The first game of the 2025 season saw the maiden appearance of the new Dodgers branded kit, thanks to the exceptional work of Satya over the closed season - hence the fashion parade in the photographs below. The cricket was a mixed bag by comparison, largely because we started considerably after 6pm and the Dragons insisted on attempting a full tournament of 20 overs each, which was never going to be possible on an April evening quite so far north of the equator.
The Dodgers innings started ominously, with both Charlie and Jack falling to some excellent bowling in the first over without troubling the scorers. Dave, Mike and Brendan stopped the rot with some lusty hitting before Satya and Will formed a scintillating partnership together, each retiring unbeaten (and in Satya's case, with two spectacular sixes to boot). Matt and Abhi maintained the intensity, the latter being replaced by Captain Ralph after being run out unselfishly at the end, and we finished with a commendable total of 129 for 6 off our 20 overs - far better than we could have expected at 37 for 4 from our first 10.
By the time we took the field, the light was already fading fast. Abhi and Jack bowled well but the Kai openers were aware they had to score quickly if they were to have any chance of chasing down our total, and hit out with a will. Wickets began to tumble, however, with Abhi bagging a brace, Jack one and Charlie taking three of his own when he came on at first change with Satya. By now the light had disappeared altogther and we played on in pitch darkness, until common sense prevailed and a draw was declared. The champagne moment in the field came with Abhi's one-handed catch in the deep off Charlie's bowling, taken over his head with all the nonchalance of a professional. All in all, a nice start to the season on a gloriously warm evening, with the hope of many more such to come.
Man of the Match votes: Satya 7, Will 2, Charlie 1, Ralph 1
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L to R: Captain Ralph, Charlie, Brendan, Jack and Will |
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Satya and Matt |
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Abhi and Mike |
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Our excellent new logo! |
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