So close in Sarasota ... yet again

Another highly successful and enjoyable visit to the Sarasota International Sixes, 13 years after we first made a mark in Florida, ended with the now customary semi-final defeat against a backdrop of remarkable off-field antics.

Strong performances in the opening two five-over games where we scored 93 and 74, enough to see us win both times despite the bowling and fielding being less than adequate (early starts and late finishes probably to blame). The team were severely hampered when the notoriously fragile Henry Watkinson managed to injure himself opening the batting. This meant the drafting in of the cumbersome and less-agile-than-he-once-was Rick Johnson which severely hampered the team throughout, while providing amusement for spectators and passing motorists who assumed someone of his side must be a local. Unlikely stars with the ball were Eds Copleston and Johnny Gates, both of whom took pace off the ball restricting the opposition. Alan Cope batted majestically, retiring both times, as did Howard.

The wear and tear started to become evident on the second day when we won and lost our two matches, and with that record we went into the third day optimistic of a place in the final. However the old nemesis of Houston Memorial (whose management had taken us out until the early hours) proved too good. A great start with the ball left Gates on a hat-trick, but soon the Houston batters were in their stride. Chasing a massive 143 off the 10 overs, we started well, but floundered in the middle overs, needing 40 off 2 overs. A couple of quick wickets and it was all over, as we ended a respectable 23 runs short of the eventual winner.

While that report was balanced, an emotional Cope admitted how he had again crashed and burned on tour when it mattered. “Out for 13 and bowling a 16 ball over half of the wides not even hitting the mat.”

We have been known as pioneers of the kit in Sarasota and its unveiling is always hotly anticipated. Lawrence Parry, President of the Sarasota International Cricket Club, described 2011’s efforts as “the Cranleighans best effort ever”.