Banter between old cricket mates and lip from the terraces helped the competitive spirit of some former players re-emerge as a Clifton XI defeated a World XI yesterday.
More than 2000 people watched from the grassy banks and marquees as the Clifton County Cricket Club XI battled it out for 20 overs against a World Invitational XI in Te Awanga.
The Deco Dancers entertain the crowd between innings.
Former Black Caps allrounder Dion Nash opened proceedings for the Mark Greatbatch-captained Clifton XI and showed good form when bowling a maiden over to start the match.
Later in the game, former All Black Marc Ellis made his way to the crease and formed a formidable partnership with former Black Caps allrounder Chris Harris.
It was evident that Nash searched for an extra gear when he bowled to his rival and mate Ellis, who went on to score 49 runs.
Adam Hollioake plays a ball through the off side
"It's always helpful when the fielding team drops you a fair few times," Ellis said after the match. "It was fantastic, we've got a cracking ground and good crowd, and lots of lip from the terraces, which was cool, it was just a good fun day."
Harris, despite scoring a quick-fire 48 runs, said he felt a little "scratchy" and credited his good knock to a nice piece of Laver and Wood willow.
"That was awesome, it's always a pleasure to be back in this little slice of heaven here in Hawke's Bay."
He jokingly said it was a little disappointing to find the crowd against his team but it was a great day to catch up with some former cricketing legends and mates.
Jeff Thomson, who sent down some deliveries with his famous slingy action, and his World XI made a total of 172 for 7 from their 20 overs.
But it was not enough as former Black Caps batsman Matthew Sinclair came out to bat for the Clifton XI and smashed 51 runs retired, to see his team home with three overs and five wickets to spare.
After the game, former English player Adam Hollioake said he was thrilled to finally play a match in New Zealand on his second visit to the country, after his tour with the England U19 team in 1989 was cut short by injury.
"It was only my first game in one year, but it looked like my first game in 20, it was horrible," he laughed about his performance.
