Red Star CC up and running

On Sunday 23 June 7 Yugoslavs, 9 Indians, 3 Brits, an Australian and a South African gathered together in 38 degree heat to christen the new Flicx pitch and equipment donated to Red Star Cricket Club for the development of cricket in Yugoslavia. Turf renewal on Red Star's training pitches and damage to the main pitch by fans at a pop concert the week before meant that the first game was played at the Ministry of Interior Sports Ground. For the Yugoslavs, most of whom were from 15th High School, it was the first time they had been fully kitted up and the first time they had played on a full pitch. Two teams were picked, splitting the nationalities and capabilities, with Australian Tom Patterson and Sanjeev Bhalla from the Indian Embassy captaining the teams, and the assembled players then embarked upon a 20 over game with each bowler allowed two overs.

Lack of practice (and ability) meant that high scores were not expected. Only Mike McGlashan from South Africa beat Extras as Tom's team crawled to 59 all out. Sanjeev's team suffered two early run outs as the length of a full pitch became apparent to the batsmen. Extras, as some bowlers struggled to find their line, soon saw the team score creep up. Shashi from Air India hit some mighty blows to bring the scores level, but in a fitting ending he gloved a catch behind and the scores were tied. The enthusiasm of the young Yugoslav players was infectious. Nemanja, Milan and Alexander all look to be promising bowlers and with the Flicx pitch it will now be easier to coach them.