A minute’s applause was made and the bats lined up in tribute to Phillip Hughes before the start of Lanna CC’s match against United CC from Vietnam on Saturday. The match was played in a very good spirit and the two teams met up again later in the evening at UN Irish Bar to reflect on a wonderful match which saw the home side defend a total of 135 to win by two runs. Man of the match was Russell Ward on his debut for the club as he scored a controlled 29 when he opened the batting and then took three wickets for just two runs with his leg-spin as United were bowled out for 133.
Another notable performances came from Lanna captain Pete Warner who showed the virtue of years in the game by overcoming a sticky start to make an unbeaten 26 from 29 balls as 39 runs came from the last five overs. Russell Ward had batted very steadily but other batsmen had found a varied attack difficult to get away.
After another sumptuous cricket tea It looked like the home side were a few runs short of a good total as James blasted 33 from 21 balls before retiring so Lanna knew they would have to bowl out the opposition. Wickets fell regularly as Adam Green took 3 for 17 and Chairman Tom’s hypnotic lobs seemed almost unplayable at times.
Tanvir was one of three members of United CC (Chiang Mai) who were welcome additions to the touring team and he made 21 while Guy brought his side close to victory as he made 19 batting down the order but Russell was well rested after his batting exertions when he came on with 11 runs needed from 3 overs. First he had Burham caught at mid off as Paul Johnson took his third catch and in his next over he had Guy stumped and Mark Jones was brilliantly caught by Southend Pete to end the match.
The dangerous James had come back to the crease at the fall of the ninth wicket but he was left stranded without adding to his score and Lanna had won a memorable match by two runs and an enjoyable day was had by all as we reflected on the sad passing of Phillip Hughes.