Rugby players and ACC show mettle on cricket field
His decisions on this occasion were based on who was batting, who was bowling and how he was feeling when a decision had to be made.
ON Sunday, 20 December Toti Rugby Club first team played against Amanzimtoti Cricket Club (ACC) first team in a T20 cricket match.
The game was the brainchild of chairman of Toti Rugby Club, Cliffy Uppink and a few other misguided rugby players.
The non-existent toss was done at 9.30am and ACC elected to bat. After a couple of overs of good bowling and fielding, it dawned on the cricketers that rugby players were not on the field simply to make up numbers.
The team of choice can indeed play cricket almost as well as they play rugby. A hurried re-calculation and a change of strategy saw the cricket team reach 160/6 after their 20 overs. The umpire was the esteemed Colin Jones, whose exploits in the premier league are legendary.
His decisions on this occasion were based on who was batting, who was bowling and how he was feeling when a decision had to be made. Not for one second is anyone suggesting he favoured a particular team; but he definitely did confuse the scorer and players several times. Well done Colin on a great job.
At break between innings Cliffy was overheard asking his team to make sure they tested the cricketer’s ability to hold their breath while diving for balls in the river. In the first few overs his smile said it all (you will be swimming shortly).
Lo and behold, the cricketers woke up just in time to stop any form of river expedition and the game was well and truly on during the last few overs. Team Rugby scored an impressive 81/2 off their first 10 overs, and were all out for a creditable 127.
Having averted an inglorious defeat to the rugby boys, the cricketers were full of confidence going into the fines meeting. Only after some heavy resistance did they succumb to the rugby players better song selection, and their envious ability to make beverages disappear like magic. It is amazing that two teams whose sporting codes are so different, could come together and have a full day of entertainment and fun while remaining highly competitive.
Long may this particular fixture last. For the record, there is absolutely no truth in the rumour that ACC has challenged the rugby club to a rugby match. This especially after a request from the cricketers wives and girlfriends, that the rugby team play without shirts.
