BAHRAIN’S Awali Camels were hosted by the powerful Bangor Cricket Club in the first game of their North Wales tour.
The ground and setting were perfect, the weather dry, cool and blustery, despite the rest of Wales being saturated after days of continuous downpours.
Fielding most of last summer’s stars of the triumphant six wins from six games in Bristol and Bath, the tourists thought this one would be a pushover. A feeling not diminished by a remarkable opening spell from veteran Dave Starkie whose five-over spell brought him four quick wickets, including that of club professional ‘Frankie’ Franco.
The South African danger man decided, first ball, to launch Starkie’s delivery into outer space. When the ball eventually descended, it was the ever-dependable Huw Caffrey who pouched it. In deep trouble at five down for 22 – the fifth wicket resulting from a brute of a delivery from paceman Dan Viles – stubborn partnerships from the youthful lower order edged the score beyond 50.
Change bowlers Fergus Shaw, Martin Saunders and Caffrey picked up wickets regularly, and Dave Hilton, off his shorter run, brought the innings to a close with two fine deliveries.
What had become obvious was that the wicket was not batter-friendly. Not one batter had appeared comfortable on a spiteful wicket. That notwithstanding, the experienced Camel bowlers had exploited the conditions superbly and set up what appeared to be an easy chase.
Deeming that old heads would work out how to negotiate the tricky track, skipper Charles Forward sent in evergreens Paul Baker and Guy Parker. Almost immediately it became clear that 72 was actually not that easy a target.
Off-spinner Franco quickly dismissed Baker and Caffrey with his deceptive quicker ball. At the other end, Dave Mason mysteriously left a straight ball from speedster ‘Desperate’ Dan, losing his off-stump in the process.
With three wickets down for just six runs, that sinking feeling was creeping into the tourists’ camp. Very slowly and carefully, Parker and new batter Viles inched the score up to 35 off 20 overs before Viles somehow missed a shooter.
Apart from one stunning, running catch, all-rounder Tom Wooding had had a very quiet match so far. This changed as he and Parker quietly nudged the score towards the target with quick singles and astute shot placement.
Finally, with just 20 needed to win, the batters relaxed. A flurry of fours, loudly applauded by the sizeable crowd, brought the game to a sudden and satisfying end.
The Bangor cricket aficionados were greatly entertained by the Camels post-match rituals and presentations, and the proceedings ended with the Bangor president inviting the Camels to return and giving them the freedom of the club. He also offered to bring his team to Bahrain for a ‘revenge’ game. Watch out Awali!
Scores: Bangor CC 72 all out in 27 overs
Awali Camels 75 for 4 in 26.1 overs
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