Testing times in Singapore
Canberra falls just short in 30 over game

EYES ON THE BALL: LSET Jason Clark hits the ball on debut during the match between HMAS Canberra and the Singapore Cricket Club.

Photo: ABET Dave Newcombe

By SBLT Jason Evans & CPOMT Jack Lemin

HMAS Canberra’s cricketing prowess was put to the test in Singapore last month with a 30-overs game against the Singapore Cricket Club.

The visitors played well but conditions made it tough, falling short by just 16 runs.

The local team won the toss and opted to bat first in extremely hot and humid conditions.

The conditions resulted in the bowlers being used in very short spells and going off to recover, though thankfully numerous spectators were able to act as replacement fielders during the heat of the afternoon.

The Canberra XI held the Singapore Cricket Club to a score of 4 for 193, with excellent catches behind the stumps to LEUT Radford and ABET Border and MIDN Simms in the deep.

Canberra utilised nine bowlers in the hot afternoon sun with the wickets shared between ABMT Jensen-Schmidt, LSMT Brumby, CPOMT Lemin and LSET Nicol.

After a much appreciated break and an excellent lunch provided by the Singapore Cricket Club, it was Canberra’s turn to bat.

The innings commenced at a slow rate with three quick wickets, but a torrential downpour resulted in a half hour delay of play.

Once the weather cleared the batters steadied and started to accumulate a decent score.

The star of the batting was ABMT Jensen-Schmidt with 37 not out including three massive sixes in the last over, one ending up in the golf driving range next door.

Canberra fell short of the chase finishing on 8 for 177.

Other scores were 26 from ABMT Fitzpatrick, 24 from CPOMT Lemin, 18 from ABET Border, 17 from LSMT Brumby and a sizzling 15 retired from LSET Clarke on debut.

Afterwards, both teams adjourned to the Singapore Cricket Club for an outstanding dinner and post matches drinks.

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