Newsletter July 2010
It early July, and the club has found wins hard to come by – certainly compared the recent years of plenty. The seniors have won only 3 games and lost 14. For the juniors, competing a first year in the U13 and U15 age groups, have not fared better. However, all is not doom and gloom. The Arcadians have shown some grit and determination. The batting is starting to click and the catches are starting to be taken. We have also had the yearly intermezzo of the UK tour.
Click here to read about (and hear) the vuvuzela-fuelled fun.
Back in Belgium, if we turn firstly the First XI, the important League win against Optimists at home should have sparked a recovery, following the miserable derby loss to GCC. It didn’t. We were back to poor form versus Antwerp and were duly beaten. Next up Ostend Exiles under glorious skies and +30°C. And it all started so well, the club amassed a very healthy 275. Unfortunately, Exiles played sensibly and tracked the score down with wickets in hand.
For the Blues, we have lost both of the League games, but have produced solid performances in the defeats to Brussels and Antwerp Indians. These displays bode well, and led by 66* from Balvir Singh, the third game against the U17 Development side marked the first league success.
For the seniors’ cricket, it is high time that we take responsibility and put in some better performances. Ours is a talented bunch of players, but we have lacked the necessary application in many matches so far this season. Now is the time to turn the tide. Three league games still have to be played, and at least two victories are needed to keep Arcadians in Division 2. The next game is the derby against neighbours leaders GCC on 10 July. Captain Wasantha Medagoda is also stepping down and André Wagener will take over the captaincy for the remainder of the season.
And finally to our future stars. Although our U13s and U15s have yet to register a win this season, there are really positive signs of evolution, losing the game against Brussels (with several national team players) by the smallest of margins, and last week beating new team Meise Wolverines convincingly. The bowling is a lot tighter (hence less costly wides), players are valuing their wickets and fielding has leap-frogged as our boys and girl realise the importance of stopping runs, taking catches and running people out. They too are taking their responsibility! Thanks to all coaches and off-field staff for the continued growth.
Doe Aan Sport Beurs Ghent was held on the 24th, 25th and 28th of June in Flanders Expo. An estimated 7,000 school children tried their hand at over 60 different sports - cricket proving to be a very popular one. A special thanks to Marianne, Martin and Charles, with the support of Erik (KNCB), Fazil, Manish and Ajaypal (GCC) for making this work so well. Undoutebly worth the effort, it should glean the club some future stars of tomorrow.
Coming up: the important First XI derby game versus GCC, the club day and more… for more check the website.