Testing Conditions Proved Nearly Not Cricket!

2 October 2010

Back (L-R): POMT Stuart Andrews, SBLT John Gray, LEUT Adam Pearce, SMNGX Hamish Brown, LCDR Guy Lewis, ABSTD Josh Matthews-Rawlinson (Captain). Front (L-R): LSCSO Andrew Harvey, ABMT Richard Knight, LSBM Rodney Nelson, SBLT Josh Sims (VC), SBLT David Ward

During HMAS Toowoomba’s (Commander Ivan Ingham) recent port visit to Sembawang in Singapore, a lucky eleven had the opportunity to challenge the Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) to a 25 over match.

The match was played at Dempsey Field Cricket Ground as the Singapore Cricket Ground was out of action immediately following the F1 Grand Prix.

The ‘Purple Pony’s first eleven’ were welcomed with a warm reception from a local crowd and supporters from the ship.

However, the ground itself was not so welcoming after monsoon rain left the outfield very wet underfoot.

The conditions proved particularly difficult for those out-fielding and their whites. “Conditions were so unfavourable that at times I felt as though I was playing rugby rather cricket,” said Toowoomba’s Team Captain, ABSTD Josh Matthews-Rawlinson.

After winning the toss, Toowoomba elected to field to apply early pressure and keep the run-rate down.

Whilst the MEO, LCDR Guy Lewis, bowled a scorching opening spell, Toowoomba failed to take enough early wickets which allowed a middle innings push that turned the game in favor of the SCC.

As a result, the SCC finished 6/189 off 25 overs, which was a very respectable total.

The leading wicket-takers for Toowoomba were LSCSO Andrew Harvey (3-28-4) and SBLT David Ward (2-26-2).

Toowoomba began their run-chase in a flurry with ABSTD Josh Matthews-Rawlinson making a quick-fire 46 after losing two balls over the fence for six and another couple which had to be retrieved from nearby jungle.

The ship’s navigator, LEUT Adam Pearce top scored when he retired unbeaten on 51.

Whilst Toowoomba made the SCC fielders work hard to protect the boundary, the ‘Purple Pony Express’ fell short with a commendable 9/169.

The SCC players provided very generous post-match hospitality, as the Team Captains exchanged crests and agreed to arrange a re-match during the ship’s next visit to Singapore.

Toowoomba is due to return home to FBW in November after a busy three month program of regional exercises in Northern Australia and South East Asia including Ex KAKADU, Ex SINGAROO and Ex BERSAMA PADU.