The Reflector

Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: News

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For almost three hours, the MSU Cricket Club put on a display of passion, showmanship and skill on the Drill Field Saturday, during its Maroon and White game. The White practice team, composed of MSU alumni and members of the local Starkville community, jumped to a strong early lead until the batsmen and bowlers from the Maroon team began to dominate the wickets.

In cricket, batters attempt to guard the wickets, which are wooden posts, while the bowlers attempt to hit the wickets while pitching.

The Maroon team's comeback was capped off with an 80-74 victory against its compatriots.

Engineering graduate student Alok Singh, a member of the Maroon team, attributed the comeback to the strength of the club team's bowlers. "We had a good score, but on the last four overs, the las 24 pitches, we started playing at our best," Singh said.

MSU Cricket Club captain Karthikeshwar Vangala commended his opponents for such a fiercely played game and also thanked his bowlers for helping to bring the club team to victory.

"It was a very tough contest; the Maroon team has done a good job," Vangala said. "The White team looked like they were going to score runs with ease throughout the game, but our bowlers came through and, because of them, we were able to win."

Junior technology teaching education major Devan Boatner was amongst the small crowd that had built around the flag poll on the Drill Field, taking in the sights and sounds of the game. Boatner said that before the game, she had never had any interest nor knowledge in cricket.

"I had heard of the game before, but that is about it," Boatner said. "After watching them play their style of game, I've picked up a lot. I'm still a little confused about scoring, but now I understand what is going on."

Boatner said the game intrigued her and she would love to attend another game in the future.

"I find it amazing that they can run and pitch the ball like that," she said. "Everyone looks like they're really in to the game. They all seem to be having fun."

While both playing well and ultimately winning were on the forefronts of the cricketeers' minds, the players understand that the game itself serves beyond a system of friendly competition. The game of cricket at MSU goes beyond the simple acts of hitting a ball and running between wickets.

Continued...

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