Club tour to adventure; LCC go to Mongolia
Mongolia Club Tour
July, 2017
July, 2017
In early July 2017, Cricket Hong's Lamma Cricket Club, famous for their brightly coloured green and gold blazers, took to the steppes of Mongolia for some cricket. While ten men on horseback galloping, some galloping voluntarily and some not, across a backdrop of rolling grasslands and traditional Mongolian gers (yurts) was an impressive spectacle, it was for cricket that the team had travelled the distance to play.
Two games were played over an enjoyable weekend. The first was against a young and enthusiastic Mongolian XI who elected to bat first and were doing very well until Lamma CC Tour Manager, Richie Abbott, claimed 4 wickets in an over including a hat-trick to ensure the Mongolian total was not a huge one. Lamma made short work of the run chase, passing the Mongolian's score with only 2 wickets down.
The second match was played against a team made up mostly of Mongolian ex-pats. The Mongolians batted first. Their solid total of 152 was looking out of reach when the 6th Lamma wicket fell with more than 80 runs still required, but thanks to a match winning 7th wicket partnership between tour heroes Richie Abbott and Dave Ziehlke, Lamma chased down the total with around 2 overs to spare.
In between the two games, Lamma CC were treated to an amazing cultural experience and buffet dinner in an art gallery. A live music performance included a famous Mongolian folk singer and a traditional throat singing performance. It was clear to all the Lamma lads that their hosts are very proud of their culture. The Lamma tourists felt extremely privileged to enjoy the experience over a few refreshing ales. Mongolian hospitality is first rate.
Overall, a fantastic tour with new friendships forged through cricket. Lamma CC would like to thank Battulga Gombo, Chris Hurd and everyone at the Mongolian Amateur Cricket Association for being such gracious hosts and helping to make this tour an outstanding success.
Two games were played over an enjoyable weekend. The first was against a young and enthusiastic Mongolian XI who elected to bat first and were doing very well until Lamma CC Tour Manager, Richie Abbott, claimed 4 wickets in an over including a hat-trick to ensure the Mongolian total was not a huge one. Lamma made short work of the run chase, passing the Mongolian's score with only 2 wickets down.
The second match was played against a team made up mostly of Mongolian ex-pats. The Mongolians batted first. Their solid total of 152 was looking out of reach when the 6th Lamma wicket fell with more than 80 runs still required, but thanks to a match winning 7th wicket partnership between tour heroes Richie Abbott and Dave Ziehlke, Lamma chased down the total with around 2 overs to spare.
In between the two games, Lamma CC were treated to an amazing cultural experience and buffet dinner in an art gallery. A live music performance included a famous Mongolian folk singer and a traditional throat singing performance. It was clear to all the Lamma lads that their hosts are very proud of their culture. The Lamma tourists felt extremely privileged to enjoy the experience over a few refreshing ales. Mongolian hospitality is first rate.
Overall, a fantastic tour with new friendships forged through cricket. Lamma CC would like to thank Battulga Gombo, Chris Hurd and everyone at the Mongolian Amateur Cricket Association for being such gracious hosts and helping to make this tour an outstanding success.
