The boys finally get e mails: How could we ignore these intrepid gents as they brought cricket to Ukraine. A small matter of Euro 2012 was happening also, by chance - obviously. Thanks to Manland Dads CC, from Harpenden, for providing post and pictures. Thanks to Mr Jeff Chapman, star of ManDads (his claim lads), for contacting us and sending details. Full reports of the tour can be found at www.manlanddads.co.uk.
Remember for those cricket tales send us an email sportspulse@sporttrades.co.uk.
Manland Dads CC: In their own words:
In June 2012 the Manland Dads escorted the Pike on a magnificent three-match tour of Kiev. Following an epic win in their first ever international fixture, against the Ukrainian National XI, the Dads toasted their good fortune, repeatedly, and later the flag of the Three Pikes was raised in the Olympic Stadium. And there to follow all the action was the BBC...
They came, they snored, they conquered. Well, once: on two other occasions they witnessed first-hand the excellent quality of cricket in the Kyiv League and finished a distant second. More than anything they enjoyed the traditional levels of merriment of a MDCC tour and were hugely grateful for the exceptional hospitality of their Kyiv hosts.
Our first evening was spent at a local alehouse that brewed its own beer. Phileas impressed by breaking out into fluent Russian and ordering huge mountains of sausages and fries and lager served in giant urns. As the evening progressed, word spread that it was time for “Rant with Tracy”, and the men gathered eagerly round the Generalissimo to absorb his sage teachings.
Dawn broke – as had PB’s bed (he had rattled the bunk above him so many times through the night that the slats worked loose and fell on PB’s head) – and it was time for the historic first match, against our friends at Kyiv CC, a first-rate side of expat cricketers. For the tossing of the coin, Skip called heads (checking first which side of the Grivna was indeed a heads) and invited KCC to bat first. Manland got an early breakthrough with Miami claiming the first wicket by an English touring side in Ukraine, caught behind by our outstanding wickie Word (who only conceded a couple of byes the entire tour). But while MDCC bowled and fielded with intent, it was no match for the confident KCC batsmen, and in particular Wayne, an Australian missionary, who smashed a chanceless century.
KCC scored a massive 227 from their 20 overs, despite two wickets from Samwich. In reply Phileas notched the tourists’ first six and Donald hit 25, but MDCC’s chase never really got going and we were all out for 88.
After an excellent biryani lunch kindly provided by our hosts, MDCC took on the emerging Ukraine XI side. By this point, George Riley and producer Tim from BBC 5 Live had finished their work, so George accepted the loud hailer and did a spot of pitch-side commentating on the match.
Apart from the coverage on the BBC and Sky the historical significance of the match is evidenced by the fact that it is now detailed on Wikipedia:
For an inexperienced side, Ukraine bowled extremely well and Manland were restricted to 52 from their 10 overs, with Wigan top-scoring with 24. The start of the Ukraine XI reply will be remembered for an unbelievable diving catch in the outfield from substitute fielder Hanif, underlining why he is paid to play cricket back home in India. The ManDads finally found some form and Miami, Tracy (1 for 4 off 2), Phileas and Honnolly each bowled their brace of overs with the same tightness as our Tour Manager orders a cab, and Ukraine couldn’t manage the 12 runs required from William’s final over.
A Manland Dads tour win is a rare event always worthy of celebration and Kyiv CC generously invited all the players to a stunning and delicious banquet of fresh meats, salads and vodka. Many thanks Shailesh and everyone at KCC.
Later in the evening, the Dads went down to the Fanzone to watch the Spain-France game. The atmosphere was superb and PB’s England cape appeared to inspire an impromptu break-out of mass dancing with the Ukrainian fans. In the melee Word was publicly goosed – well isn’t it always thus? – and Ron sensitively consoled an elderly Russian man who had endured some harrowing wartime experiences by offering him a tin of Carlsberg.
Sunday was devoted to Segway or a bus tour of the city, and the quarter-final match between England and Italy, an event that will be largely remembered for Wiganovich’s successful efforts to showcase the flag of the Three Pikes to hundreds of millions of fans worldwide.
On the final day, Manland headed back to the Voskhod to take on the superbly skilled and very welcoming expat Seniors XI. PB bowled an outstanding opening spell and Phileas followed with 3 overs for 9 (plus two catches). Samwich’s cunning deliveries were rewarded with two wickets on the trot and his attempted hat-trick ball was a moment to treasure. Seniors had a powerful middle-order however and matching their strike rate of 8 an over was always going to be a big ask, especially given their fiery strike bowlers. Weddy hit a superb 41, Phileas scored 24 and Wigan 17 but despite breaking through the 100 runs barrier the Dads’ chase finished short.
At the airport the reminiscing began. Exceptional hospitality, merriment and bonhomie and one hundred overs of cricket under the blazing Sun…
It was said on tour that “If you’re organized, you’ve always got a chance.” Well, this tour was brilliantly organized. We doff our caps to you, Phileasovskii, and as you yourself said, Do Svidaniya, dear Ukraine.
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