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The collective noun for a group of tigers is an ambush or a streak

Wednesday, 1 January 2014

TIGER IN THE SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS GRAIN

Chris Grain
Tiger in the Spotlight 

After a longer than expected break in the Tiger in the Spotlight feature, tonight the Spotlight falls on Tigers' Captain Fantastic, Chris Grain.

Unlike England skipper, Alistair Cook, our Chris managed to combine the pressures of skippering The Ambush with doing a great job with the bat throughout the 2013 season. Not to be outdone with the bat by our talented crop of younger Tigers, Chris elegantly carved out some superb innings including that fantastic 55 against Swinbrook in the West Oxon Midweek 20/20 League.

The skipper with a late cut as Audley Ducks' point looks on ... 

Chris' batting got off to a shaky start in a rain affected friendly against London Badgers at Combe back in May. Going for quick runs he top edged a James Hayes ball and was promptly snapped up by Badgers' Kerr for a duck. But after that, the runs came thick and fast for the skipper and his innings' were admired by his fellow Tigers' of all ages. Scores of 37 against Stuffed Beavers, 35 and 55 against Swinbrook and a battling 37 against Uffington brought Chris within one vote of winning the Tiger of the Year award, only to be pipped at the death by Hass Mohsin. Regardless, his innings' last season cemented our skippers' place as a key man of the Tigers' batting line up. 

Driving through mid-wicket against Audley Ducks

But Chris' cricket isn't all about his batting. He's an excellent fielder and can be often found alongside Baz Floyd at mid-off or mid-on where they cheerlead the bowlers. In short, a great batsman, excellent fielder and a terrific bloke. And I should know because I've been playing cricket with him since he was six or seven years old.

Chris flicks one through leg on his way to 55 against Swinbrook

And here's a breakdown of Chris' batting for the 2013 season ...

League Performances

Friendly Performances

Overall 2013 Batting Performances

Well done Chris. Skipper, we salute you!  
      

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