Crescent Cricket Club had an extraordinary weekend with remarkable performances from all their players, making heroes out of each team member. The junior player, Pankaj, (15 year boy with invisible wings) stood out among the seniors, demonstrating his skills and leading the way.
On 17th June, Crescent visited Perth DCC, where they won the toss and elected to bat first under the shining sun. The opening pair, Alex and Rajeevan, had a strong start, hinting at a potential score of 300. However, Rajeevan unfortunately got hit on the chest and rolled onto his wickets, departing early in the game. This put pressure on Crescent, but the batting unit showed responsibility and managed to post a commendable score of 192 in 45 overs. Despite feeling that the score was below par, Crescent’s pacers, Anjum, Ayush, and Kamal, kept the runs tight from the beginning. The fielding was praiseworthy, with Ali and Giby making diving saves to prevent boundaries. Arun covered the field boundary line exceptionally well, and Sujesh’s diving catch off Anjum’s fast bowling was a strong contender for the catch of the season. Captain Nathan, recognizing the swinging ball, introduced Rajeevan and Pankaj into the attack. Rajeevan’s mastery of swings earned him three wickets, while the 15-year-old Pankaj displayed high-flight leg spinners and took four wickets in quick succession, crushing Perth DCC’s hopes. The ever-vibrant Giby finished off Perth DCC’s batting innings by claiming a wicket for himself. Crescent secured a convincing 80 odd-run victory in this match.
Simultaneously, Crescent’s Grades team played against last year’s champions, Knight Riders, at Groats Road in Aberdeen. Batting first, Crescent struggled to post a big score on the board, as the pitch favoured the bowlers. With just over 120 runs, Crescent faced a difficult task. However, the team showed great character under pressure. The bowling and fielding were well-controlled, causing troubles for Knight Riders’ batsmen. Although some claim that a few official decisions in favour of Crescent could have made it a close game, Crescent can be proud of their efforts against the reigning champions. Captain Ankush expressed his pride in the team and believes that winning games is just around the corner.
On Sunday, 18th June, Crescent played their second round of the Challenge Cup against Northern Counties from Inverness. Crescent won the toss and chose to bat first on a warm and sunny day. Alex and Rajeevan opened the innings, with the reliable Rajeevan hitting boundaries all over the park. However, a miscommunication between the openers led to Rajeevan’s run out, ending the partnership at 50 runs. Crescent found themselves in a similar situation as the previous match against Perth. At this point, all Crescent players had to contribute to achieving a respectable score. Despite the brilliant bowling and fielding display from Northern Counties, Crescent managed to reach 162 all out in the 39th over. Realizing the stakes, Crescent’s bowling attack was switched on from the first ball. Northern Counties started well in the first 15 overs, maintaining the run rate but losing three early wickets to Kamal, Rajeevan, and Dave. To control the run rate, Captain Nathan turned to the youngest player, Pankaj, who performed exceptionally well. Pankaj made the ball fly and spin slowly like it had wings, keeping the run rate in check and taking four crucial wickets (three bowled and one LBW). Crescent won the match by around 40 runs in a great low-scoring game with see-saw scenarios,.