Thanks to Graeme for this report from the Lashings World XI cricket match on Sunday. In his own words. Ed
Lashings World XI annual visit
The sun shone and the runs flowed as the Lashings World XI paid their annual visit to the Island to take on Ventnor at Newclose on Sunday.
A large crowd was treated to an afternoon of rich entertainment with the former Pakistan international Mohammad Yousuf the undoubted star of the show.
The 36 year old, one of the finest and most stylist batsman in world cricket who played against England last year, produced an innings of both power and elegance to provide the backbone of Lashings’ total of 249-4 from 35 overs.
Former Pakistan international Mohammad Yousuf
Yousuf, only recently retired from the professional game after scoring 24 test match centuries and averaging over 50, struck 10 boundaries and five sixes in a marvellous knock of 101 from only 68 deliveries which overshadowed an innings of 66 from New Zealand’s James Marshall.
The Ventnor side stuck manfully to their task throughout the innings with Cole McConchie taking 2-39, a couple of dropped catches the only blemishes on an otherwise impressive fielding display.
Henry Blofeld’s commentary
The afternoon’s entertainment was enhanced by the tones of the legendary Henry Blofeld’s commentary, accompanied by Henry Olonga, whose rich tenor voice had earlier brought a standing ovation from the Marquee guests with his rendition of Nessun Dorma.
Ventnor needed a decent start if they were to challenge the Lashings total, but were undone by the pace of New Zealander Ian Butler whose spell of 3-34 accounted for Mark Fletcher and James Cheek cheaply and Henry Bartlett for 20. Former England man Devon Malcolm then dismissed McConchie for 16 to leave the home team on 52-4.
Skipper Ian Hilsum: Highlight of innings
Skipper Ian Hilsum’s fine knock of 60, which included nine fours and two sixes, was the highlight of the Ventnor innings which ended five overs from the end at 171, Chris Harris taking 3-7.
Lashings manager John Lever and match sponsors HTP presented men of the match awards to Mohammad Yousuf and Ian Hilsum to bring another memorable occasion to a close.
