Crescent CC, 1st team in the SPCU League, embarked on a 2.5-hour journey to St.Modans on Saturday, 3rd June.
The visitors, batting first, faced a tough start and lost three early wickets. However, Shubham displayed great temperament and patience in the field, scoring his first 50 with solid support from Sohaib. Vineet, Kamal, and Anjum also contributed significantly to the score, taking the tally to 219 all out in the 43rd over.
St.Modans showcased their batting prowess and capitalized on dropped catches and mis-fielding from Crescent. Their exceptional running between the wickets, converting ones into twos, deserved applause. Crescent’s bowlers struggled to take wickets as they received little support from the fielders. Unfortunately, the visitors lost the match in the 43rd over, despite a promising performance in the final overs. It was an unexpected defeat but a valuable lesson learned.
The following day, 04th June with the left over body strength Crescent hosted Largo in the CS Challenge Cup at Brechin. This was the first meeting between these two teams, as their league match had been cancelled earlier in the season due to bad weather. Additionally, Crescent’s captain made a comeback after a three-week visit to India.
Largo won the toss and elected to field, leaving Crescent with no choice but to give their all after their disappointing performance at St.Modans in the league match. Regular opening pair started strongly with a partnership of 50 runs until Alex lost his wicket to a brilliant catch at point.
Crescent captain Nathan then joined Rajeevan, and together they forged a strong partnership of 104 runs. Rajeevan, in exceptional form, effortlessly scored a century, smashing several sixes and fours all over the park. Arun and Hari also contributed with a few runs, taking the total to 255 in 40 overs.
Largo began steadily, but soon faced a breakthrough as they lost wickets in quick succession, failing to establish a solid partnership. Credit must be given to Crescent’s bowlers, who quickly figured out how to handle Largo’s formidable batting lineup. Each bowler managed to take at least one wicket, with Arun and Dave both securing a brace. Largo was eventually bowled out for 191.
Crescent’s victory was well-deserved, and they demonstrated their resilience by bouncing back strongly from their previous defeat.