Team Photo before the first game versus Sri Lankan Rotarians at Wesley College.
The reverse view of a fine body of men, resplendent in tour shirts. I was the 146th player to grace a London Saints team.
Gilly and Reggie Shark full of optimism before battle commences.
London Saints Captain Dave Thomas bowls the first ball of the tour. Optimism fell away as it was stroked most classically to the boundary and we knew we had a long, hot day ahead of us in the field.
Despite the 30 degree heat, there's no holding back our Claypole who first 16 balls conceded no runs and took one wicket. Somehow he even manages to bowl 5 overs in a row. Figures of 1-40 for Phil was rough justice perhaps for his efforts.
The Skipper "El Duce", keeps plugging away bravely. The Rotarians were pretty tasty with the bat, the opener believed to have played one Test match. Thankfully the 35 and retire rule kept them down to only 279-5 from their allotted 35 overs.
So with a glory run-chase ahead of us, LSSC opening pair Kumar and the "White Viv" stroll out to bat.
Wearing a helmet not a good idea as I felt my brains begin to fry!
My contribution to our cause was a very scratchy 3 before being bowled! Done for by a horrible leg side heave to a spinner - no surprise there eh!
Phil starts out solidy in his innings, hoping to wag the Saints tail....
Unfortunantly Claypole's demise captured on camera (oops sorry, I did it again) as he bottom edges onto his stumps for a duck.
The final wicket pair - the skipper and the Wheelie Bin, John, put up stout resistance.
John "Wheelie Bin" Griffiths finished top Saints bat on the day with 18 n.o. as LSSC are all out for 87. A narrow defeat in the end by 192 runs. Perhaps it would take us a bit to adjust to the local conditions, ahem! Adjusting to the local booze was no problem though.