After months of continuous rain, we had a gorgeous weekend and BOCC was ready and pumped to get going. Having lost the Toss, Woodward decided to bat on wet and soggy outfield which worked out to our advantage since the ball did not travel too much. New ball responsibilities were taken by Charles and Gavish . Charles (1 Wk) got a breakthrough in the very first over and Woodward was already on the backfoot. With the ball getting wet and soft wickets were getting hard to come by so Aizaaz (14-year-old Fast Bowler) was given a go and did not disappoint and took 2 quick wickets. Our spin trio was introduced in the form of Gurpreet, Karan (1 Wk) and Neil (3 Wk’s) who bowled impeccable lines and got 4 wickets between them. After a great spell by the spinners Vishnu (1 Wk) was introduced and did not disappoint by taking a quick wicket.  Woodward resisted a little bit towards the end of the innings with some boundaries but a magical direct hit from the 30 yard circle by BOCC’s own Jonty Rhodes (Parth Patel) brought about an end to Woodward’s Innings at 134 in the 39^th over.

    With a target not very challenging but Cricket being a funny game the opening pair was advised not to finish the game in 10 overs with the kind of form they were in. Gavish (24) and Sunil D (29) started as clinically as possible hitting the bad balls away and taking the quick single’s. Both perished to some good bowling by their first change bowlers. Dilpreet (5) walked in and departed soon to a top edge. Stand in Skipper Charles (41 NO) and Arnav (14) who was promoted had a good stand and brought the target within striking distance before Arnav chopped one on to the stumps. Parth (3 NO) joined the skipper and finished the job without any more fall of wickets by reaching the target in the 22^nd over. Highlight of the game was Charles knicking a ball to the keeper and started walking but stopped immediately when he did not see a decision from the umpire. He put on the best act ever by saying the ball was miles away from his bat, Karan could not control his laughter who was doing Leg Umpire duties. Sometimes BOCC does get lucky too!! Good victory for team BOCC as we keep advancing towards playoffs. Enjoy the week off everyone well deserved break!

BOCC members, it has been over eight years since the last BOCC tour to England. I think we can all agree that is way too long. Therefore, our plan is a 2019 BOCC Tour to England in July/August. The exact location has not been determined but we are in the preliminary stages of organizing through a tour operator in England. However, before we can proceed we need to make sure that there is enough interest to make the trip viable. The trip would probably be over 9-10 days and involve 7-8 games (weather permitting). The tour operator organizes B&B accommodation, sets up fixtures, teas and provides match balls. At present they have quoted £1000 per player which at present is about $1300, this doesn’t include flights which are around $800-$1000. You would then be subject to the usual holiday expenses; eating out each night, beer, snacks and any other extra-curricular activity. So I’m estimating a budget of $3000 would be required for an individual. If you are planning on bringing the family its obviously more. What I require now is a rapid and honest response on your general interest levels. There is no point saying Yes today if you really won’t end up going as you will be expected to make a financial commitment in advance of the trip. Please respond to the survey with speed so we can move this thing forward. Any questions just email me.

Thanks

Ian