The Hong Kong Cricket Club was turned into 'little Colombo' yesterday as the visiting Seylan Bank side from Sri Lanka began their two-game tour of the territory on a winning note.
Over 200 Sri Lankan supporters and the explosive batting of the visitors combined to turn the staid precincts of the HKCC into a hothouse atmosphere more familiar to a one-day international at any Colombo ground.
The crowd danced to the catchy baila beat in the small stands as Seylan Bank swept to a 66-run win over Hong Kong. It was just not the type of cricket which Hong Kong are used to - either on or off the field.
The crowd bobbing up and down to the rhythm of the drums; the incessant singing which increased in tempo when a six was hit or a wicket fell; the cheering . . . all had a hypnotic effect. HKCC members were perhaps left wondering what had happened to their little corner of decorum and etiquette. On the field too, Hong Kong were finding it hard to cope with the cricket. Hong Kong coach David Trist put it down to the lack of regular tough matches. 'We need more games like this if we are to lift our level. It would be great if the guys were able to get more games of this nature,' Trist said.
The New Zealander, who coached the Netherlands at this year's World Cup, has been entrusted with the task of guiding Hong Kong to glory at the ICC Trophy next year. He has a big task.
Only Stewart Brew showed yesterday that he is comfortable playing at this level. Opener Brew, one of the most consistent players around, anchored Hong Kong's innings to be last man out for a sweetly compiled 105.
