Southern hospitality

When the Pilgrims arrived at the Dunsborough Cricket Club on a sterling Friday afternoon, there were three large eskys waiting to be filled with ERDINGER refreshments and a dozen bags of ice. This “cool” welcome was just what the Pilgrims wanted, and from then on, the DCC players and members made the Pilgrims feel very welcome indeed.

As Cam M., the DCC captain, said after the game, “Cricket was the winner.” It certainly was. But it is the opinion of this scribe, and I’m certain the Pilgrims will agree, that “community” was the true winner. Not only had DCC prepared a sublime turf wicket, but plenty of locals came out to support the spectacle and throw back some German beers. There was a barbecue with burgers and sausages. There was a digital scoreboard, shedding light on the score when the sun went down. There was music. There were tents. Kids played. Dogs ran around. Another cricket game got going on the adjacent field, with players in shorts, some running around barefoot and fielding positions marked by bottles. People circling the oval stopped to watch. It was just a wonderful community atmosphere all around.

While the match had a smattering of good performances and quality play, and was enjoyed by all the players involved, it seemed somehow secondary to the event itself: the community of Dunsborough doling out the hospitality to a visiting cricket team from as far away as Germany. When the afternoon turned to evening and the shadows crept further across the ground, adding a bit of a chill to the air, the warm atmosphere never abated. And by the end, the eskys were just about empty.

Before the match, the Pilgrims were presented with a quandary absent from the previous four matches. With a squad of 14 (semi-fit) players, two needed to sit out. After some discussion and horse-trading, Dev and Ankit very kindly raised their hands. Ankit went further, by umpiring the whole match, suitably dressed in a golden tour shirt and his club blazer, while Dev assisted with scoring and drinks, and was the team’s number one fan. Full credit to both of these fine Pilgrims.

I guess we need some details of the match, after all. The Pilgrims bowled first. Like all pitches in Australia, the Dunsborough deck is laid north-south, which meant one bowler has to toil into the wind. Bipin (with the wind) and Su (into the wind) opened proceedings, with Bipin (1/33) snatching a wicket in his first over. But the DCC batters were well-equipped and runs started to flow. Gary (18*) and Tom (29*) were both retired. Johann (1/14) snagged a wicket. Then Abhik took the ball and bowled a fantastic second spell into the wind, castling three of the able batters (4-0-17-3).

After that, the Pilgrims seemed to be running on tired legs, as numerous catches were dropped by almost everyone, fielders stood in no-man’s land, and the bowling was punished. Chris (46*), Darcy (32*) and Michael (24*) all got into the plundering, as DCC finished with 5/209 off 25 overs. Both teams received warm applause as they left the field for the innings break.

DCC started their innings with some fine fast bowling and a West Indies style field setting with three slips and a gully. Anthony, Darcy and Tom all took wickets as the Pilgrims were reduced to 3/7. But then, something took everyone by surprise. Mithun and Jasveer joined forces for the best partnership (and batting) of the tour so far. They faced down the fiery fast bowlers and took it right to them, combining for 76 runs in 9 overs, to resuscitate the Pilgrims and entertain the crowd. Mithun (47) was cavalier and swashbuckling, while Jasveer (46) was disciplined and controlled. Both fully deserved to make 50, and everyone was disappointed when both fell just short.

With those two gone (sent off to handshakes and appreciative applause), the Pilgrims rearguard ended. Cam (25) threatened to contribute, but was bowled around his legs by a peach from leg-spinner Tim. The Pilgrims again batted out the overs, finishing 9/154, with Moritz (2*) and his son Johann (1*, a celebrated first run down untder) still at the crease.

As with previous games on this tour, the Pilgrims showed that they can certainly match it with their opponents, if only for patches and not the entire game.

A large crowd gathered to clap the players off and participate in the presentations. As the best batter, Chris received a Pilgrims baggy cap. Mohan, the best bowler, got the match ball. Umpire Simon eagerly donned a golden Pilgrims tour shirt. For his amazing organisational work and leading the way with hospitality, Cam M. was awarded a copy of Quintus Huntley: Botany from Royce Leville.

The grill was fired up, enabling players and spectators to enjoy hamburgers. A cake was brought out by Alan and Anne Jefferys for birthday-boy Moritz (60*) and everyone sang Happy Birthday. A few Pilgrims players wandered out onto the dark oval, to take in the glorious southern night sky. A sparkling end to a sparkling day.

Heligoland Pilgrims: Chris (c), Dan (vc), Abhik, Bipin, Cam, David (wk 2), Jasveer, Johann, Mithun (wk 1), Moritz, Stewart, Su

DCC XI: Cam (c), Anthony, Ben, Chris, Darcy C., Darcy H., Gary, Michael, Mohan, Tim, Tom O., Tom R.

Scorers: Paul

Umpires: Simon, Ankit

Report: Royce Leville

Photography: