Results and News from Shanghai's FPDSavills Sixes
Tony Munro - 8 May 1999

Jason Barry, of "The One Man and His Bat" fame, provides this narrative of the recent FPDSavills Shanghai Sixes:

"This year's host of China's premier cricket tournament shifted from its usual venue of Beijing to the hustle and bustle of China's commercial capital of Shanghai.

"The Shanghai Sixes competition, played on the weekend of April 13 and 14, attracted a most competitive field of teams, including the Korean Cricket Team, Hong Kong Cricket Club and most notably a strong contingent from Melbourne Cricket Club.

"The Festival started with an inaugural XI-a-side match between the Shanghai Cricket Club led by tournament organiser Stuart Taylor and Melbourne CC, captained by MCC stalwart Mark Anderson. The game proved to set the tone for the weekend as Melbourne dominated with both bat and ball to win this 35 over contest by over 60 runs.

"With the arrival of the visiting teams also came the rain, forcing the first day of the 6's to take cover in an adjacent sports hall. Fortuitously, provisions had been made by the organising double act of Taylor and Forman for the adverse conditions and the first day was played to indoor rules, with Shanghai, Melbourne and Hong Kong putting in notable performances.

"It must also be noted that Beijing and Shanghai provided two, including at least eight home grown players, encouraging news for those interested in the progress of cricket development in China.

"Saturday's prayers for better weather were answered with a break in the rain, allowing the second and final round of the tournament to be played on the artificial wicket in front of a slightly damp but enthralled crowd.

"Semi-final defeats for Shanghai and Korea set up a final between Melbourne and Hong Kong, Melbourne winning through after a tense and exciting affair.

"The event, despite the climatic problems, was a resounding success, testimony to the organisers and sponsors who have kept faith with their vision in cricket in China."

Jason Barry c/o The One Man and His Bat Tour Office

Here are some result details: Day One - Group tables in order of winners: Group 1: Hong Kong Dragons 2 wins; Shanghai HC 1 win; Shenzen 0 wins; Group 2: Shanghai CC 2 wins; Korea 1 win; China 0 wins; Group 3: Melbourne 1sts 2 wins; Peking CC 1 win; Hong Kong CC 0 wins; Group 4: Melbourne CC 2 wins; Japan 1 win; Shanghai HC 0 wins; Man of the Day: Phil Parton - spectacular catch.

Day Two - Overall tournament winner: Melbourne CC - beating Hong Kong Dragons in the final. In the semi-finals, Melbourne CC defeated Melbourne Firsts, while Hong Kong Dragons beat Shanghai CC by one run on the last ball of the match. Plate Winner: South Korea beating Japan in an All-Asian Plate (Group runners-up) final. Bowl Winner: Hong Kong CC defeating China in another all-Asian Bowl (Group last place) final. Man of the Day - Stephen Griffiths (Korea) for what must be the best diving catch from a huge long on drive.

Thanks: Stuart Taylor.