I've just been forwarded an article on Turkish cricket on a blog at cricinfo. Enjoy.
Of the numerous non-Test countries to have debuted in international cricket in recent years, there have arguably been as few as unheralded as Turkey,
Next week's European Division Five tournament in Corfu, Greece will be the country's first foray onto the global stage, one of the benefits of Turkey's acceptance as an Affiliate member of International Cricket Council last year
And unlike fellow newcomers, Bulgaria and Estonia, who have competed in various Twenty20 and Sixes tournaments around Europe, for Turkey it will be a total step into the unknown.
The turf wickets on Corfu may take some adjusting to from the Flicx surface of the wickets at Bilkent University in Ankara, the capital where five of the Turkish league's six teams are based.
To continue reading the article, and enjoy the criticism of the comments below it. Click here
Monday 31 August 2009
Sunday 30 August 2009
Red Lions in the Turkish squad
The Turkish squad
Three Red Lions players were today handed their caps to play for Turkey in the ECC Group 5 championship to be played in Corfu, Greece, in September. Congrats to Colin Sutcliffe, Steve Bryant and (I know this sounds silly for mentioning myself... but I'm bloody excited) Chris Wade.
Thursday 20 August 2009
Red Lions and Turkish cricket in the papers
Below is a photo of the Haber Turk newspaper from last week. Click on the photo for a bigger shot. Note our keeper Lloyd Freeman at the non-strikers end. I'll put up a translation of the piece when I get a chance.
Sunday 12 July 2009
Red Lion Account
Today's match saw the start of us charging our players 5 lira a game with the aim of building up a kitty to buy some kit. For the record, today I collected 50.75 lira.
After a few games hopefully we will be able to buy some clothing for the team and afterwards we will be looking at bats etc.
After a few games hopefully we will be able to buy some clothing for the team and afterwards we will be looking at bats etc.
The rain in July falls mainly on Bilkent oval (but only when the Red Lions are batting)
In retrospect it was a bad idea to bat first today as the Red Lions went down to a "Turkish Invitation XI" with the invites easily chasing the Red Lion score of 93 off 20 overs.
With dark clouds moving in even before play started, things started badly for the Red Lions when Mick the Roofer was run out attempting to take a sneaky single that was never on. It didn't much better as Troy was out a few balls later even though he looked like he could have compiled a decent innings.
Batting throughout was pretty crappy, but at least some of the blame can be put on the passing shower, that was played through but meant that the ball was skidding through and made life very difficult for the batsman.
The Indian Embassy contingent all managed to look good for a few balls but ultimately they failed to get many runs.
Neil the roofer gave the Red Lion's some hope with a couple of lovely shots but was bowled first ball after the drinks break.
The sun was out by this stage and the wicket was playing a bit truer but things still looked ominous. With nine wickets down Sid the Roofer joined Steve Bryant at the wicket and together they did something that the rest couldn't manage -- stay in the middle.
Together the pair not only stayed out there but both scored some lovely boundaries.
All up though 93 was never going to be an easy target to defend.
The "Invitation XI" came out and started taking easy singles before Jonathon Clarke ripped into the attack, scoring 48 before he was caught behind by Lloyd Freeman. In was an important wicket but the damage had been done and the "Invitation XI" reached the target of 94 runs with eight wickets and an enormous eight-odd overs to spare.
It was a good day though and it was also good to see that the nets have finally been set up. In the next few weeks we hope to get a lot of time in the nets and if anyone is interested in some after work practice than please send us an e-mail at redlioncricket AT gmail.com
With dark clouds moving in even before play started, things started badly for the Red Lions when Mick the Roofer was run out attempting to take a sneaky single that was never on. It didn't much better as Troy was out a few balls later even though he looked like he could have compiled a decent innings.
Batting throughout was pretty crappy, but at least some of the blame can be put on the passing shower, that was played through but meant that the ball was skidding through and made life very difficult for the batsman.
The Indian Embassy contingent all managed to look good for a few balls but ultimately they failed to get many runs.
Neil the roofer gave the Red Lion's some hope with a couple of lovely shots but was bowled first ball after the drinks break.
The sun was out by this stage and the wicket was playing a bit truer but things still looked ominous. With nine wickets down Sid the Roofer joined Steve Bryant at the wicket and together they did something that the rest couldn't manage -- stay in the middle.
Together the pair not only stayed out there but both scored some lovely boundaries.
All up though 93 was never going to be an easy target to defend.
The "Invitation XI" came out and started taking easy singles before Jonathon Clarke ripped into the attack, scoring 48 before he was caught behind by Lloyd Freeman. In was an important wicket but the damage had been done and the "Invitation XI" reached the target of 94 runs with eight wickets and an enormous eight-odd overs to spare.
It was a good day though and it was also good to see that the nets have finally been set up. In the next few weeks we hope to get a lot of time in the nets and if anyone is interested in some after work practice than please send us an e-mail at redlioncricket AT gmail.com
Saturday 6 June 2009
A fine victory for the Red Lions
Who would have guessed it? After a fairly comprehensive loss a couple of weeks ago the Red Lions on Saturday put on a breathtaking performance to beat the Ankara Tigers by a massive nine wickets.
After winning the toss the Red Lions decided to send the Tigers in to bat, not because the pitch was going to get better as the day went on but purely because fielding in the morning would be a lot less strenuous than under the blazing midday sun.
Speaking of the pitch, and the ground. One can only say it was the best I've seen for a long long time. The groundsman had not only mowed the ground providing for a nice and fast outfield, he did so in concentric circles to give the field a lovely picturesque look. Not only that he had the roller out on the pitch itself which certainly meant the ball bounced a lot higher than usual. A few of us congratulated the groundsman for his great work and it was great to see how proud he was of his work and he was clearly very proud when a few of us offered our personal thanks for his efforts.
Onto the field and the Red Lions started off wonderfully. Some nice quick bowling from the likes of Tamir keep the Tigers scoring the odd single here and there but not much. Wickets started to come our way, including a couple of lovely balls that sent the wickets flying.
The Tigers tail wagged a bit with the last couple of batsmen hitting a few fours but in the end they were all out for 104. That total could have been quite a bit higher if it wasn't for a great day in the field for the Red Lions, with keeper Lloyd Freeman especially deserving a mention, taking a catch off Steve Bryant's bowling. One other person to mention must be Avichal Sharma who scared a few leg side pigeons before bowling two great balls that clean bowled the batsmen.
Another shout-out to Cagaltay who stepped up when two of the Red Lions failed to show up. Cagaltay had never played cricket before, had no idea of the rules but still helped out the Red Lions in the field. Thanks mate.
Freeman and Sohail opened the batting for the Red Lions and immediately were well above the required run rate before Freeman fell being caught at short cover.
Liam O'Toole then went to the crease and well, the rest of might as well have opened the beers on the spot as O'Toole and Sohail slaughtered the attack. Fours and sixes started to come regularly before O'Toole finished things off with more than 10 overs to spare with a six over deep square leg. The Red Lions finished at 109 for 1. A very nice result.
Sohail deservedly won the man of the match award for his half century and the result means the Red Lions finished top of the League B, meaning they have qualified for the final in October when they will take on the winner of League A.
All up, a great day of cricket (even if most of the Red Lions didn't get a chance to bat) :)
After winning the toss the Red Lions decided to send the Tigers in to bat, not because the pitch was going to get better as the day went on but purely because fielding in the morning would be a lot less strenuous than under the blazing midday sun.
Speaking of the pitch, and the ground. One can only say it was the best I've seen for a long long time. The groundsman had not only mowed the ground providing for a nice and fast outfield, he did so in concentric circles to give the field a lovely picturesque look. Not only that he had the roller out on the pitch itself which certainly meant the ball bounced a lot higher than usual. A few of us congratulated the groundsman for his great work and it was great to see how proud he was of his work and he was clearly very proud when a few of us offered our personal thanks for his efforts.
Onto the field and the Red Lions started off wonderfully. Some nice quick bowling from the likes of Tamir keep the Tigers scoring the odd single here and there but not much. Wickets started to come our way, including a couple of lovely balls that sent the wickets flying.
The Tigers tail wagged a bit with the last couple of batsmen hitting a few fours but in the end they were all out for 104. That total could have been quite a bit higher if it wasn't for a great day in the field for the Red Lions, with keeper Lloyd Freeman especially deserving a mention, taking a catch off Steve Bryant's bowling. One other person to mention must be Avichal Sharma who scared a few leg side pigeons before bowling two great balls that clean bowled the batsmen.
Another shout-out to Cagaltay who stepped up when two of the Red Lions failed to show up. Cagaltay had never played cricket before, had no idea of the rules but still helped out the Red Lions in the field. Thanks mate.
Freeman and Sohail opened the batting for the Red Lions and immediately were well above the required run rate before Freeman fell being caught at short cover.
Liam O'Toole then went to the crease and well, the rest of might as well have opened the beers on the spot as O'Toole and Sohail slaughtered the attack. Fours and sixes started to come regularly before O'Toole finished things off with more than 10 overs to spare with a six over deep square leg. The Red Lions finished at 109 for 1. A very nice result.
Sohail deservedly won the man of the match award for his half century and the result means the Red Lions finished top of the League B, meaning they have qualified for the final in October when they will take on the winner of League A.
All up, a great day of cricket (even if most of the Red Lions didn't get a chance to bat) :)
Friday 8 May 2009
Red Lions go down
It wasn't the best start to the season as the Red Lions went down by seven wickets to Friends United on May 2.
I haven't received a copy of the score sheet yet and am still waiting for some photos.
I can point out that in a pretty dismal 74 all out, Ben Holland top scored with 13.
Anyway, here is the team and a prospective member of the Red Lions. Click on the images to see them enlarged.
I haven't received a copy of the score sheet yet and am still waiting for some photos.
I can point out that in a pretty dismal 74 all out, Ben Holland top scored with 13.
Anyway, here is the team and a prospective member of the Red Lions. Click on the images to see them enlarged.
Saturday 25 April 2009
It's all morning matches for the Red Lions
There have been some slight changes to the domestic programme. Find below the info passed on to me from the TCB.
We hare happy to announce our domestic cricket program of 2009. In the first stage we will organize league matches. The top two teams from these leagues will participate in Republic Cup in October 2009.
Format of Matches:
League A: 30 over format (Will be played with red cricket ball, all teams are expected to have white kit or at least white uppers)
League B: 20 over format (Will be played with white cricket ball, all teams are expected to be in color kit)
In case of rain, each team will be awarded one point.
Teams:
League A (Bilkent, METU and Desi of Istanbul)
League B (Ankara Stars, Ankara Tigers, Friends United, Red Lions)
Match Times:
League A: Matches will begin at 11:00 am and the teams are expected to be on the ground at 10:30 am.
League B: Morning matches will begin at 10:00 am and the teams are expected to be on the ground at 9:30 am. The afternoon matches will begin at 14:00 pm and the teams are expected to be on the ground at 13:30 pm.
Venue: All matches will be played on Bilkent University football ground.
League Fixtures 2009
2nd May
Morning
Ankara Tigers vs Red Lions
6 June
Morning
Friends United vs Red Lions
7 June
Morning
Red Lions vs Ankara Stars
We hare happy to announce our domestic cricket program of 2009. In the first stage we will organize league matches. The top two teams from these leagues will participate in Republic Cup in October 2009.
Format of Matches:
League A: 30 over format (Will be played with red cricket ball, all teams are expected to have white kit or at least white uppers)
League B: 20 over format (Will be played with white cricket ball, all teams are expected to be in color kit)
In case of rain, each team will be awarded one point.
Teams:
League A (Bilkent, METU and Desi of Istanbul)
League B (Ankara Stars, Ankara Tigers, Friends United, Red Lions)
Match Times:
League A: Matches will begin at 11:00 am and the teams are expected to be on the ground at 10:30 am.
League B: Morning matches will begin at 10:00 am and the teams are expected to be on the ground at 9:30 am. The afternoon matches will begin at 14:00 pm and the teams are expected to be on the ground at 13:30 pm.
Venue: All matches will be played on Bilkent University football ground.
League Fixtures 2009
2nd May
Morning
Ankara Tigers vs Red Lions
6 June
Morning
Friends United vs Red Lions
7 June
Morning
Red Lions vs Ankara Stars
Thursday 16 April 2009
2009 summer schedule
The summer schedule is up for domestic cricket in Ankara. Basically, we Red Lions will be playing three matches, with a possible forth if we win League B. Match dates are as follows. The matches will be 20/20.
Sat. 2 May
Ankara Tigers v Red Lions
Sat. 6 June
Tomer XI v Red Lions
Sun. 7 June
Red Lions v Ankara Stars
Sat. 2 May
Ankara Tigers v Red Lions
Sat. 6 June
Tomer XI v Red Lions
Sun. 7 June
Red Lions v Ankara Stars
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