After much anticipation, the UK touring team, The Rhinos, charged into Paris for a weekend of cricket having last toure victoryd in 2019.

Saturday 27th August 2022 - All-day game

Match report 1 vs. The Rhinos

With the weather set fair for the weekend, Standard opened proceedings by winning the toss and deciding to bat for Saturday’s all-day game. However, with the Rhino’s opening bowling partnership Spencer and captain James bowling some good line and length, SAC were soon 3 wickets down with only 40 runs on the board. As things teetered precariously, Johnathan (69 runs) and Suobin (24 runs) started to build a much-needed revival backed up by some fine support from all-rounder Praneeth (65 runs). With time ticking away, Standard declared on 230 for 6 after 45 overs and it was the turn of the Rhinos to bat.

Having scored a century in 2019, batter Tom opened the innings with tour organiser Ed and the two began brightly with a first wicket partnership of 75 runs. After Ed departed for 16 having been bowled by off-spinner Money, wicket-keeper Ross joined Tom at the crease and the two put on a hundred runs before being dismissed by a fine delivery and a superb catch from Sachin and Andrew McIntyre respectively. With the Rhinos now only needing thirty runs for victory, captain James and batter Felix put on a partnership which saw their side home for the loss of just four wickets.

The result – a 7-wicket victory for The Rhinos.

Sunday 28th August 2022 - 35-overs

Match report 2 vs. The Rhinos

After Saturday’s disappointing loss, Standard were looking to bounce back in a 35 limited overs game and things got off to a flying start with Henry and Girish putting on a 70-run partnership for the first wicket. With wicket-keeper Ross having swapped the gloves for the ball, his probing off-spin soon began to pay dividends as his three wickets brought the Rhinos back into the game. With the score at 112 from 16 overs, SAC needed to push on if they were going to establish a competitive target. Rhino’s captain James and Ross had other ideas, however, and through a combination of steady swing and accurate spin bowling they shared the remaining wickets leaving Andrew Jackson as the sole survivor as Standard were bowled out for 166 runs.

After tea, the home team took to the field knowing that only some good fielding and accurate bowling could prevent the Rhino’s from winning. Things began well, with opening bowler Sachin taking three early wickets before Will and Spencer put on a 60-run partnership. After the latter batter had departed for 34, Saturday’s centurion Tom joined Will at the crease and the two of them took the score to within touching distance of Standard’s total, with two fine half centuries. After Tom departed to catch his train and Will being caught at point off Money, it was left to captain James to strike the winning runs for the Rhinos.

The result – a 5-wicket victory for The Rhinos

Although the results had gone against Standard this weekend, both teams returned to the clubhouse having thoroughly enjoyed the tour weekend.