Played: 2 // Won: 1 // Lost: 1
Runs Scored: 255 // Runs Conceded: 253 // Wickets Taken: 18 // Wickets Lost: 6
Tour Party to Vis: Hasan Ahmed, Shahed Ahmed Nick Berry (capt), James Brown, Matt Fleming,
Mahfooz Mazunder, Rupon Miah, Chris Redhead, Sunny Sahota (v-capt, wk), Marcus Walters
XXX
With the first night of tour completed, the Knockers awoke on Friday for a day of team bonding and culture as we set about exploring the island of Vis.
There’s no better way to set you up for the day than a good old cup of tea, so when Chris ‘The Maestro’ Redhead returned from his 3rd supermarket trip of the morning with the DFC, he was understandably spitting feathers and reaching for the PG Tips. This didn’t go as planned and the murky cup of herbs left a lot to desired.
Following a lengthy debate as to whether the poor performance of the tea was due to the local milk (which was actually kefir) or water, faith was soon restored shortly after as we splitwised a round of coffee’s at what would turn out to be our regular morning stop off at Mamma Mia 2 coffee bar. We discussed a plan for the day and headed on food around the marina front to the beach to work on our cricket shirt tan lines.
A dip in the sea really hit the spot, and once we had finished crushing our feet on the beach pebbles, we headed to Katarina for burgers and beers. By this point, we had eased well into island life with Marcus feeling so much at home that he introduced cheese to his hamburger. We celebrated this remarkable piece of innovation with another round of beers which The Maestro joined in on too, having been called a pussy by the barman.
Word came through on the WhatsApp that the Shisha boys had rented a car and headed to the nearby town of ???? In search of the islands number one beach called ???? – a stunning hike which tested the fitness of our young athletes but showed their passion and commitment towards getting match fit for our series against Sir William Hoste CC over the weekend.
Inspired by their afternoon training, we set about sourcing a tennis ball to take back to the beach for some fielding and catching practice in the sea. No balls were to be found so we settled on using an orange.
It was at this point, things took a turn for the worse. With some spectacular diving catches, that would have impressed even the likes of Jonty Rhodes, the calls for ‘go long’ started to cry out and as I reached up to the sun to take a one handed screamer from Soulman, I felt the fizzing zest of the orange slide off my finger and with it, my wedding ring! The world stopped as I watched the ring float away down into the sea and into the soft bed of reeds. Panic set in, as Flemo and Sunny headed back to the apartment in search of goggles, whilst The Maestro, DFC, and I went under to try and find the ring, but it was too late. The ring had been taken by the ocean and now belonged to Vis.
Having discussed a plan on how to deliver this news to my wife, we picked ourselves up and headed back towards the apartment as thoughts started to turn to dinner. With tummy’s rumbling, we went off in search of a butchers. We were unsuccessful.
A 4th visit of the day to the supermarket followed, and at last we had what we needed for firing up a ‘bri-day’ night BBQ with head chef, Soulman. It was a sensational spread (as always), which we enjoyed whilst hearing all about the Shisha Boys day out at XXXX.
A game of backyard cricket featured after dinner, as we looked to get our eye in ahead of Saturdays opening fixture.
Cricket, Catches & Stone Skipping in Vis
It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and 10 fully grown adults (at least physically) found themselves locked in an intense battle—not on the cricket field, but in a game of stone skipping by the picturesque Adriatic coast. Laughter filled the air, but there was something deeper in their eyes. Was it the joy of reuniting under the TKCC banner? The lingering sadness of a hard-fought loss? Or just the sheer relief that this tour wasn’t another disaster like last year’s Bordeaux nightmare?
Hold on—let’s rewind a bit.
Flashback: The Bordeaux Trauma
TKCC followers will remember last year’s Bordeaux tour… and if you don’t, lucky you. It was not our finest moment. Add to that a lack of matches this season, and when rumors started swirling that a match might get canceled due to a funeral on the island, the Bordeaux PTSD hit hard. But our captain reassured us: the game would go on—a proper T20 showdown.
Match Day – The Journey to Vis
It’s 8 AM on match day, and the top knockers gathered at the pickup point, buzzing with excitement. After a quick caffeine boost at the famous Mamma Mia Café, we set off on what was probably one of the most scenic routes to a cricket ground ever. The opposition was already there—friendly, welcoming, and looking ready for battle.
The First Innings – Fireworks & Fumbles
Winning the toss, our skipper chose to bat first. After a brief pre-game ceremony (where Chris handed out Amigos goodies to the most frequent tourists among us), it was time for action.
Shahed and Marcus strode out to open, hoping to give us a fiery start. Shahed did not disappoint, launching a monster sixover the short leg-side boundary! But cricket is a cruel game—next thing you know, he mistimed a bad ball from Hilton and walked back to the pavilion.
Marcus, cool and steady, held the fort as Nick joined him. The duo was keeping the scoreboard ticking until Marcus got caught in a blender of bad decisions and ran himself out (ouch). Nick soon followed, edging to Hilton off a rather goodball from Teddy.
But then came Sunny and James. Oh boy, did they put on a show! The pair smashed sixes and boundaries like they were swatting flies. Three massive sixes and six sizzling fours later, we wrapped up our 20 overs at 120/3—a bit below par, but we backed our bowlers to defend it.
Lunch Break – Fuelling Up for Battle
Lunch was an absolute delight—served in a beautifully decorated restaurant close to the ground. Whatever was in that food must have been magic, because what followed was pure carnage.
The Bowling Onslaught – Catches Win Matches!
Mahfuz and Matt took the new ball, and my goodness, they were breathing fire! Every fielder was suddenly channeling their inner Jonty Rhodes.
- Marcus set the tone with an insane diving catch at short cover.
- Shahed followed up with a spectacular diving grab at short third man.
- Fielding levels? Elite.
- Drop catches? Zero.
- Opponents? Shaking.
Soon enough, the hosts were 6 down, and victory seemed within reach. But just when we thought it was over, out walked Craig, a seemingly harmless man in his late 50s, who proceeded to play some textbook cricketing shots all around the ground. Partnering with Pablo, the duo silently robbed us blind, staying unbeaten on 45 each and taking the game away.
Silver Linings & Revenge Plans
Despite the loss, we walked away with heads high. Six stunning catches, fiery bowling, and a fielding performance that had the hosts declaring us the best fielding side to ever visit the island! Mahfuz bagged 4 wickets, Matt grabbed 2, and Chris even got his name on the scorecard.
Now, back to that stone skipping battle. James and Rupon were leading the charge, but in everyone’s eyes, there was something brewing. Was it the satisfaction of a friendly game? Or the burning desire for revenge on Day 2?
Only time will tell……
Match 1 of 2: October 12th, 2024 – Kriket Klub Sir William Hoste, Island of Viz, Croatia
TKCC – 120 for 3 (20 overs) Sir William Hoste – 121 for 7 (18 overs)
RESULT: SIR WILLIAM HOSTE CC WON BY 3 WKTS // SCORECARD: HERE
Another Shitty Day in Croatia
The day began as only a Knockers’ day could—with the tour party crashing the exclusive opening of Vis’s old fish market. Our notorious “shit shirt brigade” consisting of Skipper Nick, Sunny, James, Young Matt, Marcus, and Chris managed to charm their way in despite earlier rebuffs. Soon they were living it up with the local elite, sipping bottles of rosé, beer, whisky, and Aperol Spritz while a live band played. Young Matt, ever the entertainer, turned music critic with an impromptu “name that tune” session of lounge classics.
So much for pre-match preparation in a few hours.
The Match Begins
A slightly hung-over squad made their way to the match venue—a converted WW2 airfield nestled among vineyards, now serving as the spiritual home of Croatian cricket. Hearts sank when we spotted Craig, yesterday’s nemesis and the hosts’ skipper, who had single-handedly dismantled our team the day before.
Skipper Nick won the toss and elected to field in this 35-over contest. Our hopes for a change in fortune seemed premature as Craig and his partner (dubbed “the Croatian wall”) built a solid 50-run partnership. The Lancashire pro looked ominously comfortable, leading to whispered strategies: “Craig can’t bat alone—let’s focus on the others.”
The Turning Point
Then came the moment that changed everything. It needed an old wise head and the Maestro obliged. Despite earlier misfortunes (including dropping an orange in the Adriatic and losing his wedding ring), Skipper Nick, behind the stumps, was ready when the Craig finally offered a chance. One catch later, and our tormentor was gone—goodnight, God bless, and good riddance.
The floodgates opened. Wolfie emerged from hibernation with a spell of bowling that combined pace, aggression, and vigor, claiming two crucial wickets. Then came Young Matt’s moment of glory—a spell for the history books. Our Essex Media Mogul delivered a magical performance, including a TV-perfect wicket where Nick took a spectacular catch off an outswinging delivery. The crowd (well, the Knockers) went wild as Matt claimed three wickets in four balls, finishing with remarkable figures of 5/12 from seven overs.
The Chase
Chasing 132 in 35 overs seemed straightforward, but cricket’s never that simple. Our opening pair, Mahfooz and Hassan, started aggressively—Hassan even launched a massive six (the aftermath of which remains a story for another day). Uncle Rupon added his unique flair, but at 44/3, nerves began to jangle.
Enter the unlikely partnership of “West Country” Marcus and “Red Ink” Redhead. Their contrasting styles—Marcus’s initial erratic calling settled by some firm Northern guidance—proved the perfect combination. Marcus, typically known more for his appreciation of drinking, food, and camaraderie than his batting, chose this moment to craft his maiden Knockers fifty. Playing shots all around the ground, he transformed from cautious accumulator to confident stroke-maker, even managing a rare smile in the process.
Victory and Celebrations
We crossed the line with ten overs to spare, maintaining our unbeaten record on European soil. Victory lunch at the famous Roki’s restaurant never tasted sweeter, and the evening’s farewell dinner under the grape vines provided a perfect finale. Even Hasan, our selective diner, joined in the feast.
Awards Presentation
– Opposition Man of the Series: Craig
– Special Thanks: Steven
– Match Ball: Matt Fleming (7-12)
As we prepared for our 7am catamaran to Split the next morning, cards in hand, we couldn’t help but reflect: if Carlsberg did cricket tours, they’d struggle to match this one. A bucket-list location, fantastic people, and memories to last a lifetime.
Onto the next adventure…
Match 2 of 2: October 13th, 2024 – Kriket Klub Sir William Hoste, Island of Viz, Croatia
Sir William Hoste – 132 All Out (30.1 overs) TKCC – 135 for 3 (23.1 overs)
RESULT: TOP KNOCKERS WON BY 7 WKTS // SCORECARD: HERE
Tour 2024: Croatia – Batting & Fielding Averages
| Name | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Walters | 2 | 2 | 1 | 84 | 62* | 84.0 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Sunny Sahota | 2 | 1 | 1 | 39 | 39* | 39.0* | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Nick Berry | 2 | 1 | 0 | 22 | 22 | 22.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 (0/4) | 0 |
| James Brown | 2 | 1 | 1 | 21 | 21* | 21.0* | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Mahfooz Mazunder | 2 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 20 | 20.0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Chris Redhead | 2 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 19* | 19.0* | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Shahed Ahmed | 2 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 9.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Hasan Ahmed | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 8.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rupon Miah | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Matt Fleming | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | / | /./ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
2025 Bowling Averages
| Name | Mat | Ov | Balls | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | Ave | BB | Econ | 4w | 5w | Str/Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jitu Balkrisna | 2 | 5 | 31 | 0 | 17 | 4 | 4.3 | 3-3 | 3.4 | 0 | 0 | 7.8 |
| Marcus Walters | 3 | 5 | 30 | 1 | 25 | 2 | 12.5 | 2-25 | 5.0 | 0 | 0 | 15.0 |
| Alan Hughes | 1 | 6 | 36 | 0 | 42 | 3 | 14.0 | 3-42 | 7.0 | 0 | 0 | 12.0 |
| Chris Armstrong | 3 | 18.4 | 121 | 3 | 59 | 4 | 14.8 | 3-29 | 3.2 | 0 | 0 | 30.3 |
| Matt Ham | 1 | 4 | 27 | 0 | 15 | 1 | 15.0 | 1-15 | 3.8 | 0 | 0 | 27.0 |
| Hasan Ahmed | 7 | 40 | 247 | 2 | 187 | 11 | 17.0 | 3-12 | 4.7 | 0 | 0 | 22.5 |
| Rupon Miah | 7 | 18.1 | 119 | 5 | 80 | 4 | 20.0 | 1-0 | 4.4 | 0 | 0 | 29.8 |
| Andy Spenceley | 2 | 19 | 116 | 3 | 62 | 3 | 20.6 | 2-33 | 3.3 | 0 | 0 | 38.6 |
| Shahed Ahmed | 7 | 19.1 | 118 | 3 | 74 | 3 | 24.6 | 2-14 | 3.9 | 0 | 0 | 39.3 |
| Matt Fleming | 5 | 22.5 | 134 | 2 | 109 | 4 | 27.3 | 2-30 | 4.8 | 0 | 0 | 33.5 |
| Dane Sunderland | 3 | 21 | 128 | 8 | 28 | 1 | 28.0 | 1-4 | 1.3 | 0 | 0 | 128.0 |
| Mahfooz Mazunder | 7 | 37 | 263 | 3 | 164 | 4 | 41.0 | 1-16 | 4.4 | 0 | 0 | 65.8 |
| Alf Rehman | 5 | 12 | 79 | 1 | 67 | 1 | 67.0 | 1-22 | 5.6 | 0 | 0 | 79.0 |
| Chris Redhead | 3 | 8 | 49 | 0 | 68 | 1 | 68.0 | 1-13 | 8.5 | 0 | 0 | 49.0 |
| Paul Duncan | 4 | 2 | 14 | 0 | 5 | 0 | / | 0-5 | 2.5 | 0 | 0 | / |
| Shakeel Ahmed | 1 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 22 | 0 | / | 0-22 | 22.0 | 0 | 0 | / |
| Henry Dowson | 1 | 6 | 37 | 0 | 24 | 0 | / | 0-24 | 4.0 | 0 | 0 | / |
| Jonny Mousley | 1 | 2 | 14 | 0 | 35 | 0 | / | 0-35 | 17.5 | 0 | 0 | / |
| Alex Ingarfield | 1 | 6 | 38 | 1 | 37 | 0 | / | 0-37 | 6.2 | 0 | 0 | / |