SBP Vets from Malaysia arrived at Gymkhana Club to play a 40-over tour match against Lanna but it was another veteran cricketer who took the honours as the home side won a splendidl encounter by 72 runs. Richard Young is probably the most enthusiastic cricketer of them all even though he is approaching 60 so it was a wonderful occasion that he could score the third century of a long, long career.
Of course the innings was a marathon not a sprint as he opened the batting and was still there almost 40 overs later to make the most of a rare opportunity to reach three figures as Lanna made an impressive total of 237 for 7.
Burhan had provided a fast start for Lanna on his return from injury as he hit 27 and Jun made 24 in the middle order and Eliot Lodge was unbeaten on 22 after the main man had finally been dismissed for 111 as the veteran visitors kept going well in the field to keep the required rate for their chase just under 6 runs per over.
SBP Vets mad a good effort in their innings as they were up with the rate for the first half of their innings with Soheiri making an excellent half-century but the tireless Young (quite Old in fact) took a wicket with his first ball and then young Elliot became unplayable as he bowled full and straight to claim four wickets in an inspired spell.
In fact Elliot briefly had a five for before Captain Pete showed great sportsmanship by recalling the batsman when he was lbw first ball, Elliot still had two more overs to try to get the extra wicket but he finished with figures of 4 for 35 as SPB collapsed from 113 for 3 to 117 for 7.
The tailenders had some fun against the spinners towards the end but SBP were bowled out for 165 in 30.5 overs as Lanna won the first touring match of the season by 72 runs. There was a enjoyable presentation ceremony after the match as SBP captain presented Pete Warner with a signed bat and Soheiri was declared SPB’s man ot the match for his 50 and two wickets.