Hong Kong Cricket Club

Regardless of its international reputation, the Hong Kong Cricket Club did not, and could not, exist on Interports and Friendly matches alone. Competitive league cricket is the backbone of the Club's day-to-day existence.

HKCC currently runs three teams in the domestic Saturday League competition and two teams in the Sunday League. Additionally, the Club provides teams in all junior league competitions (Under 13 to Under 19) and the HKCA Women's League.

The Cricket season runs from late September through to early May and Club team net practices are held under lights every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening starting from 6:30 p.m.. Ladies' team practices are held on Friday evenings.

HKCC also organises junior coaching programmes in association with Hong Kong Cricket Assocation throughout the year. For more details please click on The Gappers.

The Tony Gough Cup

Good Friday saw "The Return of the Veterans". Finally, after three years of missed opportunities, the Tony Gough Cup was arranged to be played at KCC.

Expectations were high, the sun was shining, and HKCC had more than a full side out to play. Captained by Miles and Gill, the stage was set, toss was won and KCC put into bat.

KCC, strengthened by their "old-timers", managed a total of 223 off the 35 overs, a total some thought too far, but judged by HKCC experienced Captaincy "as exactly the right total for a close winning game". Led from the front by KCC President Burji Shroff who managed to find Kieran in his effort to avoid Rodney.

Eames, Varty, Stearns and Bredbury all retired over 30 not out. Retired was the "pick of the bowlers" although Kieran competed with 2-278.

Razza 1-24 showing his old form, Higgs, Sabine and Walsh also bagged one a piece, but our opening strike bowler, the one and only Fastest Bowler in Asia, T.E. Smith, bowled magnificently with few runs and, unluckily, no wicket.

Thanks to Cockers who kept tidily all day.

HKCC set off solidly, led by Jones and Wilkins, to be followed by the stars, Sabine and Barrington, both retired. A cameo 33 N.O. by Hale in the middle and a well struck 22 from Lamplough were surrounded by others who "gave their wickets selflessly" in order to provide a startling finish.

Despite always being behind the Run Rate, Captain Miles manipulated his team, and the dismissals, to perfection in order to create a breathtaking finish.

Thanks to John Freeman, umpiring and playing, 3 overs nil for 14, and Tony Gough, a magical presence as umpire, and finally presenting his trophy to the Joint Victors of the day.

Yes Joint - it was a last ball four required to win a crackerjack finish with the crowd standing on seats and baying as a misfield gave Sabine and Hale a gut wrenching three to finish the game "tied" after James Barrington had nearly seen us home with a fantastic 45.

A special note to Doug Jones - as HKCC had lost more wickets, this counts as a genuine tie, natch.

Presentations made, thanks to all, particularly KCC, President Burji Shroff, and Rob Gill for organizing and hosting the food and drinks.

Next year's return is booked at HKCC, also on Good Friday!

NATHAN KING, a NZC Level III Coach and Development Manager of Otago Cricket in New Zealand will be working at the Club until 21st September 2009. Nathan has been involved in coaching Otago Age Group Teams for the past 8 years and has been the player / coach for the Albion Cricket Club for the past 4 years. Nathan is also a member of the Otago "A" Squad.

Nathan can be contacted as follows:

MOBILE: 3511 8695 / 9765 1910
Email : nathanking@hkcc.org

706 runs at 117.7 on Saturday and 533 runs at 66.6 on Sunday.

Please refer to Hong Kong Cricket Association - www.hkca.cricket.org