Hamilton Musicians United First XI - MUSOS

Wow what a Wednesday!
Celebrating a thwated act of rebellion under the gaze of a super-moon on a decidedly summer like evening, the Musos donned their uniforms of heroism to pursue their gentlemen's pleasure.
A return to the Dominion, Dominion Park, that is, eight Musos took to the field against a vocally enthuastic Crazed Wombats. The Wombats opened well and pushed through for opening overs in double figures. As the remainder of the Musos dawdled in to position, the gaps closed and the runs were stemmed, somewhat. The Musos bowled well against a good batting team claiming 6 wickets in the 20 overs. Oaks took 2, Mitch 1 Khanin 1, Mark 1 and Perone our newest ring-in cameoed with 1. Catches went to the keeper Stu, Khanin, KP, and Shane. CW ran every over throw and pushed chances which was rewarded with a first innings score of 167.

A great score to chase the Musos openers felt confident in their stride to the crease. That is where their enthusiasm ended. Both gone for a joint score of 4 runs the foundations didn't look strong. With Mark and Khanin started the run chase. K-Man went for 19, and Stu fell early, Marcus Cricketus batted on. KP added.to the score with another 19. Extras in the form of wides bowled kept the run rate ticking over. The fielding team played well but we're generally less successful as humans. Mark batted through to his 31 retirement target and Perone, Mitch and Shane added runs. However, the target was a stretch to far and the Men in White walked off at the end of the 20 overs happy as always bit 34 runs shy of victory. Bangers and beer were the winners on the day. And Marcus Cricketus was awarded the MoM for an all round effort. A great night was had and the moral victory was won!

We're back after a hectic winter, Wednesday becomes the saviour of the gentlemen's soul. The Musos donned their whites for the 2025/26 season opener against the Tamahere Dad's Army in Tamahere. The weather gods shone down on the social cricket league and an excellent evening set the stage for some thrilling sport.

Taking to the field for the first innings, the Musos preformed well. A low scoring TDA failed to connect with bat to ball. Their inningdblacking any boundaries. Shane took 2 wickets, as did Doug, Brooky and Mitch snagged one each, Mike combined with Stu for a run-out and a dubious umpires decision denied Adam one also. He managed a great catch though and Oaks, after an intial fumble caughy a brace. A soggy outfield assisted the fielding sides and accurate bowling by the Musos contained TDA to 111 runs, a Nelson.

Runs were not flowing for the Musos in the first couple of overs. The an early departure for Oaks brought Brooky to the crease and Dave did what Dave does and hit a couple of back to back sixes. Unfortunately
His luck didn't last and he was caught on 18 runs. The Musos continued to keep ahead of the required run rate. A series of quick wickets slowed the pace and soon the middle order was leaving as quick as they took the crease. Mike batted through holding his crease for much of the game, as his partners came and went. He finally feel for 21 and the tail was called upon to wag. With 40 runs needed off six overs it was a doable task. With the help of some loose wides by TDA and quick running the mMusos kept pace with the target. With 7 down the keeping wickets was the order. Then Stu ran himself out, the Doug ran himself out leaving KP an Adam to achieve a run a bowl final two overs. And they did. Then with two needed from two balls victory was but a sniff away. KP played a short shot and Adam took off calling the run. With two batters at one end the TDA took the stumps and Adma had completed the attract of self run-outs one run shy of a tie and two shy of victory. So close. Such fun. The Nelson curse plays out even in social cricket. Shane took the MoM award for his bowling efforts. The smiles from the return cricket beamed in defeat. Next week we'll have another crack.