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mojatu .com 24 Community & Events MAASAI CRICKET WARRIORS TOUR 2018 SUMMARY By John Gordon N T w t s N t s A t b W s h t t b a p As part of their tour to Nottingham the Maasai Warriors were scheduled to play 5 cricket matches. The first game was against Notts and Arnold Amateur Cricket Club at Goosedale Sports Ground, Bestwood Village. After some heavy rain showers the game was shortened to a 15 over a side game played on an artificial wicket. The NAACC side scored 150 runs for 6 wickets and bowled the Warriors out for 74. Conditions were very wet and slippery much removed from the conditions that the Warriors were used to but at least it was an opportunity to get much needed practice and a welcome to English conditions. A number of club members came along to watch and to share a drink and some pasta bolognaise with the cricketers. The second game was due to take place on the 26th September against Attenborough cricket club. Again, the weather gods were unkind, and it rained all afternoon meaning no cricket could take place. Attenborough CC had hired a marquee and a brass band who played on despite the inclement weather. The third game took place on the 27th August against Cavaliers & Carrington cricket club. The weather was much improved, and a big crowd turned out to support. The game ended in a comfortable victory for the home side. The fourth game was against the Duchess of Rutland XI at Belvoir cricket club. Darren Bicknell, captain of the Duchess & Rutland XI won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 142 runs from their 20 overs and although the Maasai Warriors were much improved they never quite kept up with the rate falling short by 16 runs. This game attracted extensive support from the local community and media with a feature on East Midlands Today and a lot of publicity in the local and national press. After the game the Warriors & invited guests were treated to a formal dinner in and tour of Belvoir Castle hosted by the Duke of Rutland. Finally, the Warriors attended a community cricket day on the Victoria Embankment. Alongside the Warrior game certain different varieties of cricket were demonstrated including walking cricket, All stars cricket and Tape ball. W N w l t n t w w C o W s m M m a e e a h