Absolutely Gutted at Tinni's

Yesterday was Sunday, April 24th.. Dr Rajkumar and Sachin Tendulkar's bday.. Towering Personalities, larger than life chars yet ? Just a passing thought..

And we took to the cricket with all fervour as usual, in the evening. Evenly matched teams and a competitive spirit..

First Match : Chasing 27 -odd, Viji is playing classily, but an uppish shot, he's gone...It boils down to a few of the last over, Johhny ol 'boy,wily, comes to turn his arm over, mua on strike.. We scramble thro for a couple of singles, Memu fumbles on an overthrow and I make a mad dash and get 2 more..! Manage to pick a slower one and hoick it away to two.. 2 of 3 required.. Surely, we can get it.. A slightly faster, fullish delivery down the leg, I go for the flick.. it flies off the leading edge and Memu makes no mistake..:( Should have waited, should have played it softer.. PHUK ! We lose by a run, its not fair ! We were in the chase.. and how. Nerves !

Second Match : Chasing 24 ,Viji is anchoring the chase, but falls again... Again,it boils down to a few of the last couple of overs, Sanji and me pick up a few more singles, run them hard.. Been sweating, didnt realize.. Surely, we can get it this time ?? .. But wait.. Budan sends in a fast full toss, I instinctively go for the flick, it races off like a bullet..Straight to Raghu though and he catches it at neck level.. Done in again by the only shot I play decently here ! Should have waited, should have played it straigher... PHUK, PHUK ! We again lose by a run or 2 ! Absolutely shattering for our team..

Manage to win the next game, still lost the series 1-3.

So Near and Yet so far.. as is often the case at Tini's.. Terrific sessions, closely fought games,frayed tempers, matches not won till the last ball is bowled/last run scored/last wicket taken..It's not over till the Fat Lady Sings, says Ravi Shastri.. Which Fat Lady ? Crappy Cliches..

There's none greater than the Game ! That everyone will vouch for.. and head to SLV to gorge as usual.. :)