Batting...what batting?

Another classy Titans "top order" collapse. You'd think this team was all West Indian the way we have no desire to stick at the crease...lol. Another tired tale of "if only we had 40 more on the board."

Let's start from the top down...team leaders/ veterans first.

Paul - 3.0 (0 batting, 2.0 fielding, 0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Failed in both departments when the team needed him the most.

Tanmay - 7.0 (1.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 2.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batting a bit and bowled well but it was too little too late.

Tiki - 3.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding,0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Looked good batting but another senseless run-out. Expensive one over.

Wazza - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 2.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Did not bother the scorers much but bowled beautifully.

Chuck - 5.0 (0 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Another unforgettably bad day for Chuck and another duck.

Dalip - 8.0 (2.0 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Quickfire 30 runs...but not enough.

Umair - 6.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
No real contribution...batting was needed badly.

Bala - 5.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 2.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batting was poor, fielding was good, bowling was decent.

Gowtham - 6.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Getting better every game in the field but batting needs to show up.

Vedere - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
No real contribution...wasted another batting opportunity.

Reddy - 5.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 2.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Much improved fielder and player...all round. Did not show it with the bat this week though.

7-6-1 and at least it was a winning season. We beat all the bad teams and lost to the good ones...we were the middle of the pack team.

Battered and curried by India United.

Well that was another ass kicking of the A+ variety. Totally out played in each area of the game. They were clinical.

Let's start from the top down...team leaders/ veterans first.

Paul - 6.0 (2.0 batting, 2.0 fielding, 1.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batted well for the team to rebuild and start the acceleration, but did not carry on to 50+. Fielding was ok. Bowling was economical but no wickets...AGAIN.

Tanmay - 4.0 (0 batting, 2.0 fielding, 1.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batting was a disappointment.. Bowling was off the mark a bit. Not a good day.

Coach - 2.5 (0 batting, 1.5 fielding, 0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Not a good day.

Tiki - 8.5 (2.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Good batting but needed to carry on...senseless run-out.

Wazza - 3.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Did not bother the scorers except for almost 8 an over in the bowling column with no wickets. Bad day at the office.

Chuck - 5.0 (0 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Another unforgettably bad day for Chuck.

Dalip - 6.5 (0.5 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Not much impact since he was gone in the 3rd over.

Sahel - 6.5 (1.5 batting, 1.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
13* but dropped a sitter at midwicket.

Bala - 6.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Batting was poor, fielding was good. Did not bowl.

Gowtham - 6.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Getting better every game.

Vedere - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Ground fielding was slow...batting poor, needs to play like he's 15 run around and have some fun.

7-5-1 and now it's win next week and maybe we're in...and we are no longer in control of our own playoff destiny.

Jammed by Jammers

Well that was one ass kicking as our bowling was put to the sword..after the first 15 overs From 47 for 2 at 15 overs to 334 for 6 after 45 is a bit of pounding. Kudos to the first three bowlers and Tanmay valiant 80+ but in the end...they made too many runs.

Let's start from the top down...team leaders/ veterans first.

Paul - 5.5 (.5 batting, 2.0 fielding, 2.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batted ok at the start but lost his wicket before he could accelerate. Fielding was ok. Bowling was economical but no wickets.

Tanmay - 7.0 (2.5 batting, 1.0 fielding, 2.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batting was very positive and top scored for the team. Bowling was economical and the fielding good. Dropped the man that went on to get 171 when he was not even on 10...ouch.

Coach - 3.5 (1.5 batting, 1.0 fielding, 0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
A four of the first ball batting was a highlight in an otherwise disappointing day with the ball.

Wazza - 7.5 (2.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 2.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Useful 37 but we needed more with the bat. Bowled very well on a tiny ground. A good day...did what he could to get us over the line.

Chuck - 3.0 (0 batting, 0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Made 3 runs...missed a few stumpings..an unforgettably bad day for Chuck.

Dalip - 8.0 (1.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Got us off to a good start with the bat. Played his role but on tiny ground he should go on to get a 50 or 100.

Umair - 5.5 (0 batting, 1.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Did not bother the scorers much AGAIN. Average fielding...what else is there to say.

Bala - 2.5 (0 batting, 1.0 fielding, 0.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Fielding and batting was poor...bowling was blasted to all corners. Bad day.

Sahel - 6.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Batting was poor, fielding was great. The usual bunny and he lasted more than 3 balls!

Atif - 3.0 (1.0 batting, 1.0 fielding, 0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Shaky 12 runs off the bat...bowling was 8+ and over economy...fielded averagely. A poor farewell game starting with him turning up 1 min to start time.

Reddy - 5.5 (1.5 batting, 3.0 fielding, 0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Ground fielding was wonderful, band what a catch he took a certain nominee for CATCH OF THE YEAR. Bowled poorly in his one over. Did not get a chance to really bat and came not-out.

7-4-1 and looked like we are out of the playoffs sicne at that time it was top 2 team format.

A stinker of a win...

Well that was one hot Sunday...we looked to be the older team on the day as our poor fielding effort nearly cost us dearly. On this Sunday we looked every bit as tired as the skipper, but somehow with Coach urging us on...and God opening the heavens at just the right time we pulled a win out of a stinker of a performance...as we won by 8 runs/ run-rate.

Let's start from the top down...team leaders/ veterans first.

Paul - 7.0 (2.5 batting, 1.0 fielding, 2.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batted well to come not out, although bad fitness resulted in lack of positive aggression later as was warranted. Fielding was tested and proved to be a low point on the day. Bowling was good and economical with a couple key wickets. Man of the match self awarded...lol...even with poor fielding was an abnormal process further illustrating that no one really had a good enough day.

Tanmay - 8.0 (1.5 batting, 3.0 fielding, 2.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batting was very positive but lost his wicket at an inopportune moment with two power play overs still to go. Bowling was economical band deserving of more than two wickets. Took a blinder of a line drive on the long off boundary...a good day for the Vice.

Tiki - 8.0 (2.5 batting, 2.0 fielding, 2.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Top score of 42 for the team but still did not convert his start to a 50+. Keeping was again good but he dropped a chance off Tanmay. Bowling was much better and under 5 economy is acceptable for a leggie...but we need more wickets from a leggie than 1 in 6 overs.

Wazza - 6.0 (0 batting, 3.0 fielding, 2.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batting was all out of sorts due to pace and bounce coupled with the bowlers sussing out his less desirable leg side/body line bowling lines & length. Fielding was brilliant with 2 great catches. Bowling was a bit too expensive at 5 RPO considering the batsmen were not of the exceptional variety.

Chuck - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
His keeping looked much improved but a bit of work still needed there as evidenced by the penalty runs (5) that could have easily been the difference in the game. Batting seems to be coming back, but his stay was very short....considering we expect him to bat a long innings. Not a particularly memorable day for him.

Dalip - 6.5 (1.0 batting, 1.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Got us off to a flyer and got out to good catch...such is the life of the master blaster at times. His throwing was much improved which leads me to believe its just a matter of taking time to line up his body, the target and focus. Dropped a skied sitter and took and good catch later to complete a mixed bag of results for him on the day.

Umair - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Did not bother the scorers much not spend any real time at the crease...which is his job. He seemed sleepy at times in the field and needed reminding on field positioning for different bats per the plan...that was tiresome for an already tired skipper.

Bala - 6.5 (1.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, 1.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Fielding was good. Got some quick runs with the bat this time, but not enough to warrant mention. Bowled well enough to deserve a wicket or two, but offered up the boundary ball a bit to much by striving for the yorker and instead offering a half volley. This caused him to be expensive at over 6RPO...if he develops a bit he can be great for us. Needs to add varying his pace to his repertoire and good controlled well disguised slower ball. He is a find for this team and his talent will blossom in the short term as his shoulder heals and with more experience.

Jacob - 7.5 (1.5 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Batting was OK in two balls faced but he did not get a good swing in and might have been LBW on ball one. Looked a little sluggish in the field after not playing for so long. He was his usual motivated self though and showed that the team has definitely got some depth.

Gowtham - 7.5 (1.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Again...fielded really well at silly throughout most of the game and almost pulled off stunning catch. His batting was cut short by a run-out mix-up with the skipper. His hustle throughout the game though was exemplary.

Reddy - 7.0 (1.5 batting, 1.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Ground fielding was wonderful, but he dropped a crucial catch...making it at least his third such offense in just a few games played..he needs to clean that up . He played some lovely aggressive strokes and it was what the doctor ordered in the end with the tiring skipper holding on for dear life on the other end. I would say this was a good day for the youngster.

7-3-1 three wins in a row and still two points out of second place. The bowling was less disciplined than usual with way too many wides. The batting though offered a glimpse of good things to come. Lots of positives can be taken out of this game...namely the W we added and the development and experience garnered by players in a very tight contest...but at the end of the say the stench still lingers ever so slightly. Next week we play Lauderhill Jammers in a game that will determine our playoff destiny!

Titans 4 Southshore 2...

The trophy for our series with Southshore will remain in Titans hands as we went up 4-2 in the series. Their spectators and fans seem hell bent on revenge and their is talk of beating us silly in the next friendly match after the season...based on our record in friendlies...well they may just be...lets not go there in fact.

The fact is we won another critical match and are now just two points behind 2nd place Jammers. Opting to bat first we would have fancied 180-200 on such a nice track with the biggish boundaries, but 168 provided to be enough as we bundled out the opposition for a meagre 107...all said though take a lesson from their last two partnerships as they went from 40 odd for 7 to 107/10.

Let's start from the top down...team leaders/ veterans first.

Paul - 7.5 (1.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batted OK through the middle overs, but did not carry on after getting a start and also missed several double opportunities due to lazy running. Fielding was not tested. Bowling was spectacular 9 overs a few maidens and five wickets...including a hat trick. The hat-trick ball is an obvious nominee for MAGIC MOMENT. A good day for the skipper.

Tanmay - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 2.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batting was cut short due to an incredible reflex catch at square leg. Bowling was economical but he needed to pry out the last two wickets and did not. Looked good in the field. We expect much more with the bat from our Vice and he almost showed his talent as he was much more his usual aggressive self in this brief knock...that bodes well for the future.

Tiki - 5.0 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 1.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Another full toss ended his innings again with a clear cut LBW. Keeping was special...with a remarkable stumping that started the hat-trick wickets for Paul. Bowling was too short and his good ones were surprisingly well negotiated by the two set batsmen. The drop at first slip to seal the match cost him a point in the fielding category..but ge gains half back for the run-out and stumping. Needs to bat for some time and thereby get some runs.

Wazza - 7.5 (1.5 batting, 2.0 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Touch and go LBW decision...to most it looked to be quite a bad one. Fielding was good until a touch chance at first slip went begging. Bowling was tremendous with 2 wickets, great economy and a fair amount of times unplayable. No doubt the pressure on both ends resulted in the combined seven wickets for the new ball pair...what a bowling tandem this one is turning out to be.

Chuck - 6.0 (2.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, 0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batting looked like the Chuck of old with on drives and cover drives and just plain hard running . Unfortunately the bowling was also the Chuck of old..it was plain terrible and has probably sealed his fate to be the part time keeper and open bat role now. His keeping up to the stumps needs a lot of work too.

Dalip - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Failed to get going with the bat...bound to happen occassionaly with his approach. His throwing has been a consistent worry...it's an area that needs improvement.

Rakesh - 8.5 (2.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Batting was exceptional in application as he concentrated hard and built a good partnership with the skipper . A good start was not capitalized on but by staying at the crease he ensured that the target to defend was a good one and did his job decently on the day.

Umair - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.5 discretionary)
Lost the plot at the end...his job was to go and bat out the 45...I said it many times to him, but then he went out and decided to swing to the high heavens. I spoke with him after and now he gets it...I think. Bala and Reddy's job is to swing...it is also their natural games. Umair and Gowtham are the solid bats to get us through 45. We could have easily achieved this if he had kept his head and made use of the 24 balls left 0n the table...if we had even gotten 12 runs...we would have made a respectable 180.

Bala - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 2.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Fielding was good. Did not get going with the bat this time. Bowled well and deserved the final wicket. Needs to work on getting that wicket earlier though.

Gowtham - 8.0 (1.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Again...fielded really well at silly throughout most of the game. Came not out as is the plan for him. I am impressed with the improvement of this youth.

Reddy - 7.0 (0 batting, 3.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Fielded great and initiated a crucial run out. He did nothign with the bat, but it was a good effort again from this youth.

6-3-1 two wins in a row, two points out of second place, the bowling continues to be dominant and the new look order is stirring to life every so slightly. This week was essentially another top order failure, but the middle order stayed the course and got things back on track. Stay tuned for next week's blog that I suspect may contain many complimentary comments on our new & improved batting order. Coach will have lots to say to the bats this Wednesday.

Return of the Jedi...I mean...Titans

Granted we have not mastered the light saber AKA cricket bat as yet...but we sure can bowl. The skid is halted in a "thriller" (ooohhh Mikey we miss you...aaahhhh) as both sides score 161 total runs in the game....lol.

Let's start from the top down...team leaders/ veterans first.

Paul - 6.5 (1.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, 2.5 bowling, 0 discretionary)
Bowled well minus the one bad ball that went the distance...a wicket in the first over was what the team needed...unlucky to have the straight forward catch of their best batsman dropped in the 5th over. Batting was dogged again but this time loss of concentration did him in. Loses half the discretionary point for not batting out the 42 and the other half for bowling the one bad ball in a tight game...kudos for playing with smashed toes though...lol.

Tanmay - 6.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batting was cut short due to a plumb LBW. Bowling was simply incredible with another 5 wicket haul on the season...might have had six for a league trophy if Dalip held a chance.

Tiki - 5.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Surprised by a full toss that ended his innings in quite an ungainly manner...that we all nervously laughed about in between innings. Keeping was special...unlucky to not get a remarkable stumping given. Loses the discretionary point for not getting runs again and dropping the last wicket of Atif's bowling.

Wazza - 6.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Costly run-out. Fielding was solid. Bowling was wonderful with 3 wickets and great economy.

Dalip - 7.0 (2.0 batting, 0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Top scorer again in a low scoring match. Dropped a catch with the game in the balance. Loses the discretionary point for not making a 50+ after yet again getting a start and the drop. +2 bonus points applied from the India United game for the 80 odd runs made.

Rakesh - 6.0 (1.0 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Batting as usual was inspired until his demise to a slower ball. He needs to realize that bowlers are out-thinking him...and that is not acceptable for a smart Indian to have that happen repeatedly...lol. Looked a touch slower in the field...thanks to one too many good Mommy meals.

Umair - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Stumped off an off-spinner falling over in defense...you had to be there to see it to believe it. Later attributed to forgetting proper shoes...lol. Showed good hsutle in the field, but needs to deliver more with the bat as that is now his role...make as many runs as possible...simple.

Atif - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 0.5 discretionary)
Great full bowling spell economical and testing. Batting dissappointed again. Dropped a hugh catch but took an incredible caught and bowled that was close to the one Chuck took agains PSL. It is an instant nominee for CATCH OF THE YEAR.

Bala - 7.0 (1.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Fielding was good. Showed the ability to up the ante when he bats in his natural style. All he needs to do now is consider the field palcements and he will be a weapon for us with the bat down the order. Loses a discretionary point for not getting us through a few more overs.

Vedere - 8.0 (1.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Fielded great and came not out. Good support again from this youth.

Gowtham - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.5 discretionary)
Fiedled really well at silly throughout the game. Did not use the opportunity to bat as long as possible with no expectations or stress on his shoulders...loses half a discretionary point there.

5-3-1 and the bowling continues to be dominant. Will the new look order come good? Stay tuned for next week's blog. My guess...is yes.

Game 8 versus PSLCC

Loss # 3 was by run rate but in the end a silly misunderstanding in accepting of light...was a costly lesson to learn. They were a much worse team than us...we gave this one away.

Let's start from the top down...team leaders/ veterans first.

Paul - 5.0 (2.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 0.5 bowling, 0 discretionary)
Bowled very poorly gifting 42 runs in 4 overs for a solitary wicket. Batting was dogged and just as the acceleration was about to begin was cheated out with a terrible stumping call.

Tanmay - 8.5 (2.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batting looked promising but then a really bad LBW decision was given out prematurely. Bowling was stingy and pried out two wickets.

Tiki - 8.0 (2.0 batting, 3.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Was given a terrible LBW decision...unlucky as he strives for runs. Keeping was good .

Wazza - 6.5 (1.5 batting, 3.0 fielding, 1.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Missed out on his 50 with a score of 42. Fielding was solid. Bowling was OK with 2 wickets and over 5 economy.

Dalip - 6.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Did not register meaningful runs. Took a smart catch.

Umair - 8.0 (2.0 batting, 3.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Great catch to remove Eifel on 91 runs. Came not out, but loses a discretionary point for the "light mix-up".

Atif - 8.0 (2.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 0.5 discretionary)
Great full bowling spell conceding only 2.33/ over and claiming one wicket. Came not out, but loses a discretionary point for the "light mix-up"...gains 1/2 back for the bowling spell.

Bala - 9.5 (n/a batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Fielding was good. Bowling was crazy good as he picked up three quick wickets very economically in four overs. He has arrived as the 5th bowling option.

Reddy - 6.5 (n/a batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Looked aggressive and athletic in the field.

Vedere - 8.0 (n/a batting, 3.0 fielding, 1.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Bowled a full nine overs for one wicket and just below 7 RPO...that is a below average performance with the ball..I would have expected more wickets. Fielded great with two catches. A decent day with good contributions to the team.

Gowtham - 8.5 (n/a batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, .5 discretionary)
Nothing special to report on the day...but he looked alert in the field...mostly.

4-3-1 and the slide continues.

Game 7 versus United Sports & Social Club

Loss # 2 was relatively comprehensive as we lost by 52 runs. They were a much better balanced team than us.

Let's start from the top down...team leaders/ veterans first.

Paul - 6.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Bowled economically and picked up two wickets. Batting was more like slogging and ended poorly for him and the team.

Tanmay - 7.5 (1.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batting looked promising but then an unnecessary swipe stared the slide. Bowling was simply awesome with a five wicket haul.

Tiki - 6.0 (0 batting, 3.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Batting failed to register a meaningful score. Keeping was GREAT . Loses a discretionary point for his batting woes...four innings in a row now without real runs.

Wazza - 6.5 (1.5 batting, 3.0 fielding, 1.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Did some hard work at the crease batting to get to double figures and again gave it away. Fielding was great. Bowling was off the mark with 1 wicket and over 6 economy.

Chuck - 1.5 (0 batting, 1.5 fielding, 0 bowling, 0.0 discretionary)
Duck with the bat and 2 overs for 21 runs with the ball, let a four go...ay chiwawa...talk about a piss poor day. It'll be a good day for Titans when he starts focusing again on his cricket.

Dalip - 7.5 (2.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
46 and stumped was a bad result considering no 50 and being dismissed in that manner again for the season. Also, the second time this season he barely missed a 50. Took a smart catch. Loses a discretionary point for failing to grasp the importance of carrying on once he gets such a good start.

Umair - 3.0 (0 batting, 0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Don't come to cricket without sleep...his batting was lackluster and his fielding sleepy.

Atif - 6.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Another failure with the bat. Bowling was super spell as he was unlucky to go wicket less bu eight overs at 2.5 runs is brilliant.

Bala - 6.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Lost his wicket too suddenly AGAIN. Fielding was good. Bowlign was tremendous as he picked up two quick wickets very economically in three overs. Seems to be comign to the party as a bowler...to the delight of the skipper and senior players.

Reddy - 5.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Duck with the bat. Looked aggresssive in the field. There is a hint of promise in this player.

Vedere - 7.5 (2.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, 1.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batted at 11 and came not out. Bowled some good ones and some bad ones. Fielded well. A much imporoved day from him.

4-2-1 and the slide continues.

Game 6 versus India United

Our first rain-out of the season...so we get 2 points on that basis.

Dalip made a smashing 80 odd runs...and that will earn him two bonus points on the next blog.

Game 5 Loss 1

And so it begins...the predictable loss # 1 was far from unexpected. With the First XI players not attending practice and the batting scores steadily declining with each game...the latest losing tally of 81 runs was inevitable. What happens next is anyone's guess. Will the Titan's recover or will they continue to stumble.

Please notice the AGAIN AGAIN text in this blog...we need to learn from our mistakes and try to improve guys.

Let's start from the top down...team leaders/ veterans first.

Paul - 8.5 (2.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Fielding was OK. Bowled economically and picked up three timely wickets..with four catches that went begging. Coming not out was predictable.

Tanmay - 4.0 (1.5 batting, 1.5 fielding, 0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Got a rough decision batting. Fielding was a bit slow as he did not get to one early that was in the air for a while. Bowling went for 9 an over with no wickets. A less than ordinary day for the Vice but pciks up the 1.0 discretionary point for playing hurt.

Tiki - 6.0 (0 batting, 3.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Batting was poor application AGAIN. Keeping was GREAT . Loses a discretionary point for his batting woes...three innings in a row now without real runs.

Wazza - 6.0 (1.0 batting, 3.0 fielding, 2.0 bowling, 0 discretionary)
Did some hard work at the crease batting to get to double figures and AGAIN gave it away. Fielding was great. Bowling was a bit off as the batsman hit out a bit more than usual and ended with 2 wickets but over 7 economy. No discretionary points earned as the poor batting display is becoming a habit.

Chuck - 5.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
One run from our most decorated batsman...AGAIN a crap score. Fielding was good but he dropped a tough one. Picks up the one less discretionary point for his turning up AGAIN with no practice and no apparent remedy for his batting woes.

Dalip - 5.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Did nothing of mention on the day...2/5 successes with the bat though is still slightly better than last years 1/3 ratio. He needs to stay focused and hit back for us at the top in upcoming games.

Umair - 8.0 (2.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Double figures AGAIN this time top scoring though with 20. Fielding was OK. Loses a discretionary point for not carrying his bat a bit further..past the 50 mark after getting a start AGAIN, but on the day easily our best batsman.

Atif - 7.5 (2.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Finally got some runs but gave it away after getting a start. He should have realized that a longer partnership with the skipper could have been match winning.

Bala - 5.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Lost his wicket too suddenly AGAIN to a yorker AGAIN. Fielding was good. Loses a full discretionary point for not sticking on a bit longer in the middle as was needed...AGAIN.

Rakesh - 3.5 (.5 batting, 0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Looked good for his 8 runs but once AGAIN flattered to deceive with the bat. Fielding match losing variety with a straight forward catch dropped and later one landing less than 15 feet away not even attempted nor judged properly.

Gowtham - 4.5 (0 batting, 1.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
His fielding was still a touch slow. Batting was a huge disappointment after all the talk he inspired to be picked on his batting improvement. Nowhere near ready for game day...lots of issues both physical and mental to work through with this youth, but he still has the potential to turn that around...but when is the question.

Akhil R decent job sub fielding for Wazza.

Walt, Uvin & Dilly great job with the scoring and team support!

Coach - Thanks for the meaningful comments after the match.

4-1...is a very misleading record. The way we have batted for the last 3-4 games we could easily be 1-4.

Next game is this week versus India United at our Miramar Regional - North ground.

Game 4 versus Miami Cricket Club

Another character win against a terrible team with clearly no regard for sportsmanship or respect for the opposition or umpire. To defend 115 was simply incredible considering Tanmay was out with injury. Having to defend 115 was simply ridiculous.

Please notice the AGAIN AGAIN text in this blog...we need to learn from our mistakes and try to improve guys.

Let's start from the top down...team leaders/ veterans first.

Paul - 7.0 (.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Fielding was good. Bowled economically and picked up three timely wickets. LBW decision was a bit sketchy as it hit him on the thigh...again the last man out.

Tiki - 7.0 (0 batting, 3.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Batting was poor application after all the discussions about that pitch. Keeping was GREAT with only one of four stumpings given. Full discretionary for his efforts throughout.

Wazza - 8.5 (1.5 batting, 3.0 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Did some hard work at the crease batting. Fielding was solid. Bowling was superb picking up 3-19 in nine overs. Picks up a 1.0 on discretionary for being the bowling spearhead AGAIN.

Chuck - 5.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 2.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Golden duck. Fielding was ok. Bowling was par. Picks up the full discretionary points for his presence in the field.

Dalip - 9.0 (2.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Man of the match this week again top scoring for the team on a tough batting track. He dropped a couple half chances but took a blinder and initiated a run-out. Probably his best effort in the field for Titans thus far.

Umair - 6.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Bowled cheaply...was his way of thanking us all for promoting him into the Top 5. Fielding was good and he was in it to win it.

Atif - 3.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Bad technique led to another marginally bad decision given by umpire...bad reaction AGAIN...he needs to learn to COOL DOWN. Fielding was good. Bowling was off target. We need more from such a talented player.

Bala - 5.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Lost his wicket too suddenly AGAIN. Fielding was good. Loses full discretionary point for not sticking on a bit longer in the middle as was needed...AGAIN.

Rakesh - 5.0 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 1.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Bowled playing back to an off-spinner on a suspect track...enough said. Looked sharp in the field. Bowling was starting to shape up a bit. He looked rusty and needs to practice badly over the next two weeks.

Akhil V. - 9.0 (2.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Coming not out...is a thing I'd like to see our youth do more off when batting. He looked good in the field and seemed prepared to give me a bowling option if needed.

Dilly - 7.0 (0 batting, 3.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
His fielding was on a different level with a great catch at deep square leg. Batting was a disappointment though. He seems like a fearless/ hustle fielder and I like that.

Walt...great job on the BBQ...we hope your skills there will translate on the field one day soon.

Uvin & Gowtham great job with the scoring and team support!

Coach - You are our lucky charm...with you on the sidelines anything becomes possible.

Enough character games...let's look to be clinical and professional from here on in...frankly I prefer that.

43-0 & undefeated...yet still we continue to not play up to our potential.

Next game is in two weeks versus Lauderhill Jammers at our home ground.

Game 3 versus Southshore

A win that showed a lot of character...simply put. To defend 140 in a 20/20 is a challenge much less a 45 over contest. Hats off to the bowlers and the fielders...we left it all on the field and left with all the hardware (trophies).

Let's start from the top down...team leaders/ veterans first.

Paul - 7.0 (1.5 batting, 2.0 fielding, 2.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Fielding was slow and tired, but did not get tested too much luckily. Bowled economically and picked up two wickets, but it could be better. Run out with eight overs left to bat left us 20 runs short of a reasonable score.

Tanmay - 6.5 (0.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, 2.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batting was sketchy. Bowled brilliant & miserly..unlucky to not get a few more wickets. Fielded as we know he can and motivated others well. Players should take note of his never say die attitude...it's contagious.

Tiki - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Batting innings was his first disappointment of the season. Keeping was pretty good, but missed a few tough chances. Full discretionary for his consistent leading from the front on energy and will to win.

Wazza - 7.5 (0.5 batting, 3.0 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Co-Man of the Match honors. Did the hard work to get some time at the crease batting and then gave it away foolishly. Fielding was solid. Bowling was incredibly effective as he decided to cut down his pace and executed the plan to full effect picking up 4 wickets. Picks up a 1.0 on discretionary for his great field presence in the win.

Chuck - 5.0 (0 batting, 3.0 fielding, 1.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Yorked like a school boy. Fielding was GREAT earning him Co-Man of the Match honors including that controversial catch. Bowling was sub par. Picks up the full discretionary points for his remarkable display in the field - catching and ground fielding.

Dalip - 5.5 (2.5 batting, 0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Got a 50...exactly 50, but the only batsman for both teams to do the trick. Dropped a crucial catch and looked like he was heading for the principal's office the rest of the time...slow and passive. Not his best day, but he clearly illustrated the value of an unorthodox aggressive bat at the top of the order.

Umair - 8.5 (2.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Got a start (27 runs) then decided to ever so gently hit wicket. Fielding was good. He is the real surprise of the off-season and regular season so far...a shoe in for most improved player award if he can keep it up.

Atif - 7.5 (1.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Bad decision given by umpire...bad reaction by player...enough said. Fielding was good as he hustled throughout and took a crucial catch. Bowling was simply brilliant in his second spell and he thoroughly deserved the winning wickets. A good day at the office for Atif.

Bala - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.5 discretionary)
Lost his wicket too suddenly AGAIN. Fielding was good. Loses half a discretionary point for not sticking on a bit longer in the middle as was needed.

Akhil R. - 3.0 (0 batting, 0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Running out the Captain due to a non-call...is a sure recipe for a short Titans career. Two dropped crucial sitters of catches has ensured he will get some time to ride the bench and rue his missed opportunities. Minimum discretionary points for appearing like a deer in the headlights throughout the game...wake up kid...yes you were playing for Titans XI...not south bombay preschool B team 3rd division...and no it was not nap time.

Akhil V. - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
As Jake would say...he was "in it to win it". Good energy throughout...not what we wanted from him with the bat though...getting bowled thanks to not knowing the rules. Yes you can kick the ball out after you play it...don't watch it hit slowly roll and hit your stumps. In fact, had I known you had no intention of kicking it out...I would have had time to run down and do the deed for you myself. Once again I say WE NEED BETTER EFFORTS FROM OUR YOUTH PLAYERS.

Walt nice fielding while subbing for the last session...and good overall support for the team.

Uvin great job with the scoring and team support!

Coach - 10.0 - your presence was felt throughout...you make us work harder and want to be better in everything we do. We are lucky to have you with us!

A good test of character that was. Have a beer and celebrate, but first say a prayer and thank God for keeping us undefeated and parting the clouds for bright sunshine after the rain shower.

3-0 & undefeated...what a nice start...yet still we continue to not play up to our potential.

Next game is this Sunday but who and where is still TBD.

Regular Season Game 2 Recap: HOME vs Melbourne

It's interesting...but the last time a team showed up to John Prince Park a player short to play us, we won convincingly and Wazza took 5 wickets. De ja vu...quarterfinals last 45 overs playoffs....lol.

Let's start from the top down...team leaders/ veterans first.

Paul - 8.5 (2.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, 2.5 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Fielding was better than prior week and again showed a safe pair of hands pouching one at midwicket. Started the bowling off a bit rough....but was economical enough to keep it respectable and a bit unlucky to not pick up a wicket or two. To top score with the team on the ropes was a useful and timely innings, but leaving four overs to bat was not right. Picks up a 1.0 on discretionary due to gutsy innings and keeping the fields aggressive.

Tanmay - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.5 discretionary)
Getting out to a full toss was unfortunate. Was not needed...yeah hard to believe...in the bowling department. His presence on the field and team spirit gets him almost full discretionary points, but playign across the line to a full toss in windy conditions was not the best choice.

Tiki - 8.5 (2.0 batting, 3.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.5 discretionary)
34 was a good start...needs to carry on. Keeping was awesome with two great stumpings...one given...one not and two good catches behind. Loses a 0.5 on discretionary due to Mr. Concentration...lapsing.

Wazza - 6.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
It's tough being a top allrounder...you can get man of the match and still end up with a 6.5 thanks to the duckie.. Fielding was solid. Bowling was way too good for the opposition standards..congrast on the first Titans bag of 5 wickets. Picks up a 1.0 on discretionary for the being the BIG DOG on the day.

Chuck - 8.5 (2.0 batting, 3.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.5 discretionary)
To give it away so foolishly at 32 was...well Chuckyesque . Fielding was GREAT with a nice slips catch. Bowling was not needed. Picks up almost the full discretionary points but we need more form him with the bat once he gets a start as he is our only recognized centurion...so far in the league.

Dalip - 5.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
He's due a big one. Fielding was not tested...which means I'm doing my job well...hehehe. Picks up a 3.0 on discretionary as he continues to tease our appetite for big hits and was late.

Umair - 8.0 (2.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Got a start (17 runs) then got as bad decision. Fielding was good. Loses a discretionary point for being late.

Atif - 5.5 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 0 discretionary)
I told him not to hit in the air to midwicket...he did...and he came back quickly for one run. Fielding was good as he hustled throughout. Bowling was on the spot and he thoroughly deserved his wickets. (I would say this player has a lot of promise but he needs to believe more in himself and learn to hit the aerial shots only if there is no fielder positioned in the deep there...THIS WAS SAID IN THIS BLOG LAST WEEK). Atif needs to learn from his mistakes with the bat..he gets a zero on discretionary for being late and not listening/ learning.

Bala - 7.5 (1.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.5 discretionary)
Lost his head batting just when the partnership was blossoming. Fielding was good. Loses half a discretionary point for not sticking on a bit longer in the middle as was needed.

Akhil R. - 8.0 (2.5 batting, 1.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
He did not face a ball, but he did his job well. Fielding was average. Full discretionary points for athleticism, effort and focus throughout.

Dilly - 4.5 (0 batting, 1.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.5 discretionary)
Good energy throughout...not what we wanted from him with the bat though. Dropped two catches..albeit close tough ones. We need more from our youth.

Walt nice fielding while subbing for one over...and good overall support for the team. Uvin great job with the drinks and scoring and team support! Akhil V...kudos man...great team suppport.

Atif & Umair good job on the food, but be on time next time.

Good win guys, bowling & fielding was on song for the most part. This was an easy win...but we still have not got the batting going right. We will need to sort that out and figure out our sixth bowler before the real tests come calling. Also, we need better efforts from our youth and in todays game the 9 & 10 batsmen & youth fielders. We can celebrate, but we have lots of work to do...still...and along way to go.

Nice to start 2-0 & undefeated!

Next game is in two weeks versus SouthShore CC...there.

Regular Season Game Recap 1 vs Port Saint Lucie

Captain's blog, cricket date zero five/ zero three/ two thousand and nine...lol.

First of all...it was a gratifying and thoroughly enjoyable win.

Let's start from the top down...team leaders/ veterans first.

Paul - 8.0 (n/a batting, 1.5 fielding, 2.5 bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
Fielding was average with two misfields. Getting three wickets was good including starting the game off with a wicket maiden, but 5RPO was not good economy. Picks up a 4.0 on discretionary due to playing injured and leading the team to win #1.

Tanmay - 10.0 (3.0 batting, 3.0 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Batting 17* was the perfect finishing technique with a six to end their misery with the scores level. Fielding was good including while injured. Bowling was great 8.1 overs 34 runs 4 wickets. Picks up a 1.0 on discretionary due playign as well as he did with an injured hand and knee...it's good to show courage in front of one's team. He also was more vocal as a leader in discussions and recommended some good field changes during the game to me...both good signs for the team in so far as future leaders.

Tiki - 8.5 (2.5 batting, 2.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 4.0 discretionary)
46 run out was very good showing but did not carry on and silly way to get out. Keeping in this case was above average but missed a catch and close stumping opportunity. Picks up a 4.0 on discretionary due to ability to motivate others and constantly trying to lift his teammates all day long.

Wazza - 6.5 (2.5 batting, 1.5 fielding, 1.5 bowling, 0.5 discretionary)
Great innings of 58...but getting run out was unfortunate . Fielding was average with one catch and one drop. Bowling was way off the mark due to the run-up issues...9 overs 65 runs 1 wicket. Picks up a 0.5 on discretionary due to a couple instances where he let the bad run-up and terrible umpire get the better of him.

Chuck - 9.5 (2.5 batting, 3.0 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Scratchy innings of 53...but the partnership with Wazza was brilliant . Fielding was GREAT with speed to the ball, good throws and just incredible return catch of his own bowling. Bowling was GREAT...9 overs 31 runs 2 wickets. Picks up a 1.0 on discretionary due to his inspiring presence in all factes of the game...great fun to watch this guy play the game. THE RETURN CATCH OFF IS HIS OWN BOWLING IS AN DEFINITE NOMINEE FOR CATCH OF THE YEAR.

Dalip - 6.0 (0 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.5 discretionary)
Unfortunate that he did not follow through on that shot...only 2 runs was abit of a surprise...he left a 100+ out there. Fielding was good, but hardly any opportuntites to showcase himself there. Picks up a 3.5 on discretionary with few opportunties on the day...except for the big opportunity at the top of the order.

Rakesh - 3.0 (1.0 batting, 1.5 fielding, 0.0 bowling, 0.5 discretionary)
As he is very accustomed to doing got a start (17 runs) and gave it away. Fielding was average as he looked a touch slow...but then picked up a gem in the slips. Bowling was uninspired...he should look to warm up on the sidelines so that his first over is a good one...otherwise, he'll get a lot of one over spells this season.

Atif - - 7.0 (2.0 batting, 2.5 fielding, 2.0 bowling, 0.5 discretionary)
Got 25 compliments of a poor fielding side that was run ragged...goos that he got some time in the middle and finished with a decent score 25* though. Fielding was good as he looked very focused throughout. Bowling was troubling the bastmen a bit, but he went wicketless again for 34 runs in his 7 overs. I would say this player has a lot of promise but he needs to believe more in himself and learn to hit the aerial shots only if there is no fielder positioned in the deep there.

Sahel - 9.5 (n/a batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 7.0 discretionary)
Nice to have you back bunny. Your fielding was well worth the selection committee's faith and by bringing the hot chiquita you get full discretionary points. Good luck with your studies...see you next season.

Bala - 7.5 (n/a batting, 2.5 fielding, 2.0 bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Fielding was above average. His one over was good, but Chuck stole the show and his opportunity for more. He gets 3.0 discretionary points for quietly and steadily becoming an important man in the squad. I have no doubt that his role will expand as the season progresses....specifically bowling opportunities.

Jacob - 7.0 (n/a batting, 1.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 5.5 discretionary)
Took one dropped one...good spirit throughout...an average day at the office. Keep working at it.

Akhil nice fielding while subbing...and good overal support for the team, inclduign the icredible FOOD...please thank your Mom for us! Uvin great job with the scoring and team support! Walt awesome work with pics and general team support!

All regular season & going forward A game BLOGs will count towards the Testy Tits.

Good win guys, but we need to remember that they dropped quite a few catches and we bowled & fielded well below average by our standards.

Next game is our home opener in two weeks versus Melbourne CC. More on that later.

Titans XI vs. FCA XI

Let's start from the top down...team leaders/ veterans first.

Tanmay - 3.5 (0 batting, 1.5 fielding, 1.5 bowling, 0.5 discretionary)
Batting was disappointing. Fielding was average. Getting three wickets was good, but giving 40 runs in 6 overs is very poor economy. Picks up a .5 on discretionary due to the guts to bat with an injured albeit an unsuccessful effort...it's good to show courage in front of one's team. In retrospect, he might regret not following his gut and batting first, but listening to his senior teammates was a good option also. Not a good day all in all for Tanmay.

Tiki - 6.0 (0 batting, 3.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.0 discretionary)
Got out to a full toss...sheesh. Fielding/ keeping in this case was awesome with a run-out, catch and close stumping opportunities. Picks up a 3.0 on discretionary due to ability to motivate others and constantly trying to lift his teammates all day long.

Wazza - 6.0 (0 batting, 3.0 fielding, 2.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Duck is only good curried or roasted. Fielding was awesome with a couple catches and some strong throws. Bowling was economical but we expect and need wickets from our big dog. Picks up a 1.0 on discretionary due to his increased verbals support for his younger teammates...we'll need more of that from everyone but especially from guys we all look up to...lol.

Rakesh - 2.0 (0 batting, 2.0 fielding, 0.0 bowling, 0.0 discretionary)
Run out early on in his innings for a duck...need to get faster or call better...player's choice. Fielding was average as he looked a touch slow. Bowling was essentially rubbish as he went for 51 runs with a solitary wicket in his six overs...might be decent in 20/20 stats but not here. Veterans need to pick their teams up when they're down...not contribute to the bleeding. For the record he looked good in the USSC six-a-side the next day...but that is not this blog.

Atif - - 2.5 (0 batting, 2.0 fielding, 0.5 bowling, 0.0 discretionary)
Scored 3 runs battign at #5 with lots of overs to go. Fielding was average as he looked a touch slow. Bowling was troubling the bastmen a bit, but he went wicketless for 42 runs in his six overse. Needs to learn to play his game and be mentally tough for his own sake and his team. Become the spine ofthe team Atif...you can do it and we could use some more spine in our middle order right now.

Umair - 8.5 (2.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 3.5 discretionary)
Very good knock given the parade of wickets on the other end...but better strike will be required to boost his score...29 runs in 20+overs at the crease is not ideal. Took a good catch to get rid of S. taylor in the deep...and looked confident in the outfield. Picks up all a bunch of discretionary points due to his resolve and application to put his head down when the ship was sinking and being the only Titan to reach double figures. Hard luck getting out the way he did with the youth mistake and the runner as he was looking set for a 50+.

Bala - 7.0 (0.5 batting, 2.5 fielding, 3.0 bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Brought some good intent to the crease with the bat but his technical flaws got the better of him Fielding was above average. Bowling was potentially match winning with 4-29 as he turned the game back our way. He gets the discretionary point for turning the bowlign innings in our direction...otherwise they could have easily posted 200+ again on us.

Akhil - 3.0 (1.0 batting, 0.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 2.0 discretionary)
Get used to comign not out...I want to see that all seaosn long if you ever get to bat. Does not belong in Titans XI as a fielder...yet. It's just a lack of catching repetitions and therefore having the self belief/ confidence on completing most catches. 50% on dsicretionary points mainly because he's doing nothign to say he belongs in the first team. Take you catches young man...as they say catches win matches.

Gowtham- 0.5 (0 batting, 0.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 0.5 discretionary)
Duck. Fielding was horrible. Get's .5 discretionary point for turning up on time and being one more body on the field although I think Uvin might have done better. Right now Gowtham is a total liability but he has serious potential...so...it's up to him to sort himself out.

Walt - 2.0 (0.5 batting, 0.5 fielding, n/a bowling, 1.0 discretionary)
Got off the mark and scored his debut run for Titans...unfortunately that was the only run. Fielding was very poor due to fitness, speed and dropped catch. Get's 1.0 discretionary point for almost pouching a tough one at square leg and giving a good effort all round. He knows he needs time and practice to work out his issues and I expect he will make strides this years.

Avinash - 3.5 (1.5 batting, 0.0 fielding, n/a bowling, 2.0 discretionary)
Looked solid with the bat until he got out. Made a huge blunder with the runner situation to run-out the in form batsman Umair. Fielding was very poor due to fitness and speed. Get's 2.0 discretionary point for seemingly being pretty confident, cool and collected. Unlike some of our other youth he looked prepared to play with the big boys and do his best...not sure how to describe the positive vibe I got from him but it was evident.

This BLOG will not count towards the tits...regular season blogs will. Thank goodness for most of you..not our best effort.

Titans Vs USSC

Warren - 5.5
Bowled a great opening spell, but sprinkled in a bunch of wides to end up with 3-33 in 7 overs. Got a lot of swing and troubled every batsman facing him. Was solid in the field. A rare failure with the bat as he got out backing up to a yorker. Needs to practice strokes through the leg side.

Paul - 3
Bowled decently well, but gave up 6 an over for no wickets. Not an ideal bowling performance from the skipper. Dropped a straightforward chance at midoff. Swung at the ball in a rather ungainly manner to make only 4 runs. Might have had a better outing if he had let the strokes come to him rather than trying to cart everything over midwicket.

Rakesh - 6.5
2-36 in 7 overs was a little more expensive than the team would have preferred or expected off an excellent spell of swing bowling. He picked it up after the first over where he bowled 8 wides and got two wickets of two beautiful deliveries. The only batsman to push the bowlers on the back foot. Scored 19 runs but needed to stay on.

Tanmay - 5.5
Looked good with the bat, but could not get going and got out trying to go hard at a spinner. Dropped a catch looking into the sun after he called for it. Bowled as his miserly self and deserved more than one wicket. 7-2-26-1 were pretty good for the day.

Atif - 5.5
Bowled with nice flight and guile to pick up 2-22 in 4 overs. Looked decent with the bat, but got run out shortly after the break. Needs to work on his running between the wickets and calling.

Chucky - 2
Dropped a chance at long on and bowled two overs for no wickets, giving away 14 runs. Made only 8 runs and got out playing an unnecessary lofted stroke while chasing a relatively small target.

Umair - 2
Dropped a chance with the sun being in his eyes. Looked good with the couple of strokes he played, but got out early for just a solitary run.

Prateek - 7
Dropped a chance off Atif after doing the hard part of adjusting to the edge. A smart stumping and two alert run outs added to some decent work to the swing bowlers early on. Batted defensively to get to 22 runs and got run out after having taken the time to settle in. Needs to embrace the "small ball" principles.

Bala - 4
Showed some of his quickness in the outfield while trying to escape the sprinklers. Displayed some batting prowess before he got run out, although he did not get to double figures.

Gowtham - 2
Was absent minded at a couple of occaisions while fielding. Also had trouble with his throws as he kept rushing them. Did not get much opportunity to bat and was 0 not out at the end of the innings.

Akhil - 4
After dropping the oppositions highest scorer, Akhil's day in the field got much better as he affected two runouts and had some sharp stops. Did not bat particularily well and got bowled for 2 runs.

Result - Titans lost by 73 runs.

Intra-squad 20/20 - 2 innings.

Chucky - 7.5
Made a terrific 50 not out in the second innings and bowled two excellent overs in the first innings. Got out being too adventurous off Coach's bowling. His bowling dropped considerably after the first two overs and was disappointing after taking the first two wickets. Dropped a hard chance at midwicket also.

Umair - 5
Showed a lot of promise with a well made 35 in the first innings. Two lovely strokes of Wazza over the offside field showed his confidence. Did not show the same form in the second innings. His bowling was way off the mark and number of good deliveries could be counted on one hand. Needs to learn how to adjust to lefty-righty combination.

Dalip - 6
Got outsmarted by Coach in the first innings to score just 18. Hit 40 controlled runs in the second innings. A marked improvement in his temprament as far is pciking the right balls to hit goes. Dropped a straightforward chance that ended up going for four. Needs to start bringing the focus being learnt in batting to his fielding also.

Atif - 2
Dropped a couple of chances, one of shich ended up hitting him in is nither regions. A total of only 10 runs in both innings and just 1 wicket in both innings combined. His bowling does seem to be getting back to its prime. He troubled some batsmen later in the day but the lack of results should push him further.

Paul - 5.5
A very aggressive 21 not out to wrap up the first innings, followed by a dissapointing crossbatted swing that resulted in a duck in the second innings. Terrific bowling performance under 4 an over taking two wickets. Was slow in the field on a few occaisions, but showed his safe hands with a couple of good high catches.

Dilshan - 2
A dissapointing day behind the stumps for Dilchans. Lots of byes and a couple of easy chances missed. A duck in the second innings was preceded by 8 runs in the first innings including a 4. His batting is coming along but keeping still needs a lot of work.

Avinash - 4
No runs in the first inning, got to 6 runs before going down the track to a good ball. Had one expensive over in the second innings and needs to put in some work on that front. His fielding was decent but needs to work on his mobility a little.

Walt - 3.5
Did not bat in the first innings and got 12 runs with a couple of of nice shots in the second. His fielding was below par. Stationed in the outfield, he let a couple go through him for 4. He did have a couple of good throws from the boundary.

Akhil V. - 3
Picked up 2 wickets int he second innings but was expensive at the same time. Was expensive in the first innings also at 10 an over. Scored just 4 runs in his only outing. Needs to practice a lot if he plans to threaten batsmen in the future. Dropped a chance that he should have latched onto after doing the hard work.

Akhil R - 4
Only 1 wicket in the two innings, but a touch expensive. Not as expensive as his namesake, but did give Gowtham some problems. Needs to work on his length as he is bowling too short right now. Only a solitary run before he fell to Asif.

Uvin - 2
Not out without facing a ball in his only outing. Sloppy in the field and inconsistent with the throws as the second was always on during his throws.

Wazza - 7
Made the most runs on the day with 37 in innings one and 44 not out in innings 2 to see the team through. The dissapointment came with the ball. 7 overs for 45 runs for no wickets is not Wazza-like and is obviously a blip in the performance of the most consistent Titan bowler. He also dropped an easy catch although looking straight into the sun.

Prateek - 8
Did the hard working of playing himself in and threw it away after that in the first innings. Made good on the promise in the second innings with a 51. Had a good day behind the stumps with 4 stumpings. He dropped a simple chance which was just too painful for everyone to watch.

Richie - 6
35 well made runs in his only outing. Had a rough time with the ball despite a decent bowling style giving up 25 runs in 3 overs without a wicket. Decent in the field and an example to the youngsters.

Tanmay - 4
19 runs in the first innings followed by a dissapointing 5 in the second. Bowled well at 4 an over to pick up one wicket, could have had more but had a few chances dropped. Dropped a regulation chance at mid wicket, but was otherwise good in the field.

Jacob - 3.5
Not out in both the innings with just 2 runs to his name. Was not able to push the rate when needed in the first innings, but showed good temprament by plating straight. Dropped an easy chance, but took a good running catch to make up for it.

Gowtham - 3
looked impressive with the ball till Dalip took a liking to him. Dropped 3 to 4 chances in the field. His batting looked shaky in his only outing. Playing out a maiden from Akhil Reddy to get to just 7 runs during his stay.

Antoine - 8
After an 8 an over spell for no wickets in the first innings, Antoine turned it on in the second innings to pick up 4-15 from his second innings spell. He should have had at least 2 more wickets with the safest fielders in the side dropping two simple catches. Batting never clicked as he struggled against the pace bowlers to score a duck in his only outing.

Coach - 7
2-15 off 4 overs in a first inning spell that accounted for Chucky and Dalip. Coach was at his sharpest in the first inning. Did not get a chance to bat. his bowling fell off a biut in the second innnings when both Chucky and Dalip were able to counter him.

Asif - 6.5
Had little luck with the bat and fielded decently taking a nice catch to get rid of Dalip. Asif's most impressive facet was his bowling in the death that accounted for 3 wickets in total. Able to generate some rip and swing off a short runup, Asif showed the potential to be a strike bowler for the side.

Bhavin - 3.5
Bowled very inconsistently to pick up two wickets. His bowling went from horrible to great within a matter of deliveries. Needs a lot of practice in order to become a regular. Had no clue when got bowled by a simple off break from Atif. Fielding was ok, but throws seem to be a problem.

Ray - 2
Did not bat in innings 1 and opened the second innings to score a duck, getting out in the first over. Fielding was ok with no marked problems on the ground.

Akaash - 7.5
Did not get a chance to bat, but was probably the most consistent fielder on the skipper's side. Lots of enthusiasm in getting to the ball and some impressive and unexpectedly good throws. Showed up some of the senior members in the side in terms of fielding. Showed signs of a bright future ahead.

Titans Vs Canada

Chucky - 2
Made 10 runs but got out to an irresponsible Cut shot. Hopefully will learn from this and play more conservatively when wickets have fallen at the other end. Fielding was up to standard, although nothing special stood out.

Prateek - 3
Keeping was adequate, missed a couple of balls when hidden from view by the batsman. Needs to stay in line and expect the ball to come through. Failed with the bat after making the basic mistake of leaving a gap between bat and pad.

Dalip - 2
Took a good high catch on the boundary, but did have some blemishes in the field with overthrowing the keeper a couple of times. Threw away his wicket after having decided to play a more sedate and stable inning. Needs to pick the right bowler/ball to hit.

Atif - 2
Only average with the ball and not able to get a breakthrough. Really needs to pick his bowling up close to the levels of last season. After being hit on the arm seemed to lose concentration and thereby his wicket. Needs to show more resolve while batting. Also Dropped two catches at slip.

Tanmay - 6.5
Bowled very well for only two wickets, should have probably gotten more. Was involved in Rakesh's Runout. Battled Amit, Canada's best bowler very well and used his feet in excellent manner to cut the swing down. Got out to a soft dismissal trying to push the scoring at a time when he did not nessecarily need to.

Alan - 5
Bowled well for little reward. An economy of 4.75 was commendable and the disconcerning bounce would have been a problem for a lot of batsmen. A batting faliure was always on the cards in toughbatting conditions and Alan's batting style.

Rakesh - 7.5
Rakesh looked pretty good while batting but got Runout when he could not apply the brakes after setting off for a single. Rakesh bowled a great opening spell and was able to unplayable once he gained control over the ball. He picked up 3 wickets at 3.00 an over. Rakesh's speed in the field is also noticably improved.

Paul - 8.5
A very good opening spell and a terrific wrap-up spell. 3 an over for 7 overs taking 4 wickets. Batted well while everyone around him was losing thier wickets. Was not able to stroke the bal to the boundary consistently, but much of that could be attributed to the outfield. Fielded decently and used his bowlers decently as a bowler.

Coach - 6
Another consistent bowling performance against set batsmen. Coach failed with the bat after a long time and was snapped up with a great slip catch by the capatain of the opposition. Fielded better than guys younger than half his age in the side.

Jacob - 5.5
Did very well as a fielder, a couple of mishaps , but two very good catches. Failed with the bat trying to slog a spinner over midwicket. Needs to practice mlaying spinners.

Dilshan - 5.5
Looked sharp in the field and batted well by keeping his eyes on the ball. Needs to remember to play straight also when pushing for runs and not just when defending. Decent performance overall.

Akhil - 4
Bowled decently except for the fact that each over had 2 or 3 bad balls. Needs to cut the bad balls down. Was stranded at one end, but did not look very effective with the bat. Fielded in a decent manner with no glaring errors.

Bala - 4.5
Made only 3 runs and did not look very confident while at the crease. Bala was an excellent fielder for Canada. He initiated and completed Rakesh's runout and was particulatily sharp in the field despite his injured shoulder.

Gowtham - 2.5
Made only 1 run and then got out playing across the line to a straight ball. Took a good high catch although his call for the catch was late. Gowtham bowled only a couple of decent deliveries in his two overs and bowled a number of wides. Gave away 9 runs in wides and 3 off the bat and did not trouble Dilshan at all except for one rather controlled edge.

Titans At Sarasota

Chucky - 7.5
Chucky was very impressive during the tour top scoring with a half century in the first match and showing excellent agility and prowess with his fielding on both days. He got out playing a half-shot to a ball that seemed like it stopped on him on the second day and lobbed it up giving up his wicket when the team needed his aggression and form the most. He also lent a useful hand behind the stumps and had a stumping to his name on the second day.

Dalip - 3
Dalip showed promise during his short stint at the crease with a couple of sixes and a four and seemed like he was at his aggressive best with some very good shots. However, his fielding was disappointing with two dropped catches resulting in a very average game for him.

Prateek - 5
Prateek got out early in the first game playing a ball a little too early and edging it to the slip fielder. He was top notch behind the stumps with some good takes and stops. A knee injury during the second game cut short his wicket-keeping but he showed great commitment by fielding and also made a few useful runs down the order.

Wazza - 8
Wazza is proving to be the top all rounder in the team with his sharp bowling and gritty batting . In the first match he bowled a tight spell but wasn't rewarded with any wickets. However, he came back strong with his batting and scored a more than useful 30 odd runs. With 3 wickets and a score in the 40s in the second game, ended what proved to be an excellent outing for him.

Tanmay - 9
Tanmay captained the first game and showed a lot of promise when he was at the helm. Despite his weakened condition, he was the best among bowlers in the first game and was one of the top scorers batting down the order. Tanmay is just a whisker behind Wazza for the position of top all rounder in the team. He took four wickets and made 20 runs batting in the first game and bowled a very tight spell with a half century in the second.

Alan - 5.5
Alan had a shaky start to the tour giving away a few more extras than usual but he steadied himself and had a good spell in the first game given that there were two well set batsmen at the crease. He also did a decent job with the bat with 17 runs against his name. On the second day however his bowling was below average giving away 26 runs in his 4 overs and scoring just 1 run with the bat.

Atif - 6.5
For Atif, the Sarasota tour was a mixed bag. He was hit for a few runs on both days in his bowling but had a wicket to his name in each game. His batting was average on the first scoring 9 runs but he came back strong making an excellent 40 studded with 5 sixes. His fielding however was below average at best and needs quite a bit of improvement.

Umair - 2
Umair had a poor run at Sarasota. He certainly has the potential to become a good bowler and a decent batman but failed to show that in Sarasota. He went for over 10 an over in his 5 overs on the first day and did not get a chance to bowl in the second and made relatively low scores with a bat.

Jacob - 6
Jacob has probably shown the most improvement in his game than any of the other developmental players. There is a huge improvement in his batting and fielding from when he started playing for the Titans. He was available for one game at Sarasota and scored a very decent 13 with the bat before he was run out. He dropped a tough chance at first slip but was good otherwise in the field.

Paul - 5
Paul was part of the first XI in the second game and was the 12th man in the first but got a chance to bat in both. In the first game, he looked good with the bat but got out trying to increase the run rate. His bowling in the second game was good except for one over where he went for a few but was out on a low score batting. His fielding was very good and his brilliant diving catch to dismiss a set batsman was one of the highlights of the second day.

Bala - 6
Given his shoulder injury Bala was in primarily as a batsman for the tour. He played a very good knock in his first game making 30 odd runs and certainly looked like he could have made a fifty if he had gotten support from the other end. He did not have a good second day however and made just 5.

Akhil - 6
Akhil has shown that he is the most promising player among the youth and has immense potential to become a very good leg spinner. He bowled one over in the first game and was hit for a few runs but came back strong in his second, bowling 4 overs and taking a wicket as well.

Gowtham - 4
Gowtham is another good prospect among the developmental players in the squad. He has shown good potential with his medium pace bowling but still needs to improve in the batting and more importantly in the fielding department. He bowled a few overs in both games and took a wicket in his second. His batting was below average in both games and needs to work on it.

Titans A vs FCA

Prateek - 5.5
Bowled one over that went for a few runs. Fielding was good with a few good stops. Batted well while there was an aggressive batsman opposite him, but failed when trying to push the scoring rate. Needs to wrap his head around coach's advice of just trying to time the ball.

Umair - 4
Disappointed with the ball, but bowled a couple of good ones in between. Fielding was decent with a nice catch at the boundary. Was thrown in to open the batting. Batted decently before he was cleaned up by a straight one.

Rakesh - 4
Stellar with the ball, decent in the field. His deceptive pace seems to be a problem for a lot of batsmen. Batsmen seem to find him hard to read and he is taking advantage of it by bowling a good length. Batting was disappointing with him playing back to a pitched up inswinger and getting bowled. Better is expected from a quality batsman.

Dalip - 8
Was ok in the field, no blemishes, but a little slow off the blocks. Took a decent catch. Batting was terrific. Made a near chanceless 57 and deflated the opposition. Did exactly what the team needs him to do, except carrying on to get a big one. Shot selection and placement was great.

Atif - 3
Slow in the field, decent but not effective with the ball. Needs to realize that he is one of the senior players when playing with the Titans A squad. Kept playing back to the spinner and that led to his dismissal for 7 runs.

Bala - 4
Bowling was average and he knows he is capable of doing better. Needs more control over his swing so he can control the ball better and bowl according to the field. His batting looks good technique wise, but needs more practice before he can make big contributions.

Jacob - 7
Good effort and spirits in the field throughout. made very few mistakes, and was involved in the game throughout. His batting was a revelation as he clubbed a couple of sixes. There is potential here and Jacob is doing well to develop it.

Gowtham - 3.5
Decent with the ball, bowled alright after starting off wayward. Not a good fielding performance as he was caught off-position multiple times and dropped a rather straightforward boundary catch, due to lack in concentration. Batted with a straight bat and that is a posetive sign.

Dilshan - 6
Had a bit of a rough day with byes running past him and missing a stumping chance, but showed a lot of potential and development on his first outing as a keeper. Did a good number of the basics right and repeated mistakes due to a couple of technical defects. Batting was ok as he middled the ball a couple of times, needs to watch the ball more closely.

Akhil V - 7
Good performance with the ball. Bowled with good flight, but not enough variations. When the batsman started picking him, he became easier to play for them. Still maintained his length pretty well. Batting was ok as he looked to get behind the ball.

Akhil K - 3.5
It was his first game after a long time and that showed in his performance. Has potential to be a good bowler. Dropped a catch on the 30 yard circle. His batting is pretty decent and he can turn into an all rounder with some coaching and practice.