It arrived along with the 2023 season. The updated ANZA Cricket kit sponsored by Brookside (see above) makes us look all shiny and new! Here’s hoping that our get-up will have the right effect by encouraging some nifty cricket moves during the 50+ games we have ahead of us this year, alongside some exciting tours.

Misfits hit the beach

If you’ve got it, flaunt it.
Dad bods and biceps were out in full force in December at the annual Misfits Beach Cricket day. Held at Tanjong Beach Club in Sentosa, 14 teams of seven carried out a dusty battle on the sand. ANZA Retros put up an amazing performance, summarised by Captain ‘Biceps’ Dave Vu as, “The second best of the worst or something, but whatever, we got a medal!”
To be honest, we’re not entirely sure who won after drinking in the sun all day. However, we can recall that the awesome event was sponsored by Trouble Brewing and they put out some great beers.

Hits & Misses at the Masters

Game on (& a bit off, too!)
ANZA Dream Team participated in the Masters League in January and February. We played more than 30 overs with retirement at 35 and a maximum of five overs per bowler. Both of our first two games went down to the wire.

The match against the SCC Sphinx was very close with a fantastic bowling effort led by Mark “Hammer” Christensen and Paul Young. Restricted to 104, the batting side couldn’t claim any of the glory. We had a bit of a Sydney Sixers moment and collapsed. Okay, maybe not as bad, but 24 runs short in an action-packed 20 wicket game.

The second game was a humdinger. We played against Spirits at the Indian Association on Balestier Road, and it came down to the last ball. Hemant Shiplikar scored off the second last ball with the rules of the game forcing him to retire on 40 NO! The last batsman then had to come out and score three off of that ball to win. Panic, whoosh and a miss – and Spirits took the game.

The buzzy atmosphere continued after the match with everyone sitting around the esky to enjoy a few cooling drinks on the grass. Happy days.

NETs stuff to know

NETs kick off each Wednesday at Turf City from 7pm. We assemble 5-10 people who enjoy rolling the arm over through our WhatsApp chat. It’s not a problem if you don’t want to play games, don’t have equipment and/or just want to do NETs. They are social NETs and everyone is most welcome.

SCC Youth Development

As yet, ANZA doesn’t run a junior team, but Singapore Cricket Club offers a youth development programme for kids aged 5-10. With a variety of sessions running weekends and mid-week, the Cubs Cricket environment is “all about fun and enjoyment through our brilliant game.” To find out more contact David Bennett at JuniorCricket@scccricket.com

Interested in sponsoring ANZA Cricket? Contact Kerry Low, gm@anza.org.sg

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