CRICKET – The Reza Hygiene Awali Camels wrapped up their 30th anniversary tour in South Wales with a narrow six-run defeat to Panthers CC at the Cowbridge CC cricket ground.
Just seven Camels made it for their finale, as injuries, logistics issues, and work commitments had all taken their toll. Fortunately, the Panthers had been informed and four guest appearances were arranged. Of these, Clare Janczewski was the outstanding star. The well-deserved recipient of the fielding award from co-sponsors Bahrain Rugby Football Club (BRFC), Janczewski displayed brave and flawless fielding, which was the highlight on a tough day for the bruised and battered tourists after five gruelling games in five days.
Still, these Camels are made of stern stuff. Opening the bowling was the experienced pair of Steve Turner and Dave Starkie – a combined age of 146 years. Facing them, with a combined age of 30 years, were the talented twins of Seb and Isobel Thorndike, Glamorgan Cricket Pathway’s rising stars. The pair started in true Bazball style, carting the ball to all corners. Gradually, the aging attack managed to slow the run-rate down from 10 an over down to a little over six. Starkie then struck an outswinger which cut back viciously. Seb was back in the pavilion for 42.
With the departure of Isobel (50 retired), the run-rate was slowed by accurate spells from Dylan Janczewski and Dan Viles – the latter claiming a neat wicket caught behind by Charles Forward. A tough and intriguing battle ensued. Wickets fell to Guy Parker and Fergus Shaw, but runs there were aplenty, the ball being fished out of several gardens adjoining the ground. The Camels missed their ‘red-wall’ of BRFC fielding specialists, Cobus Grierson and Herman Wagner, who, had they been there, would surely have saved a packet of runs.
To rounds of applause from a sizeable and appreciative crowd, Martin Saunders bowled the last over of the tour – a would-have-been wicket maiden, but for a wide.
Needing 192 for victory at just over six an over, the Camels started carefully. Facing accurate bowling from all the Panthers attack, Parker and Saunders scraped through before Saunders (14) attempted yet another daring glide to the third man and missed it.
The incoming Viles now stamped his authority on the proceedings, cracking 46 runs at more than a run a ball. Just missing out on his half-ton, he fell to a blinding catch by Ela Closs – a match-turning moment.
The responsibility for maintaining the run-rate fell now to Parker, who did not disappoint against fine swing-and-spin bowling until yorked by Seb for 43.
Janczewski and Shaw now shared a valuable partnership slowed only by remarkably good Panthers fielding and astute field-placing by skipper Isobel. The departure of Janczewski brought her son Dylan to the crease.
The asking rate climbed to more than 10 an over, but somehow the pair of Janczewski and Shaw brought the game to its climax.
Eighteen was needed off the final over, and two flashing fours were posted by Dylan, including two singles and a double. Now just a six was needed off the last ball for a tie, but the fairy-tale end did not happen.
The delighted and relieved Panthers cheered the Camels batters off while the crowd cheered both teams and the joy of cricket.
The victory now stands in the Panthers’ annals as one of their greatest ever. The Camels vowed to redress the balance the next time these two wonderful ambassadors of the game meet.
There is strong talk of the Camels touring the Garden of England. Kent cricketers will already be licking their lips at the prospect of some unforgettable cricket delights.
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