Hong Kong’s Craigengower Cricket Club faced Chang Jung Christian University women’s and Shih Hu Junior High School’s boys teams at the university in Tainan at the weekend in a bid to encourage cricket development.
Craigengower men won their series against Shih Hu 3-0 in only the second time the Taiwanese side have played well-established opposition.
Shih Hu’s stand-out player for the weekend was Tsai Chia-chen.
After scoring 48 in their final innings, he said: “I am very happy to have had this opportunity. The Hong Kong side batted really well and because they are more familiar with cricket, it was very challenging.”
Craigengower coach Willis Ho said he was pleased with his side’s performances.
“It was a great weekend of cricket between great cricket stars,” Ho said. “This should be done more often. Huge potential exists in all the players here and this could be the start of something great.”
Craigengowers women’s side, Fung Wong, took on the university’s women’s team. In their two 11-a-side games, Fung Wong dominated with the bat, with star batter Kary Chan maintaining her remarkable form, placing a lot of pressure on the Chang Jung bowlers.
A gritty performance from the Chang Jung girls in the second game saw them snatch victory from the touring side and level the series 1-1.
“The Taiwan cricket players have some great potential,” Chan said after the games. “Their batting is really good, but they need to improve on their bowling, which might be hampered by their baseball-playing background.”
“Taiwan government support is needed as there seems to be a lack of funds and facilities to grow this sport,” she said.
“It was a great weekend of cricket,” event organizer Ali Chang said. “We enjoyed hosting the Hong Kong sides and hope that we can build on what we have learned this weekend for the future of cricket in Taiwan.”
Co-organizer Mary Mullan-Christie added: “We are grateful to the Craigengower men and women for the gracious way they played against our Taiwanese youngsters, inspiring new levels of camaraderie and cricket appreciation.”
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