PLEASE SIR, CAN YOU GIVE US BACK OUR BALL

It felt a bit like you were in the middle of an experiment. It started before the start. What ball were we going to use. White, pink, red? Eventually we plumped for red in spite of the dismay expressed by most of our side who had never before played with such a projectile.  40 overs a side, no one day wides.

Matters moved to the middle. The whites clad Munich CC, who were playing the third and last game of their short tour, batted first. After a few balls there was more dismay. This time emanating from the Bavarian opener. “Can you move the screen?” he pleaded. The ball was red, the screen was black, he couldn’t see a thing! The screens at both ends were pushed aside.

The friendly and competitive game progressed. Munich, mostly ex-pats from the UK, Oz and a German named George, could play. They put together a decent score of 200 plus in the allotted time.

As is customary for a mid week friendly, our lads were a mix of all levels including a number of youngsters. Initially, the young bowlers sprayed the ball.   

Gradually, they adjusted having not being whipped off at the first whiff of a wide.

Speaking afterwards in the bar to the Munchen men they said it was noticeable that our lads did not swing the ball or at least very little.  Also, it was noticeable to me as umpire that few of our players shined the ball or at least with vigour.

In reply, we came close and fell a few short.  A great day and game rounded off by a bbq and a few beers. The breathing space afforded to the youngsters to misdirect before finding the radar was refreshing.

The other aspect was that the game rocked along without the endless stream of extra balls.  And the other, other aspect was the lack of tension in the air which is common place when there are no official umpires and there are wides and more wides to be called.