KING’S Road were brought crashing down to earth by a team named after a star following an easy win last week.
It seemed like the constellations were aligned for Antares CC as they bowled out the Orange Caps for a measly 114 in 36 overs before knocking off the target for the loss of six wickets.
The Road, who smashed the Thespian Thunderers in their first match of the season, believed they had a chance right up until the final over when Amir hit two fours and a six off Leon Watson to seal the win.
But in truth Antares were the stars of this match and had it in the bag well before that.
The Road had got off to a disasterous start at South Park, Fulham, losing Raju Mazumder for 2 and Leon for a seven-ball duck early on.
Sham de Silva however continued his impressive form to again be the mainstay of the innings scoring 42. He was supported briefly by Dan Sherman who hit 20 off 27 but after that it was all downhill.
When Sherm went the wickets started tumbling again with Matt Cocken departing for a duck, Chris Fish being run out hook, line and sinker on 8 and newboy Rob Bauman falling for 2.
By then the situation looked hopeless with The Road on 97 for 7. Another newboy G Christie added 14 and Jamie Keating hit two boundaries in his 10 but it was all in vain.
When Matt Small fell with four overs to go The Road looked to the heavens and knew they faced and uphill battle.
With just 115 to defend, the Orange Caps needed a good start. They got it with captain James Couldrey removing dangerman Joe Banks lbw for 2 and then a stunning slip catch from Sham off the same bowler to get rid of Llewellyn.
There were further wickets with Chris Fish grabbing two with his slippery medium-pace, Leon one courtesy of a reaction catch by Raju and Matt Cocken bowling Alex Try to claim his first with the ball for more than a year.
However, again the effort was in vain as Antares shined brightly to wrap up the win with nearly 10 overs to spare. Shining brightest was H Boatright with a dazzling 73 not out to send his side sky high.
