Audit Commission v Carib Beer XI - 23rd June 2006 - Regents Park.

Although the Carib Beer XI can claim many firsts in our short history, this match again marked a first, in that this was our first official fixture against a proper cricket team that we didn't know beforehand, or wasn't composed of ringers dragged from Carib Cordey's previous employment. Initially bouyed by the oppositions concern that we had our own 'Carib Beer XI' team shirts, we were soon dashed to discover that virtually their entire team possessed their own whites, including their wicketkeeper who even had his own hat.

Our captain and Team Manager, Martin Haigh, correctly called the toss, and we decided to have a bat. Initially, progress was slow, hampered by what seemed some quite fearsome chin music reminiscant of the Jamaican attack of the 1980's. However, it soon became apparent that it was in fact the pitch that was more Sabina Park 1998 than the bowlers, and in another first for us, we were forced to, quite literally, up sticks and move across to another strip. The second strip proved to be a little easier to bat on, however it was never easy, and our progress again continued slowly as the batsmen showed their lack of confidence in the (early season) Regents Park wicket.

Luckily, the somewhat traumatised openers were out before the innings completely stalled, which after a quickfire Cordey 9, brought our Captain and Leader, Martin Haigh, to the crease. Martin played another of his composed captain's innings, starting slowly, but accellerating as his confidence grew, to retire with a fine run a ball 26. Contributions from Peter and Ringer Linch saw us close in on 100, but a sudden collapse, including a Mr Willis's first ball duck, a Mr William's second ball duck and a Glen Rayner fifth ball duck, pushed this out of our reach. However, we were able to eventually post a useful 93, which on the difficult surface, could have proven a tricky ask.

Initially, the Audit Commission began cautiously, with Carib Peter and Mr. Haigh bowling tightly, but without the vital breakthrough in the opening overs, they continued to keep up with the asking rate. Mr Haigh completed his four overs to take up position behind the stumps, from where he was able to direct proceedings in the field, without risk to his position as joint leader of the inaugural 'Carib Beer XI Monty Panesar fielding award'.

Although the Audit Commission openers were able to build a useful stand of around 40, they were never able to accellerate due to some fine fielding by the Caribs. In fact, it could have been their frustration with the quality of the outfielding that led both their number 2 and 3 to risk rash aerial shots, on both occassions prompting Carib Cordey to come charging in from mid on yelling the name of a northern bakery chain* to snaffle two fine catches.

Once their opener, and apparently premier batsman, B Taylor, was forced to retire on 25, their innings stumbled. A fine throw by Gordon Berry from at least 15 yards ran out J Bywell and the third bounce middle stump dismissal of Viljoen by Carib Rich, left the Caribs facing the prospect of a fine victory, as the Audit Commission began to fall behind the rate.

Eighteen runs were required from the final three overs, and scenting victory, Martin Haigh brought back Carib Peter. Unfortunately, the next two overs went for 5 each, leaving another 8 required from the final over. Some rather strict 'widing' by the umpiring saw this immediately reduced to 6. However, with the batsmen clearly ruffled, two sharp twos were followed by a suicidal run out, which officially ended the Audit Commission innings. But B. Taylor, previously retired on 25, came to the crease, and his two runs down to third man from the final ball of the match, the Audit Commission were able to secure a fine victory by a single wicket.

A match, that at the half way stage appeared out of reach, had been taken to the final ball, and could have gone either way. There were some useful contributions from members of both teams, and the Carib Beer XI can 'take some positives' from our fine display in the field. In fact, the 'Boucebackability' of the Carib Beer XI should stand us in good stead during the remainder of the season.