In reply, Tim Keleher and new kid on the block Paul Geary, introduced to the club by Neeraj, both looked excellent, but unfortunately couldn’t capitalise on good starts. After Tim’s early demise, Paul fell just short of a well-deserved half century, leaving KCC perilously placed at 97 for 4. Introduced into the attack, Aussie leg-spinner Matt Hayward then span his customary web, ensnaring five KCC wickets in quick succession, to leave us well short of the required total, on 173 all out at the close. In the bar afterwards he cheerfully pointed out that he’d played against us a grand total of three times, and had taken five wickets on all three occasions. His name is no doubt already inked in for the return fixture in 2009!

VCC’s skipper won the toss and put us in to bat, but was soon regretting his decision. Tahir Saeed and Brett Hatfield put VCC’s bowling attack to the sword, repeatedly smashing the ball to the boundary. Other batsmen chipped in throughout the innings with a few runs, but Tahir and Brett stole the show, Tahir falling just short of a well-deserved century as he led KCC to an intimidating total of 264 in 40 overs. VCC, in reply, were never in with a shout to win the game, none of their batsmen able to reach a half century, as wickets fell at regular intervals. An excellent spell of tight bowling from Mark Jefferson, in particular, and a fine three-wicket spell of off-spin from tour debutante Joe Woodward, led the way, KCC cruising to a comfortable win. A good start to what turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable tour – the bar awaited…