Every sport has its pre-season classic, the fixture that sets the tone for the season to come. At ACC, for time immemorial, it has been the friendly fixture between ACC3 and ACC4 but sadly this fixture is no more, it has been confined to the annals of cricket legends. Out of the ashes of this fixture, however, a new phoenix has arisen and the traditional curtain raiser is now a game between ACC4 and ACC5. To add a little extra spice these two teams will be pitting their wits against each other in fourth class this year.
For Old MacDonald the day started very early because his son Sean Walsh (aka Chip) was making his debut in hard ball cricket for the ACC U-11 team vs Rood & Wit. Chip made a very useful contribution of 15 not out and a run out to his team’s victory in the morning fixture. While Old Macdonald had to endure a severe lesson in youth team support from the U-11 team leader, non other than Bas v/d Heijde.

So by the time the main event was scheduled to start, the youth game had just finished, ACC4 (formerly ACC3), led by the very capable Abid Malik, were all present and correct but where were ACC5 (formerly ACC4)? The answer, of course, was that they were all on their way and as the kids were finishing their lunch lots of new cricketers, from both teams, were getting to know each other. There were some colourful and larger than life characters like TJ and Aussie Bob (who is actually a Kiwi called Richard – welcome to the slightly perverse world of ACC5 Richard!) and some old favourites in the form of Umer, Zeddy, Inder and Marvin.

Abid, somewhat unsure of his new line-up, surrendered the toss and Old Macdonald accepted the offer to bat first. Highlights of the ACC5 innings were, a solid partnership between Bert & Ernie, who made the ACC4 attack look like an episode of the Muppets. There was a cameo by Marvulus Marvin resulting in 30 not out, at which point he had to retire. A similar score was almost reached by Big Lad who just fell short of the said retirement score. Finally there was the sight of the tail wagging with Alex (the big money signing from Ajax!!) and Aussie Bob ably supported by the aforementioned Sean Walsh playing his second game of the day. The innings was closed by the Old King Macdonald and a score of 148 off 30 overs was posted. Special mention should go to Rick, a member of the Old Brigade, who umpired the entire 30 overs and singled out Abid as a bowler of some potential while at the other end Saquib’s loopy leg-spin caused some problems.

Following lunch, prepared by Ira (thanks babe;)), it was time to see if this new look ACC4  could gain revenge for their loss last year as ACC 3.  Very soon it was obvious that the cricket season had started because Richard Matchett, or Big Lad as he is affectionately known, was hurling abuse (or was it advice) about what exactly constituted a no-ball to Abid, who soon retired from his umpiring duties. First blood to the new ACC5, then following a sharp run out by Marvulus and a superb diving effort for a very sharp chance at point by Frankie, ACC4 could not doubt the fact that they were in a competitive match which was destined to go right down to the wire. Good batting efforts from Zeddy, Inder (30 not out – retired) and Sanjay (30 not out – retired) meant that by drinks, after 15 overs, Abid incurred the wrath of Old Macdonald by declaring that the match was a good as won with ACC4 having scored 85.

DO NOT SELL THE SKIN UNTIL YOU HAVE SHOT THE BEAR!!!!!!!!

With some excellent bowling efforts resulting in significant wickets from Rob, our loopy off-spiner and Alex, as well as some inspired field placings from the Old King, we then had the take home moment of the game. Sean Walsh, the chip off the old block, steamed in and ripped all three stumps out of the ground and TJ will never again underestimate a ten year old’s bowling. Sean ran to his Dad and an unforgettable father and son moment was enjoyed by everyone watching, there was not a dry eye in the crowd!

With three overs left, ACC4 needed 15 runs, then 10 runs off two overs and then 7 runs off the last over. Credit to Ali and Imran for seeing the new fourth team home by running a bye off the last ball and ACC4 had won by one run.

An excellent game enjoyed by everyone who played and everyone who watched. This was not a friendly game, it was a high octane competitive match played by friends.

Good Luck to both teams for the coming season!!!!!

The Old King