batsmen.
Ankit and Lenin opened for the Xpress and showed good form. Luck did not favor the Xpress as they lost quick wickets in the morning session. Ankit was the first to get out as he fell victim to a direct hit. Lenin stood ground and showed excellent technique with the bat despite the fatigue. A miscued shot ended his innings making way for the captain. Jahangir and Avi put on an excellent display of great batting as they put on a 60 plus runs partnership.
Jahangir’s wicket proved to create a chain reaction as the Xpress lost quick wickets in the span of seven overs. Fatigue played a big role in the collapse as the middle-order failed to produce good shots. Despite the collapse, the Xpress managed to post 115 runs in 24.1 overs. Avi was the lone ranger who stood solid and remained not out scoring 42 runs.
The Xpress started strong in their bowling attack. The Bombers showed signs of weak batting as they could not score many runs off the bat in the early spell. Despite the strong bowling attack, the Xpress did not help their cause as extras eased the chase for the Bombers. Series of overthrows, dropped catches and wides caused some frustration; however, sub-standard umpiring by the hosts gave a different impression for the visiting team. The Bombers were struggling to reach the posted target and therefore the umpires hesitated to give several plumb leg-before wickets in the process.
LVCC showed great heart despite carrying a half-strength team with only 9 players at their disposal. At the end of the day, they felt robbed of their victory and were hoping to see some justice the following day as they geared up to play Salt Lake Cricket Union.
Submitted by: Adnan Khawaja