Rod Lyall 19:50
On an Arctic day, interspersed with patches of glorious sunshine, these two sides produced a tense match which went down to the wire. It was graced by two fine centuries and some good seam bowling, but in the end HCC were probably a bowler short. But it is Barresi’s match-winning hundred which will live in the memory. This is Rod Lyall, frozen to the marrow, saying goodbye from Craeyenhout.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 19:38
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 236-4 (43.4 overs)
It’s a virtuoso effort from Barresi that wins the match, but a top edge from Coster over gully produces the winning runs.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 19:36
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 234-4 (43 overs)
As the target draws nigh, Barresi cuts loose, playing every shot in the book and a couple that aren’t. Coster gives him the strike, and he does the rest.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 19:25
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 209-4 (41 overs)
Hay and Street have mostly confined the scoring to singles, and the required rate is creeping upwards. But Barresi smacks Street over his head and into the undergrowth, bringing up a wonderful century and giving his side the edge again. It came off 84 balls, with seven fours and five sixes.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 19:15
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 184-4 (37.5 overs)
With HBS needing sevens, Singh tries to loft Hay back for six, and Street is under it at long on. He made 55 from 99 balls, and is succeeded by Wessel Coster. A four by Barresi keeps HBS up with their required rate.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 19:04
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 169-3 (35 overs)
Another Barresi six, this time back straight over the sightscreen off Bharat Itagi, and HBS need 67 off ten. Barresi has 79, Singh needs one for his fifty.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 18:54
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 153-3 (32 overs)
Two sixes for Barresi over square leg off a Matt Hay over swing the game HBS’s way: as the sun comes out, the DLS calculation recedes, and the equation is 83 runs off 14 overs
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 18:40
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 127-3 (28 overs)
The tense struggle continues, with HBS just one run behind the DLS par score after 27 overs. But Barresi takes 10 off the next Matt Hay over, and suddenly they’re well ahead. Barresi now on 49, Navjit Singh on 38.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 18:26
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 103-3 (24 overs)
They’re back out, and it’s now a 45-over game, with the revised target 236. The par score at the end of the 24th over was 107.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 18:08
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 98-3 (22.1 overs)
Rain intervenes again, and the covers are on. HBS are currently just behind on DLS, and it’s likely there will be a further deduction of overs once they go back on.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 17:51
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 79-3 (18 overs)
Barresi’s in dominant mood, clattering Reinier Bijloos for two fours and then coming down the wicket to plant Bryce Street over long on for six. The bowlers settle after that, but this is a vital partnership for HBS.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 17:50
VRA : 139 all out (44.4 overs)
ACC : 143-3 (36.4 overs)
Marais looking to go big as ACC near the finish, huge top edge swirls away from Turmaine at point with the wind, down the track three bals later and sweeps Long over the fielder for a for four through square, and that’s the game. VRA would have had to get everything right to stay in the game after Borren got them to 139, instead they put down their chances early, including Rasool before he had scored, and a comfortable win for the hosts the result.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 17:28
VRA : 139 all out (44.4 overs)
ACC : 120-3 (31.2 overs)
Gul returns and tempts Rasool into the hook, but the trap had been set. Well taken by Leon Turmaine at deep backward square. Rasool’s furious with himself but he’s played superbly for his 56. Marais at 5.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 17:26
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 50-3 (11 overs)
We return with a two-over reduction, and shortly afterwards Sharn Gomes is trapped in front by Qasim. Wesley Barresi joins Navjit Singh with the match threatening to swing HCC’s way.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 17:15
VRA : 139 all out (44.4 overs)
ACC : 108-2 (27 overs)
Long replaces Borren, Rasool has a look and then puts the third ball over the midwicket rope to bring up what we reckon is his maiden Topklasse half-century, off 67 balls.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 17:06
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 34-2 (8 overs)
And as the rain starts in earnest, they leave the field. Not going to last long, though.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 17:05
VRA : 139 all out (44.4 overs)
ACC : 95-2 (24 overs)
Rasool looking entirely untroubled by Turmaine, deposting the 2nd ball of the 24th onto the clubhouse roof on the bounce, and then pulling the 4th for four behind square. He moves on to 43* as ACC edge toward three figures. Jean Marais is padded up on the sidelines but doesn’t look like he’ll be needed.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 17:00
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 34-2 (7.3 overs)
Elkin goes back to Overdijk, the ball hits him low, and umpire Butt doesn’t hesitate. Navjit Singh comes in as we get the first sprinkles of rain.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 16:50
VRA : 139 all out (44.4 overs)
ACC : 75-2 (19.3 overs)
Zulfiqar and Rasool take them past the half-way mark, but Turmaine finds the belated breakthrough. Zulfiqar top edge on the sweep pops up straight and Lees comes forward to claim it. Saqib in at four.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 16:46
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 24-1 (3 overs)
Visee makes his usual breakneck start, hammering two fours off Overdijk and another off Qasim, but the latter gets his revenge with a yorker crashes into the base of the stumps. Sharn Gomes in at three.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 16:36
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
HBS : 4-0 (1 over)
Ali Ahmad Qasim starts from the Scoreboard End, bowling to Zac Elkin, who takes a single from the third ball. Three more follow, two of them for Tobias Visee, who’s at the other end. Hidde Overdijk from the Sportlaan End.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 16:28
VRA : 139 all out (44.4 overs)
ACC : 53-1 (12 overs)
Zulfiqar and Rasool coasting here, double bowling change as Turmaine’s off-spin replaces Graber and Borren takes over from Gul.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 16:16
VRA : 139 all out (44.4 overs)
ACC : 38-1 (9 overs)
Another drop, Rehmat reprieved this time as long shells a swirling top edge at mid off, huge appeal for a catch down leg next over off Gul is ignored by the umpire, though curiously not given wide either. Zulfiqar looks intent on taking advantage, he’s raced to 22.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 16:09
VRA : 139 all out (44.4 overs)
ACC : 26-1 (7 overs)
Breakthrough here as Gul makes a mess of Raza’s stumps, Rasool in at 3 and almost right back to the shed as he pops a full toss out toward extra cover, looks to be Szwarczynski diving full length and gets a hand to it, but can’t cling on.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 16:02
HCC : 246-7 (50 overs)
77 runs come off the last ten overs, 45 of them from Wiffin in a final flurry which includes big sixes off Vink and Gibson. Qasim lends him excellent support, and after a wee sag in the middle HCC can be pretty happy with their total. Wiffin’s was a splendid knock, and he finished with 135 not out, made from 128 balls with 11 fours and three sixes.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 15:43
VRA : 139 all out (44.4 overs)
ACC : 17-0 (5 overs)
Runs beginning to come after a slow start, Rehmat especially taking advantage of any width on offer.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 15:43
VRA : 139 all out (44.4 overs)
ACC : 0-0 (1 over)
And we’re back. Raza and Rehmat Zulfiqar openig for the hosts, Gul takes the new ball as VRA look to defend their par-shy score of 139. Five dots and then the last ball is edged into the ground and rolls just past the stumps. Good start, Brandon Graber from the other end, bowling to Zulfiqar.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 15:33
HCC : 195-7 (44.1 overs)
Walhain is the third to go LBW, as umpire Mohammad responds positively to Vink’ appeal. Wiffin now on 99, as Ali Ahmad Qasim comes in. And it’s trying to rain. One ball later, Wiffin brings up his century, off just 105 deliveries. Great effort!
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 15:26
HCC : 189-6 (43 overs)
Having made a brisk 30, Hay is undone by a Westdijk yorker and departs. Douwe Walhain comes in, with Wiffin on 97.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 15:05
HCC : 156-5 (37 overs)
Hay sets about getting things back on track for HCC, with Wiffin moving steadily into the eighties. Vink and De Mey keeping things tight for HBS.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 14:49
HCC : 135-5 (32.5 overs)
De Mey gets a second, as Overdijk is caught in no-man’s-land and the ball flicks his off bail. After a good start, HCC are suffering a bit of a slump, and HBS are looking a lot more positive. Matt Hay joins Wiffin (on 73) as they take a second drink.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 14:48
VRA : 139 all out (44.4 overs)
Borren’s attempts to farm the strike are frustrated by some somewhat dozy running with Gul on the first ball of the 44th, and Borren makes his frustration clear. Gul blocks out four balls and then goes for the big heave, misses, but so does Kumar. It’s Borren who’s last man out in the end, driving Barends hard and straight for a lofted four but then perishing next ball, top edge trying to clear short third man and a simple catch in the end. He finishes on 81, VRA on 139 as we go to lunch.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 14:39
HCC : 129-4 (31 overs)
Julien de Mey into the attack, and he traps Gorlee in front in his second over. Farshad Khan, meanwehile, has bowled out, finishing with three for 40. Ferdi Vink replaces him. Wiffin now on 70, and joined by Hidde Overdijk.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 14:38
VRA : 132-9 (43 overs)
Four for Kumar! All unassisted, Graber pushing forard as the ball holds up just slightly and Kumar dives forward to hold an excellent low return catch. Borren on 76*, Hasseb Gul the last man.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 14:23
VRA : 122-8 (39.5 overs)
Borren breaks the “no big shots toward the water” rule, slog-sweeping Knoll into the bushes over midwicket. A ball-hunting expedition ensues, ultimately successful. Two balls later and it’s back in the same bush.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 14:13
VRA : 107-8 (38 overs)
Borren, who looks to be playing in an entirely different match to his teammates, brings up his fifty – but loses another partner. Long is stumped off Knoll for 3, Brandon Graber in at ten.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 14:08
HCC : 101-3 (23.4 overs)
Three wickets for Khan, as Street is given leg-before by umpire Ali Mohammed. His rueful grin as he walks off speaks volumes. Boris Gorlee is the new man.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 14:03
VRA : 97-7 (35.2 overs)
The crucial 7th wicket partnership comes to an end as Borren guides Knoll through the vacant cordon, they take the first single and Lees wants an impossible second. Borren sends him back too late and Rehmat Zulfiqars throw finds him a long way short. Debutant Tom Long in to join Borren, who’s on 45*.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 14:02
HCC : 97-2 (22 overs)
Wiffin reaches a well-deserved and pretty courageous half-century with a gingerly-run single. It comes off 55 deliveries and includes six fours and a six. He’s evidently in some pain, and he and Street are forced to run conservatively. Farshad Khan, meanwhile, is turning in a very good spell indeed.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 13:45
VRA : 78-6 (30 overs)
Borren and Lees have stopped the rot somewhat here, but the going is tough. The daisy-strewn outfield is as slow as it looks, and the ball’s not really coming on. If VRA can get north of 150 here they’ll have got themselves a toehold on the game, but that’s still a good way off from here.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 13:42
HCC : 71-2 (18 overs)
A very well-disguised slower ball from Khan suckers Staal into getting under a lofted drive, and Gibson runs back to take the catch at long off. Bryce Street joins Wiffin, now on 39.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 13:32
HCC : 67-1 (16 overs)
Wiffin eases Coster back over his head for an effortless six, and that causes Visee to switch Khan to the Scoreboard End, with Navjit Singh coming on at the other. Wiffin’s moved on to 37, while Staal is playing very cautiously. Wiffin seems to be hobbling a little, but on a day when it’s possible to get hypothermia and sunburnt at the same time, that’s hardly surprising. One doesn’t often see cricket played on artificial tundra.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 13:30
VRA : 62-6 (26 overs)
Meanwhile in the middle Borren and Lees are trying to salvage something from the innings. Borren takes Barends for back to back fours to become the first VRA bat to break double figures, Lees still one away.
⛅ Weather Update ⛅ 13.26
The Sun makes its first appearance of the day here at het Loopveld, though more cloud is moving in behind. Still bitterly cold here.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 13:07
VRA : 42-6 (20 overs)
Three for Kumar, another clean bowled, van den Burg the victim this time. Lees in to join Borren, who’s in the nervous nines. Lees looks unworried by the situation, cuts his first ball uppishly between backward point and cover for four.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 13:05
HCC: 51-1 (10.5 overs)
The flow of fours increases, with Wiffin stroking Westdijk back straight twice in an over. And when Wessel Coster replaces Gibson, Itagi lofts him first over extra cover and then over mid-on for two more. Farshad Khan comes on for Westdijk, and he gets the breakthrough as Itagi skies one high over gully and Zach Elkin drops back to take the catch. Skipper Tonny Staal joins Wiffin. .
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 12:47
VRA : 27-5 (16 overs)
And another for Kumar, Lake’s comparatively long vigil comes to an end, cleaned up two short of double figures. Captain to the crease.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 12:42
HCC : 23-0 (6 overs)
A lot of playing and missing as both Westdijk and Gibson are getting the white ball to swing -although they’re controlling it better than some of the bowlers yesterday. A run out chance the only real excitem,ent so far, but each batsman has notched a boundary on the quick Craeyenhout outfield, and Itagi gets a second with a superb cut just in front of square.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 12:39
VRA : 26-4 (14 overs)
The collapse continues. Turmaine aims a wild slog sweep at Arjan Kumar’s second ball, doesn’t connect, and the ball clatters into the stumps. Borren walks in at six. It’s not dissent if you’re shaking your head on the way in.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 12:23
HCC : 3-0 (1 over)
Berend Westdijk opens from the Sportlaan End, bowling to Bharat Itagi. Adam Wiffin is at the non-striker’s end. Westdijk opens with a wide, then another, and a single to Itagi off the last. Zak Gibson from the Scoreboard End.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 12:21
VRA : 17-3 (9 overs)
First sign of spin as Raza comes into the attack, and he doesn’t have to wait long for reward, third ball of his second over Cooper gifts hims the simplest of return catches, which he gratefully receives. Turmaine up the order to join Lake, still Barends at the other end, three slips and a gully in for him.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 12:09
VRA : 10-2 (6 overs)
Pressure building here, Lake almost runs himself out chasing after a straight push down the ground, mid off collects and a direct hit splits the stumps just milliseconds late, a french cut from Cooper brings the only runs in some time.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 11:57
VRA : 8-2 (4 overs)
A watchful start from Szwarczynski and Singh, but not watchful enough. In the space of three balls both walk off looking entirely unamused, out LBW to Sikander and Barends respectively. Cooper and Lake in the middle now, the latter already having survived two further appeals. ACC in fine voice today.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 11:49
HBS have won the toss and elected to field. Because the football overran a bit, we’re starting at 12:15. At least the sun’s shining.
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 11:45
VRA : 3-0 (1 over)
Szwarczynski and Singh opening for VRA, Sikander Zulfiqar takes the new ball, single behind square to Singh and two wides off the over as the drizzle kicks up again, They’re staying on for now though. Brady Barends from the other end.
HCC vs HBS Craeyenhout 11:32
And good morning from Craeyenhout, where the preliminary football matches have just finished, allowing the players onto the ground half an hour before the start. Such are the realities of a Dutch cricket season these days. Goals are being removed, boundary ropes put out, protection being removed from around the pitch. (For those who don’t know or have forgotten, HBS has an astroturf outfield.)
ACC vs VRA Amsterdam 11:32
Word from the middle is that VRA have the toss and will bat first. We should be underway in about 15 minutes
🌧 Weather Update 🌧 10:38
It is hailing at het Loopveld. We’re promised it will clear up but looks pretty apocalyptic just now.
Bertus de Jong 10:35
Good morning everyone. Well terrible morning actually. There’s a colossal hailstorm in progress at het Loopveld, toss delayed for ACC v VRA, whilst HCC and HBS had sensibly decided to start at noon anyway.
Bertus de Jong 18:13
That’s a wrap for today, do join us again tomorrow (at analtogethersomewhat more civilised start time of12 noon11am) for the remaining 2/5ths of Round 1, as VRA head to het Loopveld for their opener against ACC and HCC take on HBS at Craeyenhout.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 18:08
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 190-9 (42 overs)
And as time runs out, the captains shake hands. Voorburg pretty much controlled that match from start to finish, although as long at Bukhari was at the crease Sparta were still in with a chance. Conditions were against good cricket, but Smit, Croes and Nottle showed that Voorburg’s batting will be a force to reckon with this year, and the bowling, too, is a solid unit. The margin of 25 runs on the DLS calculation was thoroughly deserved.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 18:04
VOC : 143-7 (28 overs)
Dosti : 129-5 (25.1 overs)
The rain has put an end to things. Dosti bag the win on DLS and likely not by many.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 17:45
VOC : 143-7 (28 overs)
Dosti : 122-4 (24 overs)
All still in the balance at Hazelaarweg meanwhile, Dosti need to find 22 off the last four overs with 6 in hand.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 17:49
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 190-9 (42 overs)
It all goes quite quickly after Bukhari’s demise: Snoep is stumped by Croes off Floyd, and then Manminder Singh is caught by the keeper off Glover. In failing light, with the rain coming in, they come off with two overs remaining. It’s not been called yet, but the writing is on the wall.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 17:45
VOC : 143-7 (28 overs)
Dosti : 122-4 (24 overs)
All still in the balance at Hazelaarweg meanwhile, Dosti need to find 29 off the last four overs with 6 in hand.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 17:37
Quick : 146-7 (37 overs)
Excelsior : 147-6 (34.4 overs)
Parchment looking for the big shot off van Schelven tof finish the match, but only succeeds in getting himself caught at gully for 49. Gijs Kroesen comes in to join van Troost, and the pair see the hosts safely home with four wicket ts and 14 balls to spare. Mr Extras’ was the only one to pass 50 all match, but a comfortable win for Excelsior in the end. Neither side looked terribly convincing in what turned out to be something of a grinding grubber of a game on a challenging wicket, but you usually have to win a few of those each season to keep in the running for the title.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 17:31
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 176-6 (38.2 overs)
And Bukhari goes! Smit gets his revenge by bowling him for 47, and it’s hard to see Sparta getting up from here.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 17:23
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 171-6 (37 overs)
Bukhari has emphatically not given up the ghost here, although the asking rate has gone above eight an over. He pulls Floyd over cow for a big six, and when Matt Smit replaces Humphrey he takes ten off his first, with Snoep adding a single. Bukhari now on 45.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 17:23
Quick : 146-7 (37 overs)
Excelsior : 138-5 (31 overs)
Turns out it was in fact Rens van Troost who’s gone out to join Parchmenet to finish things off, Heggelman apparently keeping himself in reserve in case of some emergency. Doesn’t look like one will be forthcoming at this point, just 9 more needed, Parchment needs 3 of them for his half century. Extra’s still on 49.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 17:15
VOC : 143-7 (28 overs)
Dosti : 79-3 (19 overs)
Dosti have lost another, caught behind we gather though out little birds decline to specify the batsman or bowler. They need another 65 from the last 9.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 17:07
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 136-6 (32 overs)
And Buurman is bowled, trying to slog-sweep a full delivery from Floyd. Joost-Martijn Snoep comes in.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 17:02
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 130-5 (31 overs)
Bukhari and Buurman are players capable of taking a game by the scruff of the neck and shaking a victory out of it, but with Clayton Floyd tying up one end it’s going to be difficult. Boissevain has finished his spell, and seamer David Humphrey may be Sparta’s best chance of turning this around.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 16:53
Quick : 146-7 (37 overs)
Excelsior : 113-5 (23 overs)
Woutersen’s innings comes to an end as he misses a big heave across the line at Jeroen Brand and hears the clatter behind him, gone for 31 off 33. The injured Tom Heggelman, who took a brief trip to hospital to get his face fixed up after it had a disagreement with the ball in the first innings, comes in to join Parchment, who’s still on 29. Extras just one away from a half-century across the two innings.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 16:29
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 116-5 (27 overs)
Spin at both ends now as Clayton Floyd comes into the attack, keeping Bukhari very quiet. Even a bit of attempted aggression against Boissevain only produces a single, and the rate is now over six and rising.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 16:20
Quick : 146-7 (37 overs)
Excelsior : 108-4 (20 overs)
Hundred up for Excelsior, and Woutersen dominating the scoring in this partnership at the moment. Two fours and a slog-swept six over midwicket, he’s almost caught up to Parchment already.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 16:35
VOC : 143-7 (28 overs)
Dosti : 20-2 (7.3 overs)
News filtering out of Hazelaarweg is that Dosti are two down in their chase already.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 16:29
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 100-5 (21.2 overs)
De Kok’s resistance comes to an end as he plays an indecisive shot against Hamid, catches a leading edge, and De Grooth dives forward to snaffle a very good low catch. De Kok made 33; Buurman joins Bukhari as Sparta’s challenge falters.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 16:20
Quick : 146-7 (37 overs)
Excelsior : 75-4 (15 overs)
Woutersen and Parchment doggedly driving up the score here. Looks very tough out there with the ball sticking or shooting through low, but repeated wides are helping. Both sides seem to have struggled with the new white ball, extras now account for a total of 46 runs so far in the game
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 16:16
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 90-4 (17.5 overs)
Yasir Hamid returns, and Singh succeeds in pulling a long hop straight to Tom de Grooth at midwicket. Mudassar Bukhari joins De Kok as the chase gets harder.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 16:09
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 86-3 (17 overs)
Philippe Boissevain replaces Glover, and Singh proceeds to hit him for a couple of boundaries. He is a mix of scrupulous defence and intermittent aggression, with De Kok playing a more balanced innings at the other end. It’s a big ask, but Sparta aren’t out of it, especially once De Kok lofts Boissevain over long on for six.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 16:03
Quick : 146-7 (37 overs)
Excelsior : 59-4 (12 overs)
Big wicket here at Thurlede breaks the Jamaica connection as Parchment and Ingram were closing in on a 50-partnership. Doc Mol pegs back Ingram’s middle stupm to send him back to the shed for 27, Joost Kroesen doesn’t last long, Diwan had him trapped in front in the next, although perhaps not just pad getting in the way there. Woutersen in as the raindrops begin to fall again.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 15:46
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 50-3 (11 overs)
Play resumes, with three further overs off; the revised DLS target is 225. Glover continues to bowl fast, straight and full, apart from a nasty lifting delivery which almost undoes Gargandeep Singh, who’s joined De Kok.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 15:42
VOC : 143-7 (28 overs)
Some handy hitting from Seelaar gets VOC to a solid 143- at the break from their 28, expect DLS will add a handful to that. Seelaar finishes unbeaten on 42*.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 15:35
Quick : 146-7 (37 overs)
Excelsior : 38-2 (7 overs)
An eventful 7th over as Excelsior’s Jamaican pair look to rebuild, Parchment sends up a a big top edge off a Jeroen Brand bumper, but it swirls away from Vierling with the wind. The next is pulled hard behind square, before an outside dege runs away to the rope. Comedy overthrows almost bring another boundary, but van Schelven chases it down milimeters inside the rope. No catching the next though, driven through extra over the boundary before the rain returns
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 15:26
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 49-3 (10 overs)
And suddenly things get very weird: as a really sharp shower blows in, new man Garrett Tarr swings at .the final ball of the over and holes out to Smit at midwicket. The players sprint from the field, an extremely unhappy Tarr excepted, and the covers come on. The rain now seems to have passed as quickly as it arrived.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 15:22
VOC : 98-3 (23 overs)
More overs off, we’re down to 28 a side now. Edwards goes for 19 right after the break. Schoonheim joins Seelaar.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 15:20
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 49-2 (9.1 overs)
When Glover drops short Raza leans back and cuts him sweetly through point. Then De Kok unleashes a straight drive off Mulder and Raza drives a full Glover delivery back past the bowler for another boundary before lashing another through extra cover. Those were two very fine shots, but then Mulder gets through with a yorker and Raza goes for a 27-ball 32.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 15:15
Quick : 146-7 (37 overs)
Excelsior : 5-2 (2 overs)
Quick get a double early breakthrough, Shankar turning Mansoor into the hands of van Schelven at square leg, and Etman holing out off a full toss from Trappenburg. Could be 146 isn’t too bad of a score after all.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 15:07
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 31-1 (6 overs)
Ali Raza has started at a gallop as usual, and he quickly sees the disappearance of Yasir Hamid from the attack, to be replaced by Stef Mulder. Glover is still looking sharp at the other end, but De Kok and Raza have so far been equal to the challenge.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 13:02
VOC : 88-3 (22.2 overs)
Meanwhile it’s raining again over at Hazelaarweg, O’Dowd gone for 45, Seelaar and Edwards in.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 14:55
Quick : 146-7 (37 overs)
Quick finish on 146-7 from their 37 overs, Thijs van Schelven top-scoring from number 9 with an unbeaten 29, or rather, 2nd-top scoring, eclipsed by mr Extras’ contribution of 30. Not a terribly daunting chase for the hosts, but batting hasn’t looked easy.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 14:41
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Sparta : 0-1 (1 over)
They’re back out there, with Brandon Glover opening the bowling from the Paddock End to Andrew Fletcher, Ali Raza the non-striker. A lively start, and off the fifth delivery Fletcher is drawn into edging to Nottle at second slip. Tim de Kok makes his way to the crease rather earlier than he would have hoped. And survives a massive shout for leg-before first up. Yasir Hamid from the Pavilion End.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 14:16
VOC : 51-2 (12 overs)
Dirk van Baren follows Van Lent, and although they’re scoring fairly freely, VOC are in a spot of bother. O’Dowd is still there, though.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 13:51
Quick : 114-7 (30.1 overs)
Baker has Vierling stumped by Woutersen for 24; Stefan Ekelmans is the new man.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 14:16
VOC : 50-1 (10 overs)
Sebastian van Lent goes for 15, sweeping. O’Dowd on 28 not out on a pitch that is reportedly beginning to turn already.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 14:06
VOC : 22-0 (5 overs)
Max O’Dowd and Sebastian van Lent open for the home side, facing Anees Davids and Taruwar Kohli.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 13:56
VCC : 229-3 (47 overs)
Smit and Nottle add a very quick 77 for the third wicket, but off the final delivery of the innings Smit, on 110, can only loft a Snoep full toss to mid-on. His innings deserved a better finish than that. Nottle ends on 39, made from just 34 deliveries.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 13:51
Quick : 90-6 (22.1 overs)
It’s Baker who breaks the stand, as Mol edges through to keeper Woutersen and departs for 22. Thijs van Schelven in now.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 13:43
Quick : 86-5 (20 overs)
Mol and Vierling are gradually rebuilding the innings at Thurlede, and Heggelman has already used seven bowlers as Umar Baker (playing for Excelsior for the first time) and Lorenzo Ingram come into the attack..
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 13:02
VCC : 194-2 (42.3 overs)
Nottle settles in as Snoep rings the bowling changes, and Smit moves inexorably on. It’s been a superb innings, all things considered, and he shows great temperament as he nears his century. He almost runs himself out on 99, though, before easing a Hoornweg delivery to midwicket to bring up a 126-ball ton..
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 13:21
Quick : 75-5 (15.1 overs)
Three wickets for Parchment on his Topklasse debut as he removes Groenewald for five. New skipper Daan Vierling joins Mol, who is watching a procession at the other end.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 13:14
And there’s the prospect of play at Hazelaarweg: 31 overs, starting at 13:15. Dosti have won the toss and elected to field.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 13:12
Quick : 50-4 (13.1 overs)
Parchment bowls Brand. Pieter Groenewald in at six.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 13:06
Quick : 39-3 (11 overs)
Young’s first innings in the Netherlands doesn’t last long, as he’s bowled by Gijs Kroesen for five. Jeroen Brand joins Mol with Quick in real trouble..
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 13:02
VCC : 152-1 (35.4 overs)
Smit belts Singh for the first six of the match, nine coming from the over in all as this pair looks increasingly comfortable. No sooner written than Croes hits across the line at Snoep, who has replaced Bukhari, and is LBW for 59. Steve Nottle in at four..
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 12:42
VCC : 132-1 (32 overs)
Croes finally gets the measure of Fletcher, a beautifully-timed sweep the pick of his shots off an expensive over. Manminder Singh takes over from Snoep, and off the final ball of his first over a single to Croes brings him his fifty, off 76 balls with six fours. Bukhari takes over from Fletcher, and a pull through midwicket off his first delivery brings up the century partnership. This is getting away from Sparta fairly quickly now..
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 12:47
Quick : 35-3 (10.1 overs)
Parchment into the attack for the 10th bowling some gentle medium pace, and strikes with his third ball, Stokkers caught down the leg side for 16. Doc Mol in at 4. Heggelman still at the other end, and cleans up young first ball of the 11th. Quick in trouble now as Brand joins Mol.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 12:38
Weather’s most uncooperative at Hazelaarweg. Inspection at 1pm.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 12:26
Quick : 21-1 (5 overs)
Sohail Bhatti sends down the fourth over for just one run, and with the first ball of the fifth Heggelman has his first wicket of the season, Diwan spooning a looping lollypop of a catch to Parchment at cover. Rupert Young, fresh off the plane that Tim Gruijters put him on in New Zealand, comes in at three.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 12:22
VCC : 94-1 (27 overs)
Matt Smit reaches a half-century on his Topklasse.debut, lofting Joost-Martijn Snoep into vacant territory behind square for four. It comes off 73 balls, with five boundaries. A four through the gully for Croes makes it an expensive initial over from Snoep.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 12:15
Quick : 14-0 (2 overs)
Wayward from van Troost, couple of wides and Lesley Stokkers first runs of the season come as a wide half volley is dispatched to the rope behind point. A brief shower sends them off again but the batsmen barely reach the rope before being called back. The first ball back is over-pitched and driven through the covers for four more.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 12:13
VCC : 80-1 (25 overs)
Saleem tries coming round the wicket to the left-hander Smit, and for his pains is lofted over cover for four. He promptly reverts to over the wicket. Fletcher’s plugging away from the other end, confining the scoring to ones and twos and inducing the off false stroke as the batsmen show signs of frustration. When Saleem drops short to Croes he pulls him powerfully to the midwicket boundary. He’s moved to 25, Smit on 42.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 12:07
Quick : 4-0 (1 over)
Game 2 is go! Tom Heggelman opens the bowling for the hosts, beats Sumeet Diwan’s edge with the first couple of balls, but the fourth is stroked through the covers handsomely for four. Rens van Troost takes the new ball at the other end bowling to Stokkers.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 11:58
VCC : 64-1 (21 overs)
Filthy black clouds are slipping past to the north, and we might be very lucky. The batsmen push for a second off Saleem, and Croes does very well to beat the direct hit from Ali Raza. Sparta are backing their bowlers up well in the field, but they just can’t get the breakthrough.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 11:44
Still no play at Hazelaarweg, another inspection expected in about 15 minutes.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 11:40
VCC : 55-1 (17 overs)
Andrew Fletcher replaces Hoornweg at the Pavilion End and his off-spin, combined with Saleem’s seam, helps to restrict the scoring. Smit, however, unleashes a lovely straight drive off Saleem, and Voorburg are pretty comfortably placed as they take a drink, Smit anchoring the innings with 30 at this point.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 11:34
Still on for a 12 O’Clock start, Excelsior have the toss and will bowl first.
⛅ Weather Update ⛅ 11.30
The break in the rain is holding for now, and the Sun has even broken through for a quick cameo. Will likely see some cricket today after all.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 11:22
Word is we’re hoping to start at noon here, 37 overs each way, on the mat.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 11:21
VCC : 43-1 (12 overs)
Smit edges, not for the first time, and they get three to third man off Saleem. Then Croes gets off the mark, chopping a wideish delivery through backward point for another triple. Another edge, this time off Hoornweg, gives Croes a first boundary, but he drives the next through the covers – shot of the day so far!
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 11:07
VCC : 28-1 (8.4 overs)
Usman Saleem replaces Bukhari, and the change immediately produces a wicket at De Grooth tries to swing him away behind square, edges through to keeper Buurman, and departs for 7. Noah Croes the new man.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 10:58
VCC : 24-0 (7 overs)
We’re playing 47 overs here, incidentally. De Grooth survives two appeals for leg-before from Bukhari, the second very insistent indeed. In Hoornweg’s next Smit, surprised by one which pops off a length, responds by lofting the next over mid-off for four, and then pulls the one after that through midwicket for a couple. There’s definitely variable bounce at the far end. Another maiden from Bukhari from the Paddock End.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 10:52
Talk here of playing on the artificial here too, seems the turf wicket’s not to be salvaged today. Inspection at 11.15.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 10:46
VCC : 15-0 (4 overs)
A couple of wides from Hoornweg’s first as well, but the bowlers are beginning to warm to their task – quite literally, one suspects. Bukhari’s second is a maiden, and Hoornweg is a little unlucky when Smit edges a good delivery into his pads.
🌧 Weather Update 🌧 10:38
It’s raining again at Thurlede, looks like we’re in for spotty showers throughout the day. Could get very frustrating. It’s also very cold indeed.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 10:33
VCC : 10-0 (1 over)
A fairly messy first over from Bukhari, which includes three wides. A single for De Grooth is followed by a four to fine leg for Smit, who turns the final ball off his hip for a couple. Max Hoornweg from the Pavilion End.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 10:28
VCC : 0-0 (0.1 overs)
The umpires and batsmen are out in the middle, and are now being joined by the Sparta side. Mudassar Bukhari starts from the Paddock End, bowling to Tom de Grooth, who is opening with Matt Smit. De Grooth lets the first one go outside the off stump.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 10:22
And the very good news from Westvliet is that the covers are coming off. The temperature is still reminiscent of a cold snap in Siberia, but we may be about to get under way.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 10:21
News from Hazelaarweg is an inspection at 11am, and they’ve given up all hope of using the turf wicket. With no extra time in the day, we’re looking at a shortened game on the mat.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 10:06
And the rain has arrived. Nothing dramatic as yet but the covers are coming back on. Looks like it’s gonna be one of those days.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 10:02
One aspect of today’s schedule, with the 10:00 start designed to ensure that everyone is able to observe the National Commemoration at 20:00, is that there is no extra hour allowance for time lost to the weather. Overs are already coming off, therefore. And a piece of team news, very disappointing from the Voorburg point of view, is that Viv Kingma has a side-strain and won’t be playing.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 09:50
Umpires will have another look in about half an hour we’re told.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 09:49
No sooner had I written the above words than a gust of wind brought rain scudding across the ground, and the covers are going back on. It’ looking pretty grey and dark away in the west.
Voorburg vs Sparta 1888 09:43
Good morning, or afternoon or evening, once again. Here we are at the start of another Topklasse season, and although the sun is shining brightly here at Westvliet, it’s very, very cold. The sides are warming up, and the toss has just taken place. The news is that Sparta have won the toss and elected to field. The umpires intend to start on time at 10:00.
Excelsior ‘20 vs Quick Haag 09:42
Similar story here at Thurlede, they’ve got the blowers out on in the middle, but there’s some grim looks around.
VOC Rotterdam vs Dosti-United 09:09
Word coming in from Hazelaarweg, and it’s not good news. Last night’s rain has reportedly gotten under the covers. Lengthy delay expected.
☀ Weather Update ☀ 08.45
Contrary to expectations the Sun is out this morning, though it doesn’t look like it’ll be hanging around for long. There’s worrisome clouds about and rain expected later, and it’s currently a very chilly 7 degrees Celcius. Not ideal.
Bertus de Jong 08:33
Good morning all and welcome back to TKcricket for the opening round of the 2019 Topklasse. I’m on my way down to Thurelede today for Exclesior v Quick, whilst Rod and Sander are headed to Westvliet to bring you all the happenings from VCC’s Topklasse return against Sparta 1888. Our little birds have flown to Hazelaarweg meanwhile, so hopefully we’ll be able to keep you abreast of the action there too as VOC take on Dosti. The round’s other two matches have been pushed back to tomorrow, so just the three for us today. An early today start of course, but we’re still almost an hour away from toss-time, so still plenty of time to check out our previews for the season, or get your fantasy team in order.
TKcricket 