Patriots top Albany High
Albany, NY - On a gloomy day, one better suited for duck hunting rather than the noble game of cricket, Schenectady High Cricket Club defeated Albany High by a healthy 56 run margin in a limited 20 over match at Lincoln Park May 19th, 2010. It was a crucial victory for the fledgling Schenectady High side, who had suffered through two tough losses last season to surrender the Intercity High School Cup to their rivals from Albany for the first time in three years.
This year, however, the Patriots came to Albany with renewed confidence and determination to win back the Cup, now in its fourth year of existence. After Albany High won the toss, they elected to put Schenectady in to bat on the damp, unpredictable wicket. The Patriots sent Richie and Navindra Persaud to the crease to test the Falcon's vaunted bowling attack of Chanpreet Saran and Ijaz Safi. They proved up to the task, limiting Schenectady's openers to a smattering of singles early on. Saran's patience paid of with a wicket in his second over, and Safi followed up with one in his third. At that point, the Patriot's found themselves foundering on 35/2, and it was going to be up to the middle order to settle things down.
And settle they did, as #3 batsman Suraj Gobind strode onto the field, determined to take back the Cup no matter what. Right from the start, Gobind set the tone, calling for runs immediately, and partnered with #4 Paul Rajram and # 5 Raymond Bookay to build a defendable total. Albany kept up the bowling pressure, but Gobind refused to yield, and continued to drive the ball hard while each successive batsman played smartly, keeping the obviously hot Patriot on strike as much as possible. It was an effective strategy that soon ticked the run rate up, especially when the spin bowlers were brought on to try and induce an edge. Gobind would have none of it, however, waiting patiently as the slower deliveries arrived, then promptly launched them into the outfield. It was a masterful display, and brought the visitor's through to a 153/7 total at the end of 20 overs. Saran was clearly the class of the Falcon bowling, with his 3/16 haul, but it just wasn't enough to hold Gobind in check.
With the light rapidly fading, but the rains mercifully holding off, Albany began the arduous climb to the 154 run target rather shakily at first. Schenectady opening bowlers Paul Rajram and Raymond Bookay proved effective against the Falcon's opening batsmen, allowing a mere handful of runs in the first two overs. Rajram struck quickly in over #3, however, taking two wickets in close succession. It wasn't until the third wicket partnership of Barkat Ali and Chanpreet Saran that Albany managed to make any headway against the Schenectady bowling attack. Both batsmen played maturely, not taking chances, but making sure to punish any bad delivery without hesitation. However, for the most part, the Patriot bowlers took full advantage of the slow, damp wicket and bowled a reasonably consistent line and length, which limited Albany's ability to score as quickly as they needed. Consequently, despite a stubborn 33 run knock by Saran, and a patient 16 runs from Ali, the Falcon's found themselves running out of overs and light. The tail had to take too many chances at the end, as Schenetady managed to close them out for 97, sealing the 56 run victory. Richie Persaud did the most damage of the Schenectady bowlers, taking 3/14, while Rajram finished on 2/10. Gobind showed he could bowl as well as bat, taking 2/14. Fielding was also a strength for Schenectady, as four wickets were taken through catches, including a blistering shot that managed to find fielder Johnathan Ramnauth playing in just the right spot, who admirably held onto the scorcher.
Both sides suffered from some inconsistency on the bowling end, as extras accounted for 34 of Albany's runs, and 36 of Schenectady's, but that was to be expected given the difficult conditions (several bowlers slipped on the rain slicked grass and wicket). Still, it was a well played, competitive match, and more importantly, showed that cricket can indeed thrive here in upstate New York. In fact, a member of the MCC (Marleybone Cricket Club based at Lord's) from London was in attendance at the game, and marvelled to learn that cricket was played in the U.S. He can't wait to head back to London and spread the news this summer. Both teams are raring to play eachother again, this time, hopefully, with proper cricketing weather. The rematch is scheduled for Wednesday, May 26th at 4PM at Kailberg Field in Schenectady.