Our first game Thursday morning was against Toronto at Germantown C.C. and was extremely tight.  Toronto batting first were 113 all out of 24.2 overs and as the last over of the Sarasota innings arrived, we needed 5 off the to win.  By the last ball we still needed one to tie the Toronto score which we achieved, but as we had lost only one wicket we were declared the victors.  After a quick change of venue to Philadelphia cricket club and a rapid lunch, we managed a good victory against British & Dominion C.C. ( Garden Grove , California ).

Friday started with some sore muscles and a critical game against Mad Dogs C.C. ( Connecticut ).  Batting first we had a great start at 48-1, but unfortunately had a middle (and late) order collapse we were all out for 75.  Mad Dogs reached that target comfortably despite tight bowling and fielding by SICC.  Our only loss of the tournament was to the winners!.   Our afternoon game against Philadelphia was a comfortable victory for SICC.

Friday night was the formal dinner at Marion C.C. and the guest of honor, Freddie Truman OBE, one of the most famous fast bowler ever for Yorkshire and England produced much merriment during his after dinner speech.  A photograph of the team was taken with Freddie and will be on display in the SICC clubhouse, a copy is also attached.   Subsequent to the banquet the team assembled in the bar at the hotel to dissect the day’s performance in detail until the wee hours

Saturday started a little more slowly, thankfully, after having played 200 overs of cricket in 2 days, we had only one remaining match against Germantown C.C. at their club.  We won that as well to complete a remarkable 4 wins 1 loss record over the 5 matches played.  However Mad Dogs 4 -1 record ensured their passage to the final. Mad Dogs defeated Sarasota in the head to head clash.

On an individual basis we must recognize Dr. Om, who batted with exceptional consistency through our five matches and Fahad Khan for some great spin bowling.  On a team basis our fielding was quite remarkable, with more than a dozen catches held, excellent ground fielding, and chasing on a very fast outfield... and only 2 or 3 half-chances dropped.  SICC were recognized as the best record of a team NOT to make the final during the lunch speeches on Sunday and were awarded the “Best Team Photograph” prize.  We also won the contest for spending more than any other team at the Hunts County cricket tent!

The final played Sunday afternoon, was well attended by the visiting teams and spectators and the opening ball was delivered by Freddie Truman, and whilst line and length were reminiscent of his days with Yorkshire, the opening batsman was heard to remark that after 30 years out of professional cricket, he did not think Freddie was as quick as he once was.  British Officers’ Cricket Club batted first and were bowled out for 132. Mad Dogs knocked off the score for the loss of 3 wickets.

The hospitality of everyone there was excellent. For those of you who have never attended this festival, it is a 25 over, 11 a side format.  Smooth, flat, fast outfields make it a pleasure to play, good lunches, sponsorship by Bass Ale, and great hosts at each venue made it a pleasure to attend.  Cricket has been played at these grounds for over 100 years!  If you have not had the opportunity to attend this festival, put it down in your calendar for May 2004 and you will not be disappointed.

Finally a big thank you to Chris Persaud for organizing the tour for SICC and for a great job as captain involving everyone in each game.  Also thanks to Sal Lalani who traveled and umpired 8 complete games in 4 days including the final.  Also our thanks and compliments to Melissa Heleely & Craig Joss and the entire group that helped them stage such a great tournament.