Standard Athletic Club

Cricket Match Report - The Embassy (BECC) - 18 September 2022

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, Standard Athletic CC hosted The Embassy (BECC). After having won the toss and deciding to bat, BECC scored a total of 267 runs for 7 wickets. Needing to score at 7 runs an over, SAC chased down the total with aplomb for the loss of 2 wickets with 10 overs to spare! (Full details in the main article.)
This weekend will see the final fixtures of the season against Thoiry and Chantilly.

Cricket Report - Kerala Tuskers - 10 September 2022

Saturday, the 10th of September saw us entertain one of our long-term sporting rivals in both Cricket and Football, The Kerala Tuskers.
Due to the weather front situated over the IDF both Captains agreed to a reduced 25 overs, with stand-in captain Andrew winning the toss and electing to bat (he is good at something).
With the French national captain as one of our trialists people were looking forwards to a captaining masterclass from the SAC skipper.
SAC put a useful 179 runs on the board with Suobin high scoring with 48 and Sachin adding an aggressive 34 towards the innings close.
Tuskers took the field and were soon 1 down for 1 run off 4 balls, then the rain came. Match abandoned.
The French captain, well he missed out on an education.

Cricket Report - The Sultans - 11 September 2022

With the weather set fair after Saturday’s wash-out, Andrew J. won the toss and elected to bat. Things began well for Standard as Henry and Andrew put on 40 runs in the first 10 overs. After Andrew was run out and Praneeth was caught on the long-off boundary. Sharva scored quickly before departing for 49. Henry the teamaker retired on 68! Then the tail-enders made some useful contributions leaving The Sultans needing 242 to win.
With the wind in their sails after a great batting performance, SAC’s bowlers knew that a victory beckoned if only they could limit the opposition to ones and twos. After both Sachin and Shaunak maintained their line and length to frustrate the opposition, captain Andrew then turned to his spinners, starting with Money and Hilal. Both bowled exceptionally well with Hilal taking 5 wickets! With the opposition 9 down for 139 runs, Praneeth finished off proceedings with his first delivery of the match! The result – a 103-run victory for Standard Athletic CC
(See the main article for a fuller report.)

Cricket Report - Valenciennes Vipers - 17 September 2022

The opposition made the not inconsiderable trip arriving well before the home team, who had a much shorter trip. Subsequently, Captain Andrew lost the toss and the opposition chose to bat against our 9 men. However, the skipper set a field and the bowlers by and large bowled to it, so when the missing two players arrived Valenciennes were 48-1 off twelve overs. Then wickets fell at a steady rate with the visitors finishing on 200 all out off 40 overs.
Surely a target with our batting lineup we could easily chase down? Well, the captain's advice to build slowly meant we were 45-1 off 5 overs, then the wheels fell off; the pick of the batsmen being Trevin, Jyoty and Sachin. SAC finished with a disappointing 167 all out with 6 overs left.

Cricket Report - Match vs Thoiry CC - Saturday 24 September 2022

Saturday the 24th of September saw the fourth match between Thoiry and Standard of the 2022 season. With the weather threatening to spoil proceedings, SACC fielded first with Shakeel opening the bowling and pushing Thoiry's openers onto the backfoot. After their openers had departed, their middle order steadied their innings, with Ali scoring a well-paced half-century. He was ably supported by Siva at the other end. Despite some late aggression from the tail, wickets fell at regular intervals throughout meaning that Thoiry ended their innings on 206 runs.
SACC went in to bat under grey skies, with the openers putting on a quick 30, with Adil (27 runs) scoring all around the ground. Once the openers had been dismissed, the experienced pair of Thodi (70) and Praneeth (39) took the attack to the bowlers, making the task easier for the incoming batsmen at the fall of their wickets. Jyothikumar (23) and Shakeel (21) then took SACC over the finish line with 25 balls and 4 wickets to spare.
The result – a 4-wicket victory for Standard Athletic CC

Cricket Report - Match vs Chantilly - Sunday 25 September 2022

The last game of the season started late last Sunday due to the Paris-Versailles fun-run. After Chantilly were put in to bat, they scored 267 runs off 35 overs, their opening batter Ali staring with 114 runs. A tough day for SAC’s bowlers, as Money, Shakeel and Henry ended up taking 5 wickets between them.
Having chased an identical target last Sunday, SAC’s batters were not overawed by the total and realised that a run rate of 7 per over was required from the start. After one of the openers departed with the score at 20, new player Adil came to the crease. SAC’s number 3 soon settled in and with the support of Mani, the score raced along before the latter was caught for 80. Having amassed an incredible 163-run partnership, SAC now required 85 runs off the last ten overs which they chased down with four overs to spare!
The result – an 8-wicket victory for Standard Athletic CC

Two back-to-back victories were a fitting end to the 2022 season for the cricket section at the Standard Athletic Club.

Cricket News - Rhinos Weekend Matches - 27/28 August 2022

After much anticipation, the UK touring team, The Rhinos, charged into Paris for a weekend of cricket having last toured in 2019.
Please read the full article for a detailed report and photos.
Saturday 27th August 2022 - All-day game
SAC won the toss and decided to bat. The Rhinos bowled excellent line and length and SAC were soon 3 wickets down for 40. However, Johnathan, Suobin and Praneeth built a much-needed revival and SAC finally declared at 230 for 6. In response, the Rhinos' opening partnership (Tom and Ed) put on 75 runs, and after Ed's dismissal for 16, wicketkeeper Ross joined Tom to put on a hundred. After their dismissal, and with only 30 runs needed, captain James and batter Felix saw the Rhinos home by 7 wickets.
Sunday 28th August 2022 - 35-overs
After Saturday’s disappointing loss, Standard got off to a flying start with Henry and Girish putting on a 70-run partnership for the first wicket. Then Ross took the ball and his off-spinners took 3 wickets. With the score at 112 from 16 overs, Rhinos' captain James and Ross took the remaining wickets leaving Andrew Jackson as the sole survivor with SAC all out for 166. After tea, SAC's opening bowler Sachin took three early wickets before Will and Spencer put on a 60-run partnership. After the latter had departed for 34, Tom joined Will at the crease and the pair with two fine half-centuries took the score to within touching distance of Standard’s total. After their dismissal, it was left to captain James to strike the winning runs for the Rhinos, giving them a 5-wicket victory.
Although the results had gone against Standard this weekend, both teams returned to the clubhouse having thoroughly enjoyed the tour weekend.

Cricket News - Match Report vs. Chantilly (away) Sunday 21 August 2022

Please read the full article for a detailed report.
Having won the toss and chosen to bat on a stifling hot day at Chantilly Cricket Club, SAC's two guest openers Adil and Naseeb built a steady platform before Adil was out (caught behind) for the day's top score of 38 and Naseeb batted 18 overs for 35. The highlight of Praneeth's innings was an inside-out cover drive for six! Once Praneeth was run out, only Salman stuck around for a score of note and SAC ended up with a healthy 242. Kareem and Shahzad, Chantilly's guest openers, quickly got off to a flying start, but a good catch by Shaunak on the square leg boundary halt them to separate them after 46 had been smashed in 8 overs. Six wickets then fell in very short order and then Money Singh returned to claim his fifth wicket of the innings and wrap up a Standard victory with the opposition finishing on 145 all out.
The result – a 97-run victory for Standard Athletic CC
With the UK tourist team The Rhinos up next, Standard's cricketers are looking forward to returning to home surroundings once again for this weekend’s two matches.

Cricket News - SACC support fails to help England beat South Africa

Andrew and Henry in full SACC dress uniform (see this photo) lent their support to England at Lords in the test against South Africa (17-21 August) but in vain as South Africa trounced England by an innings and 12 runs.
England seems to be doing better against South Africa in this week's test, no longer distracted by the SACC uniforms?

This weekend (27/28 August) the SACC hosts the visiting Rhinos for a full day's play on Saturday and an afternoon's play on Sunday.

Cricket News - Match Report vs. The Embassy - Sunday 31 July 2022

On Sunday, the 31st of July, Standard Athletic played a 35-over game against the Embassy. After losing the toss and being put into bat, SAC got off to a steady start thanks to Tariq. The scoring rate was low, but the opener set the foundation for the middle-order to follow. Standard were 60 for 2 at drinks, before losing 4 quick wickets at a canter and were reduced to 110 for 7 after 25 overs. That’s when Nishant, the No.6 batter decided to switch gears. With his attacking mindset, he single-handedly carried SAC to 223 for 7 at the end of 35 overs.

In response, the Embassy started steadily before they lost 3 quick wickets thanks to Sachin Singh’s immaculate bowling. At 45 for 3 after 14 overs, Hugo, who was playing his first Senior game for SAC, was introduced into the attack. Bowling leg-spin, which is among the most difficult arts to master in cricket, he proceeded to take 2 wickets in his first 3 overs! His second wicket was an incredible caught & bowled off one of the opposition’s best batters. The Embassy were reduced to 120 for 8, as Standard took 3 quick wickets in the middle overs. As the game looked to be over, a final wicket partnership for the Embassy put on 70 runs. With the score around the 190 mark, Sachin Singh came back for his second spell to take the last wicket to wrap up the game.

The result – a 30-run victory for Standard Athletic CC

Cricket News - Sydenhurst Ramblers Tour - 22/23/24 July 2022

A busy weekend’s set of games was played out this weekend as the Standard Athletic CC welcomed the Sydenhurst Ramblers CC from the UK to Meudon for three days of back-to-back cricket.
Friday 22nd July
On Friday a T20 was played under dark skies but despite the rainy conditions, SAC managed to score 197 runs with Shaunak, Nishant and Nisseem all contributing with the bat. Having had their overs reduced to 12 due to rain, the opposition fell 21 runs short of their revised total of 147 without the loss of a wicket!
T20 result – a 21-run victory for Standard Athletic CC

Saturday 23rd July
On Saturday, an all-day game began with the Ramblers winning the toss and electing to bat. Having narrowly avoided defeat the previous evening, they set Standard a competitive score of 209 to win with batsmen Foster, Brome and Lane playing particularly key innings. A mention must go out to Sachin, Money and Nisseem who all finished with 2 wickets a piece. In response, SAC scored 118 for the loss of 7 wickets, with a 50-run partnership between Henry and Alex a notable highlight. As time was called at 7pm, both sets of players congregated in the clubhouse to congratulate one another on an evenly contested draw.
All-day game result – match drawn

Sunday 24th July
Both teams began the final 35 limited overs tour match on Sunday, knowing that a result was a certainty. Having won the toss, Standard decided to bowl first which proved to be the correct decision as they managed to limit the opposition to 132 runs all out. Sachin was the star with the ball for SAC, taking 4 wickets for a measly 23 runs. Victory would still require concentration, however, and with Andrew departing early the Ramblers sensed an opening. Unfortunately, it was not to be, as Shaunak and Dileep hit the winning runs in what proved to be the game’s defining partnership. With both players ending on 61 and 43 runs respectively, Standard had chased down the total after only 17 overs bowled!
35 limited overs result – an eight-wicket victory for Standard Athletic CC

A fantastic weekend’s cricket with both teams enjoying the club’s great facilities, both on and off the field. All players will now be resting up before next Sunday’s match against the Embassy.
(Read the main article for some pictures.)

Cricket News - SACC vs Thoiry CC, 17 July Match Report

On Sunday, the 17th of July, the Standard Athletic played the 3^rd game of the John Hardy Shield against Thoiry CC. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Standard Athletic got off to a great start thanks to Money Singh and Tariq who made a 100-run partnership for the second wicket. This saw SAC cruise to 120 off 25 overs, allowing them to lay down a solid foundation for the middle order to follow. At the end of their 40 overs, Standard finished on 250 runs.
The second innings would prove, however, that these runs would not be enough. As the afternoon progressed, the temperature kept on climbing and so did the opposition’s run rate. After having taken Thoiry's first three wickets before they could reach 100, Standard Athletic then failed to make any further dents in the oppo's batting lineup. Thoiry’s number four and five’s blitzkrieg partnership of 150 runs got their team to the target well before their allotted overs were up.
Match Result: A seven-wicket victory for Thoiry.
Having won the first 2 games, however, SAC had retained the John Hardy 2022 Shield.
Series Result: A 2-1 victory for SAC in the John Hardy 2022 Shield

Cricket News - SACC vs Kerala Tuskers, 2 July Match Report

After winning the toss and electing to bat SACC didn’t get off to the best of starts and were soon four wickets down with only 32 runs on the board. With Dilip at the crease, however, runs started to flow and after a quick-fire 21 from Sachin and some stoic defence from Andrew Mac, SAC finished proceedings on 135 for 9. Dilip’s 42 red inker was, without doubt, the highlight amidst an impressive bowling display from the Tuskers.
After a tasty tea provided by fast bowler Shaunak, Standard went back out on the field. Off-break bowler Money Singh opened the bowling from the forest end and he immediately repaid his captain’s faith by claiming 3 quick-fire wickets! With Shaunak striking twice and Sachin once from the tennis court end, the visitors were soon rocking at 39 for 6. A partnership of 60 runs, however, steadied the ship and left Tuskers with only 35 runs required for victory. Captain Jackson threw trialist Abi the ball who duly took 3 quick wickets! Standard now requiring only 1 wicket for victory, the bowlers to go for the kill, but a last-wicket stand saw the Tuskers to victory for the loss of 9 wickets, a 1 wicket victory for The Kerala Tuskers.
After this close defeat, SAC will be looking to bounce back with a win this Sunday, the 10th of July as they welcome Lille CC to Paris.
Read on for more details.

Cricket News - SACC vs Lille CC, 10 July Match Report

It was our pleasure to host our annual visit from Lille CC (with the game reduced to 35 overs due to heat). Stand-in skipper Jackson lost the toss and Lille elected to bat. Starting with a mix of slow and not-so-slow bowlers, inroads were soon made and by drinks Lille were teetering on 70-6; but then they regrouped and assisted by a cameo from SAC regular Praneeth, Lille recovered to finish on 191-9 from their allotted 35 overs.
Having changed the bowling attack, the skipper then modified the batting with Shaunak (opening bowler) and Mansoor opening. But Mansoor was clean-bowled off his second ball. Alex joined Shaunak, though was later dismissed for 19 and replaced by Sachin. By drinks, SACC were two wickets down and needed 118 for victory off the final 18 overs. Shaunak was caught at slip in the first over after the break for 31, bringing Dilip to join Sachin in the middle. Sachin went for 44 in the 29^th with still 42 to go. Suobin joined Dilip to increase the score before Dilip departed in the 32^nd for 45 with 12 runs needed off 18 balls, Tariq 5 n.o. and Suobin 20 n.o. made sure the Athlete’s got home with 9 balls to spare.
The result – a 4-wicket win for the SACC.

Special mention to the opposition who always play the game in the right manner and are a pleasure to host.
Read on for a fuller account.

Cricket News - SACC vs Thoiry – John Hardy Shield Match 1 of 3

On Sunday the 19th of June SACC played Thoiry in Match 1 of the 3-match John Hardy Shield.
SAACC elected to bat first and scored 175 for 9.

The morning was slightly overcast and the SACC won the toss and elected to bat. With ostensibly the strongest batting lineup this season, proceedings began slowly with Standard losing two early wickets. Alex and John, however, managed to steady the ship and took SAC to 92 for 2 before Alex was dismissed for 14. After some devasting hitting, John soon followed for a quick-fire 59 before Nishant and captain Nisseem put on an 80-run partnership to take the final score to 175 for 9. In response, Thoiry were 169 all-out resulting in a 6-run victory for Standard Athletic. Game 2 out of 3 of the John Hardy Shield is this Sunday the 26^th of June.

Cricket News - SACC vs Thoiry – John Hardy Shield Match 2 of 3

On Sunday the 26th of June SACC played Thoiry in Match 2 of the 3-match John Hardy Shield.
After victory in last week’s match, Standard Athletic won the toss and chose to bat in the second of three JH Shield games, knowing that a victory would help them retain the trophy for a second year running. The game got off to the worst possible start, however, with Standard losing 3 quick wickets. With the score at 35 for 3, a partnership was desperately needed. Responding to the situation, Henry and Nishant put together a fantastic 130-run partnership leaving the visitors with a target of 213 runs for victory. With the momentum on their side, Standard began in the best possible way with captain Nisseem claiming a wicket with his first delivery. A second was soon to follow and with the score hanging precariously at 9 for 2, Thoiry were staring at humiliation. A middle-order revival, however, pushed their score towards 100 before John, Shaunak and Anser claimed three valuable wickets. With the tail-enders providing some dogged resistance, Nisseem threw the ball to last week’s match-winner Nishant. As Standard’s lead was diminishing with every Thoiry run scored, the new recruit struck four times leaving the visitors 24 runs short.
The result – a 24-run victory by Standard Athletic CC and victory in the 2022 John Hardy Shield!

Cricket News - the Sydenhurst Ramblers pay us a 3-day visit

Sydenhurst Ramblers logo Starting on Friday 22 at 5PM the Sydenhurst Ramblers CC from Chiddingfold in Surrey will be paying us a 3-day visit with matches on Saturday and Sunday too.

Cricket News - June 12 Kerala Tuskers match report

On a warm, summer morning Standard Athletic Cricket Club took to the field after captain Nisseem had elected to field first. The Tuskers began proceedings unconvincingly with a couple of caught-behinds turned down, and then losing a cope of wickets. But at 50 for 2, the Tuskers dug in and rebuilt their score to a total of 250 at the end of 40 overs. After tea, Girish and Dilip began, but Dilip was out for 4. Now Alex ably supported Girish before getting out for 18 and then Girish was out caught for a great knock of 39. After Laxi was out for 3, Henry joined Shaunak for a 60-run partnership. Shaunak put on 39 before getting out and was replaced by captain Nisseem, who, as a pair with Henry, would put a lot of runs together. Unfortunately, Henry was caught for a solid 37 before being joined in the pavilion by Nisseem, caught after an explosive 35. Standard were finally bowled out for 238, so a 13-run victory for the Kerala Tuskers.
After a hard-earned defeat, SACC will be looking to up their game in the first of three John Hardy Shield games against Thoiry CC next Sunday, the 19th of June.

Cricket News: Weekend 7/8 May

On Saturday 7 May there will be an Intra-squad T20 for new players starting at noon (see here). On Sunday at 11am, SACC will play LFPCC.

Cricket News: Desert Springs European T20 Spain Feb 21-23 2022

The Cricket Section was invited to compete in a triangular series taking on a team from London, Royal Tigers or as they later became known, the Tiger Kings! and the Derbyshire CC Academy.
Disaster, a theme of the trip, struck before the wheels left the Orly tarmac, as the playing XI was reduced to 9.
Standard Athletic took this all in their stride and managed not to lose 25% of the four games, never being bowled out and improving on our score with each innings.
There were some great personal performances, Henry with bat and ball, Chris with the bat, Aditya in the field almost Jonty Rhodes like and the champagne moment of the tournament, a hat trick against Derbyshire from our new recruit Gaurav.
The team played the tournament in the right way. As a team a good time was had by all, so much so a pre-season is in the planning for 2023. The final financial disaster with a rental vehicle is best left unmentioned.
Desert Springs resort not only offers ICC accredited cricket ground but a European Tour golf course.
Read the main article to see some pictures.