Team captain LSATA Phillip wicket-keeping against the Seven Seas side in Dubai.

HMAS Melbourne’s cricket team.

During its last port visit to Dubai, HMAS Melbourne accepted the challenge issued by the Seven Seas Shipchandlers Cricket Team, made up of Indian and Pakistani expats.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Melbourne restricted the home team to a meagre 8/270 off the allotted 25 overs. The oppressive heat, humidity, dirt field and liberal interpretation of the wide rule, all conspired against the bowlers who toiled manfully on an unresponsive concrete pitch.

Set the improbable task of scoring at 11 runs an over, Melbourne got off to a bad start and was never really in the hunt.

Special mention to LEUT Nick who carried his bat through the 25 overs and made an electrifying 50 not out.

Although not bowled out, Melbourne did not look like reaching the total and as the afternoon progressed the hospitality of our hosts took its toll and Melbourne joined the long list of visiting ship scalps held by the Seven Seas.

After a brief presentation ceremony, Seven Seas provided an Indian buffet dinner for the players, which provided a good opportunity to mix with fellow cricket lovers from the other side of the world.

Man of the match for Melbourne was LSPT Rob for a fine all round effort in keeping the team amused with his athletic prowess.

 

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