Last weekend saw yet another first for DWCC when two sides were fielded in two separate divisions in DSL X.
On Saturday, the 2ndXI opened its Division 3 season. With a. trip to the Malek Ovals in Ajman to take on a very strong Shahram side who, after winning toss, invited the Wanderers to bat first on a an extremely hot and humid morning. Added to these conditions was the slow nature of the pitch and an overly long outfield which meant run scoring was extremely difficult.
To their credit Ash Connick’s men stuck to the task manfully and posted a competitive total of 134, with contributions throughout the order with significant ones coming from Sid Jhurani, Caleb McLaren and Kushaan who all played fluently for their 20s.
With the ball, debutant Arif Khan (2-29) got his side off to a flyer talking two wickets in the first over and then when fellow opening bowler Ben Quirk (1-16) claimed the third to reduce Shahram to 27-3, the Wanderers’ score seemed even bigger.
However, a partnership of 63 then ensued before McLaren (1-13) struck with his left arm wrist spin to send some further wobbles in the Shahram dressing room and it took the much-fancied side until the 24th over to claim the victory.
A super committed effort from the Wanderers who, if a couple of catches had been taken, could have recorded a well-deserved victory.
Sunday saw the opening Division 2 fixture for the 1stXI against Z Games, a highly rated young side with an array of UAE talent amongst its ranks but, on this occasion, not enough as the Wanderers ran out winners by a huge margin of 143 runs.
Batting first, the Wanderers amassed a bit total of 223-7 from their 25 overs. Contributions from Jack Luffman (38), Brannon Varley (32) and skipper Dave Adams (18) formed a good base but a partnership of 90 between Ethan Dsouza (44) and debutant Salik Shah (57) sealed the daunting target. Both combined good running between the wickets in hot conditions, with well-placed stroke play with Shah in particular playing a couple of stylish lofted extra cover drives.
In reply, Z Games never really got to grips with the chase or the Wanderers bowling attack with Clint Berkenshaw (1-5) and Kamran Shaheen (1-31) in no mood to let the young guns off lightly. Upon finishing their opening spells Varley (2-23), Abdullah Kayani (3-8) on debut and 16 year old Kaviyan Elan (2-5) continued to exert pressure and bowled their opponents out for just 80 claiming the win and an additional bonus point. The bowlers were well supported in the field with three fine catches being taken by Shah and two excellent ones from Berkenshaw.
This weekend sees the 1stXI in action at the Sevens on Saturday afternoon (1pm start) against Sevens District while on Sunday afternoon (1pm start) at the same venue, the 2ndXI take on Samaa TV.
Brannon Varley claimed the DSL Division 2 Player of the Match award in the 1stXI's victory of Z Games on Sunday.
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