The 2nd Grasshopper match in Mumbai was at another historic venue – The Bombay Gymkhana where the first test match was played in India in 1926. It was a boiling hot morning and unfortunately Neil Russell lost the toss and The Grasshoppers had to take the field. From the start the home side attacked the bowling and maintained a steady run rate of 6 per over.

Several chances went astray which if taken could have reduced the rate, but against some good quality batsman we were made to pay for the lapses. However all the bowlers showed great heart in conditions totally alien to what we are used to in Ireland and in all cases their final figures do not do justice to their efforts.

Carlo Rendell 5-0-31-0
Peter Maxwell 6-0-27-0
Neil Watson 8-0-63-2
Cameron Greive 6-0-50-0
Andrew Cowden 8-0-61-4
Ben McKnight 7-0-44-1

Facing a daunting 280 in 40 overs, The Grasshopper innings started brightly until Robert Kennedy was unfortunately run out for 10 with a direct hit. Michael Turkington was lbw for 6. However contributions from Neil Russell, Andrew Cowden and Ray McCavery built some momentum to the innings. Ben McKnight then completed a fine all round performance with a fluent 36, and with a late flurry from the tail allowed The Grasshoppers to reach a final total of 186 for 6. While a 95 run defeat appears heavy, it was an excellent effort given the strength of the opposition and the conditions.

As everywhere else we have been the hospitality was wonderful. We were also introduced to Barry Clarke from Newtownards, Invest NI representative in India, who spent the afternoon watching the cricket and then took us to dinner. He gave us an insight into how trade links are established with a country such as India. His colleague Una from East Belfast who works in the visa section, told us with great passion about the work she and her husband Gary have been doing introducing rugby to the slums.

Some of the team had been asking about how they could make a positive contribution towards improving some of the sights we have seen during our trip and to ensure any contributions are wisely spent. This seemed to represent an ideal way to contribute too positive change by providing kit or rugby balls. Graeme Hunter was able to organise a couple of Ulster Jerseys which could be auctioned and the money put towards a tournament Una will be involved with later in March.

Overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable day. We were treated to a series of stories from ex – Test cricketers and supplied with endless beers and cokes courtesy of the Bombay Gymkhana club. We left the ground exhausted yet amazed at the hospitality of our hosts.