Milwaukee Regal Cricket League - Reflections : 2015 Regal League - Stage set for crackers over the coming weeks

Season had reached the defining moments of the league, particularly for the three teams vying for the coveted fourth spot. Although the top three spots are more or less settled between Tigers, MCC and Warriors, there is major tug of war between Lions, Knights and United for the fourth spot. If anything to go by what we saw last weekend, the coming games are going to absolutely crackers, sometimes do-or-die games for these teams.

The three games last weekend were all wonderful and heightened the anxiety for the fourt spot. The crucial game was the one between United and Knights, where United showed that they still have it in them. I was fortunate to be umpiring that game, which at one stage looked as though it will be a facile win for Knights after a truly brilliant all-round performance by Kabir. But, within no time, the one and only Arvind Manjagowda changed the complexion of the game with his caviler and yet idyllic shots all around the park. A few words on those games.

United beats Knights, thanks to brilliant Arvind M with great support from Aman

Despite a brilliant all round performance by Kabir Hussain (77 n.o and three wickets), United coasted to an easy win thanks to a brilliant partnership by our mercurial Arvind ManjeGowda (50+) and Aman. Congrats United for showing that you guys have it in you despite going through a lot of transition in your team composition
Kabir A

Aman

Arvind M

MCC beats Warriors, thanks to yet another team performance

MCC 175/6 is 20 overs, thanks to Avinash (50), Rehan (54) and Adriel (25). Warriors were all out for 117 in 19.2 overs. Don't have much details from the game. Although Warriors are in a good spot, they have to win atleast one of their remaining games to ensure that play-off berth.

Tigers beat Lions, thanks to the brilliance of Modi and consistent Sanketh

Tigers beat Lions by 4 wickets, chasing 135 in 16 overs.

Put into bat, Lions made 134 for 8 in 20 overs. Ruvindra Perera made another 25+ inclusive of a wonderful sixer. Anil Ojha made 16 while the key contribution was a wonderful 34 runs in 34 balls by Ranjuna Weerasekera, who kept the innings together and ensured a decent total. Considering that the outfield was wet, the score was decent enough although another ten runs would have been better. Tigers bowling was good with good spells from Rizwan, Manvinder and others.

Ranjuna

The match was truly won by an exceptional innings from Swapnil Modi, who scored 40 runs in 24 balls with two majestic sixers over wide mid-on. Amazing timing and was a treat to watch. He was given great support by Sanket, who continued his merry way against Lions (he won the last match, carrying his bat through with a 50+ not out). Sanket scored 40+ and by the time he got out, the game was already in the pocket. Although Chamika Wijenayake bowled a brilliant spell of fast bowling, taking two wickets both caught behind through sheer pace, it came too late. Mayanta was his usual stuff, picking two wickets as well. Although rest of the Lions bowlers were ok, they gave too much width to Swapnil Modi to free his arms in the first few overs, which virtually sealed the game. Couple of brilliant catches; one by Ruchira Tharindu Kumarasinghe who virtually plucked the ball out of thin air, fielding at square leg to get rid of the hapless Radhe. Anil, keeping the wickets took an exceptional catch in front of first slip off the bowling of Chamika Wijenayake. Great umpiring by Sunny, who kept emotions in check throughout the game.