1-Aug-2009 - When it comes to CCL (Colorado Cricket League) rivalry, I don't think it gets any better than Colorado Springs Cricket Club (CSCC) against Coal Creek Cricket Club (CCCC). CCCC were definitely wanting a win so that they could be in the run for the Premier League Championship. At the same time, CSCC too has been trying to keep up its positive performance in the Premier League, and eventually secure its place as Premier League Champions for the 2009 season. Bottom line, it was an important game for both teams.

The rain gods have been good to Colorado this year during the July month, bringing in the much needed rain and moisture; And it was no different the previous Friday as the Longmont ground received its share of the rain that kept the outfield wet and the pitch a bit damp. After the umpires assessed the ground conditions, especially the bowler's run up and when enough saw dust was layed out, it was decided that the game would be a 37 over one.

Having won the toss and being aware of the ground conditions, CSCC decided that it would step in to bat. To the CSCC opening pair of Kervyn Dimney & Kalpesh Bhakta, the CSCC captain's message was "Do your best."

Facing Sunny Ramesh, Kervyn immediately dispatched him for a four on the second ball. Prashanth was the second CSCC bowler who was dispatched for 9 and 10 runs in his 2 over spell, before Venu was brought on to bowl the 6th over, who conceded 11 runs in his over. Trying to slow down the run rate, CCCC Captain Rohith Ramkumar brought himself on and bowled some very tidy overs not giving away too many runs in his spell.

At the end of the first break at 12 overs, CSCC were 84 for no loss. Trying to pick up the pace on scoring some runs, Kalpesh played a lofty shot that saw him cautiously being caught by Sunny Ramesh to bring CCCC the needed breakthrough. CSCC were now 84 for 1. The next men in, Akhil Pai, Narayan and Raymond did not last long enough either, and soon CSCC were 142 for 4. CCCC had their chance to get Kervyn caught on a couple of occassions, but were unable to hold on to the ball, and he capitalized on it.
With Rohith Shah coming in to bat, CSCC saw some rejuvination, that added 46 runs to the board with some good shots and running between wickets. It also brought about Kervyn's century to a dropped catch while at the other end Rohith Shah was declared LBW at 27.

Coming into bat at the near end of the penultimate over and with 188 on the board, Swadeep made it known to Kervyn that they had to cross the 200 mark. Rotating the strike well, the last over produced 15 runs that included 2 sixes, with Kervyn caught out on the long on fence of the last ball at 118 that were studded with 7 fours and 8 sixes. CSCC ended up with 208 for 6 on the board.

Rajesh Solanki was CCCC's successful bowler bagging 2 wickets, while Venu, Rohith (unlucky on a couple of occassions), Sam & Rama captured a wicket each.

CCCC had to come hard at CSCC if they wanted to have a chance at winning this game, which was immediately noticed in the shots that Rajesh Mosur was playing where he was punching the ball harder than usual, but the CSCC fielding didn't allow him the luxury. Without scoring a run, Cecil Sundar was back in the pavilion being caught by Narayan at short midwicket leaving CCCC reeling at 1 for 2 runs.
With Rohith Ramkumar walking in, we were expecting to see some fireworks, but unlucky for Rohith, the ball clipped his pad and went onto his stumps, sending him back disappointed to the pavilion. Even some of the CSCC players were disappointed to not see the CCCC & CCL-Cougars captian Rohith play longer and us be witness to some glorious shots. CCCC were now 2 for only 6 runs.

Sunny Ramesh came in to patch things up for CCCC and had a well hit 6 to his credit. Unable to play the inswinging delivery from Shashidher, Rajesh Mosur was shocked to see himself bowled over. Sunny Ramesh couldn't stick any longer and was caught by Akhil Pai on long-off of Abhay, bringing CCCC to 4 for 31, and to our first drinks break.

Having got the top order batsman out of the way, CSCC thought that the rest would crumble like dominos (no, not like the pizza we had for lunch..ha ha), but Tarun Godha & Rama Bharadwaj played really well for the CCCC cause and quickly put up a 46 run partnership before Tarun was declared LBW of Swadeep with a well made 25.

Needing nearly 10 runs or more per over, CCCC were still in the hunt. Rama continued his quest with some support from Jani & Solanki, and went on to make 57 runs when newcomer Gaurav Sharma who was very active in the field and saved quite a few runs for CSCC, caught Rama of Swadeep. With 156 for 9 on the board and inching towards 165, Raymond got rid of Venu and called it a day.

CSCC had their second convincing win over CCCC in the Premier League. For CSCC, the most productive bowler was Raymond Mascarenhas, who bagged three wickets, while Abhay, Shashidher & Swadeep bagged 2 wickets each; and together they did a wonderful job restricting CCCC's chase. Kervyn Dimney (118 runs) was declared the Man of the Match.

This century to Kervyn's account makes it his first for the 2009 season and his fifth one in total. He has the unique distinction of being the First CCL player to have reached 5 centuries, followed closely by Rajesh Mosur's four. Unknown to most, it was Kervyn's birthday, and what could have been a better present ?

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Colorado Cricket League