Australian Transplant CC

Sussex Martlets 323-6 Adam Davies 106, Michael Murray 84, James Dahl 77

Australian Transplant XI 136-8 Charles Davies 2 – 7, Henry Gane 2 – 23

Having won the toss and elected to bat in a 40 overs aside match, the Martlets made an imposing total of 323-6. Much of this was due to a second wicket partnership of 180 between Adam Davies and James Dahl. Adam Davies never looked in any trouble bringing up a less than run a ball century before losing his wicket for 106 when trying to up the rate further still. James Dahl made the long journey down from Repton and gave the expectant crowd exactly what they were waiting for, after knocking off his supposed cobwebs playing in his first match for a year he struck a majestic 77. The innings was then finished off with a flourish as Mike ‘the master blaster’ Murray entered the scene scoring an impressive 84 off just 43 balls.

In reply the Australian Transplant XI were in all honesty never really in the game and only Bates with 27 and Williams with 39 notched up scores of note. The bowlers bowled very tidily throughout and the wickets were shared between them all, with special note going to youngsters Charles Davies who a lively opening spell taking 2 for 7 off 5 overs and Henry Gane who made the batsman toil with his off spin taking 2 for 23 off his allotted 8 overs. The Matlets were unable to take the final 2 wickets despite using all options available, but when the overs were bowled the Australian Transplant XI were well short.

One will never complain of a crushing victory against the Aussies but in truth cricket really was the winner on this day. During an awards presentation after the game the Martlets learned of the story of the Australian Transplant XI. Made up of players all of whom have had transplants, ranging from lungs, kidneys to bone marrow and including one of the surgeons who had operated on them. Many of them were happy to be living, let alone be on the cricket field and the spirit in which they played the game with a smile on the face throughout should ensure we never complain of a slight niggle on the cricket field again.

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