Hawaii - Cricket in Hawaii part 2

We played cricket on the Wednesday and Thursday - four 20/20 games in total. The final two games were to be played on the Friday but it had rained all night and was raining next morning. 

Apparently close to 1.5 inches of rain fell overnight. Consequently there was no cricket.

On Sunday 13 September we had arranged to play three matches against players from the Honolulu Cricket Club.

After breakfast the two teams who had been picked to play in the morning went to the ground. The arrangement was that two 15 over games would be played in the morning and then a 30 over game between the two A teams in the afternoon.

Two balls were bowled and then the rain started and that was the end of the morning play. Robin and I had stepped into the park just as it started raining. It could only be described as a tropical downpour and before we could reach shelter or put up umbrellas we were drenched.

After sheltering in bushes for a while we decided to return to a building at the side of the park where there was a little shelter. A short time later drenched Australian players appeared through the rain.

A rather damp Ian

Plan B was to return to the ground around 12 for lunch and then hopefully the game between the two A teams would be played. Looking at the weather it was decided to start play and have lunch between innings.

The two teams discussed tactics before the game began.

Our team posed for a team photo.

The rain, of course, returned. There were two breaks for rain when the players came off the ground but after that the game continued in light rain until drinks at the end of 15 overs. It was raining again so the game was now reduced to 15 overs. We had lunch waiting for the rain to stop.

The players went out to inspect the pitch. The rain continued. In the end we decided that the weather had won and the game was called off.

On the way back to the hotel we were drenched again, even though this time we wore ponchos. However we passed some happy ducks enjoying the large puddles in the park.

The next scheduled game on Tuesday was meant to be a 50 over game between two teams made up from the Australian players. Instead it was decided to transfer the two 20/20 games that had not been played on Friday to Tuesday.

As usual there had been some rain overnight but the concern was the strong winds that had sprung up and according to the weather bureau would continue for much of the day. The cricket pitch is in an open park with no protection. Not only would the wind make it difficult to play but it was problematic the portable awnings put up each game day to provide some protection from the sun would remain standing in the wind. Therefore the decision was made not to play. The weather had won again. As it turned out the weather improved during the day and we probably could have played.

On Tuesday evening there was a rainbow which we hoped was a sign for better things to come.

It was decided to try again to play a game of cricket on Wednesday. This time the weather was fine though still a little windy.

The grass was also rather long.

The plan to complete the 20/20 competition had been abandoned and a thirty over match between two teams was played with the first team making 154 in 27 overs.

The second innings commenced then just before 12 o'clock the contractor arrived to mow the grass. This had been arranged by one of our players.

So while we had lunch the playing surface was mown which was an improvement.

After lunch the second team easily passed the score0f the first team with the loss of 5 wickets in 22 overs, helped by a number of hefty sixes. The important thing was that we were playing cricket again. 

We have permission to use the ground for another game tomorrow for those who have not made other plans. However we have booked to go sailing.