Day 13: Final Game, Farewell Sri Lanka

The temperature forecast for today was 31 but feels like 39 and we were lucky enough to be playing cricket. It was a short drive to the Moors Cricket Ground in Colombo for our final game against CCC Colombo. We arrived early enough to have a decent warm up with Thommo getting involved in some throwing work. Once again we lost the toss and were sent into the field. The early bowling was tight and the scoring rate was slow. Wickets were falling but one batsman was being stubborn. The final score from the CCC team was 207 after 40 overs, a decent total to chase. Tim ended with fine figures of 4/44. Oskar was not playing today so entertained himself by posing for photos.

The required run rate was a little over 5 an over and Zac and Matt O got off to a flyer thumping 29 runs from the first two overs. This took the pressure off and allowed the batsmen to better pick the balls to hit. With an outstanding knock of 102 no, Zac ensured we won the game with 8 overs to spare. What a great win for the final game on tour. Overall, the team won 4 games from 8 and can be proud of their performance in an unfamiliar country.

The final dinner was enjoyed by all at the Colombo Cricket Club. Unfortunately, a guest appearance by Murali did not eventuate. Malinda spoke, complimenting the boys on their behaviour despite some difficulties with pool cues and doors. He presented each boy with a photo and medal as a memento of the tour. He also awarded three trophies to the batsman of the tour (Will), bowler of the tour (Tim) and fielder of the tour (Lachie L).

The tour has been a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of Thommo in organising the tour and liaising with the tour company. Thommo worked tirelessly, was always positive and supportive and always had the best interests of the boys in mind. There were hiccups, but these were dealt with confidently and with a degree of flexibility. The boys have learnt a great deal about themselves and the difficulties facing those in Sri Lanka who are less fortunate than they are. They have been incredible ambassadors for Barker and will take home many memories. They all got along well with each other most of the time and took everything in their stride. Tomorrow we leave the hotel early for the airport. As far as we know all flights are running to time. If there are any changes boys will contact their parents directly. That's all there is. Thanks for following the blog and see you all in Sydney.

Day 12: Road trip via coast to Colombo

Finally, and unfortunately, we have to say goodbye to The Heritance Hotel in Ahungalla. After a late breakfast most boys went to the beach for a body surf before packing their bags and climbing aboard the tour bus for the short trip back to Colombo. This was a travel day and the only detours before we arrived at the hotel were a stop at a Sri Lankan Souvenir shop and a fancy department store which was not the type of shopping we wanted to do. The boys were expecting some last minute haggling in  local markets, but apparently the marketplace in the Fort district is well known for pickpockets, muggings and tourist disappearances, so we gave that a wide berth. Even Malinda, our tour guide, said he would not set foot in Fort.
Returning to the hotel the boys had the usual options - swimming, working out in the gym or watching the end of the one-dayer between Australia and India. The Sri Lankans rejoiced with us when we beat the Indians again.
The popular choice for dinner was the butter chicken, which proved to be a bit spicy for some, and then a game of pool or back to the rooms to relax before our last game on tour.

Day 11: Foundation of Goodness

The Foundation of Goodnes is a charity organisation which aims to empower the rural communities of Sri Lanka. It provides English lessons, sports training and facilities, computer and business training all free of charge to local communities mostly in the South of the country. It was devastated in the 2004 tsunami and has been fundraising ever since with the help of many major companies and sporting personalities around the world. Sri Lankan sportsmen supporting the Foundation are  by Russell Arnold, Kumar Sangakkara and Muttiah Muralitheran. Today we visited the Foundation of Goodness before our game. We went on a tour of the site, visiting English classes and computer training classrooms. It was a humbling experience for all the boys. We also visited the sports ground and swimming pool, all built due to donations from around the world.

From the Foundation we travelled to the Sri Lankan "Lords Cricket Ground" for our game against a Foundation Team (the ground was built with the help of the MCC). We lost the toss and fielded first. Against a very strong batting line-up, the runs flowed freely and the Foundation team amassed a large total. Rahul and Ben D were the pick of the bowlers taking two wickets each. The required run rate of 8 an over together with the decision to give those who hadn't had a decent bat time in the middle, resulted in a less then impressive run chase and a loss for the team. Oli's knock of 57 gave the total some respectability. However, today was not about winning or losing, it was about forging relationships, providing opportunities and inspiring global hope. At the end of the game the Barker boys presented the Foundation with a cheque to help provide computers in classrooms for rural communities and a mountain of donated cricket equipment including bats, pads and gloves. There was also an opportunity to purchase shirts and caps, with all money raised going to the Foundation.

On returning to the Heritance hotel there was time for a quick swim before our Sri Lankan themed dinner where everyone had to wear something Sri Lankan. We had another magnificent meal and then  relaxed for the evening.

Day 10: R and R

A beautiful day dawned in Sri Lanka but, as it was a rest day, the boys missed it. The first we saw of them was at 9am for a team meeting. They were all bleary eyed and dishevelled as they had come straight from bed. The first order of the day was then breakfast and a swim. Warm water and good waves made for good body surfing until 10:45.
At 11 we all headed to the Turtle hatchery where we learned about the 5 different types of turtles in Sri Lanka, the programs to help maintain numbers in the wild and the dangers affecting turtle populations around the globe. We all got to handle 3 day old turtles as well as some older ones. It was a great experience for all as we realised the impact of humans on sea life.

From here it was back to the hotel and lunch, consisting of the smallest ham and cheese rolls ever seen. Most boys had to supplement their rolls with fruit and a la carte or buffet lunches. We then had two hours to swim, relax or watch the one dayer between Australia and India before our next outing.
At 3pm we headed out for a cruise on the Madu river. Primitive boats, the constant smell of diesel and life jackets with no flotation panels were the order of the day. We visited cinnamon island where we learned how cinnamon was made. Just about everyone bought cinnamon goodies for mummy, which is just as well, because the rumour goes that you cannot leave cinnamon island without buying something. A floating drinks stall was next on the agenda, where we purchased a coconut or a Coke. There was then more travelling around the river but, unfortunately, no monkeys or crocodiles were seen. In fact the only wildlife experienced was a bee eater and a kingfisher. Finally after one hour we returned to base.

Back to the hotel and time for a quick swim or relax before dinner. Another sumptuous feast followed by pool, the gym, TV or ping pong. It was good to have had some relaxation time in order to charge our batteries for the game tomorrow.

Day 9: Game 6 v Richmond College Galle

Finally we find a highway in Sri Lanka and the trip from Colombo to Galle takes only a couple of hours. We arrived at the International Cricket Stadium in Galle and were blown away by the quality of the surface, the picturesque surroundings and the amazing dressing room. We fielded first against Richmond College and Tim and Tom K took the new ball. There was immediate success and Richmond were shocked to be 1 for 2. A period of consolidation ensued and the score increased to 87 in only 12 overs before the fall of the second wicket. It looked like the Sri Lankans were headed for a big total as the Barker boys could not find their line or length, but all of a sudden it all clicked and Richmond lost their remaining 8 wickets for only 87 runs giving them a total of 174. Tim (3/18), Tom M (3/47) and Will (2/22) were the pick of the bowlers.

While the cricket was being played Thommo and Bindog, on separate occasions ventured into Galle fort to see if there were any markets worth visiting or sights worth seeing. Thommo was walking onto the ramparts when he encountered a man with a wicker basket who asked if he wanted to take a photo. Suddenly the lid of the basket was removed and the head of a King cobra rose and struck at the  Sri Lankan handler. Thommo nearly jumped out of his skin and made a mental note to keep the boys away. 

Barker's batting innings commenced and immediately Zac and Andrew took to the Richmond College attack. The gradual accumulation of runs meant the target was never in doubt and Barker passed the score in the 34th over. Zac(62) and Will(42) were the pick of the batsmen. An unexpected victory means the touring team now has 3 wins from 6 games. Once again, "From the fields" was sung heartily in the change room and the boys were chuffed with their performance.

A short visit was then made to the fort where Thommo kept everyone away from the snake. Other interesting sights were a group of schoolboys being instructed on how to stand to attention and a part of the ramparts populated by couples with umbrellas who would secretly kiss thinking no one could see. From here we all piled back on to he bus for the 40 minute ride to the Heritance Hotel, one of the best in Sri Lanka. Some boys headed to the beach for a swim in the surf, but were shortly instructed to get out of the water as venomous sea snakes come out at night. So it was a game of touch footy on the beach and then a gastronomic feast in the restaurant for dinner. A great result for the team and the day ended on a high.

Day 8: Game 5 v Mighty Cricket Academy

A short bus trip his morning took us to the Colombo Cricket Club ground for our game against the Mighty Cricket Academy. There were some last minute team changes as some of the boys were feeling the effects of local food, lots of cricket and the sapping heat. For the first time on tour we fielded first. Rahul (2/20) opened with a scorching spell and he was ably supported by Charlie (1/22) and Nick (3/15). After 25 overs the hosts were 7 for 85. Tom M (2/34) finally found his mojo and bowled a solid 8 overs. Everyone was feeling that we could now break the drought, chase a small total and win the game. Strange field placements, a few dropped catches and a few too many wides let the Mighty Academy off the hook and they ended with 157 from their 40 overs.

After lunch Zac and Matt O (31) got the team off to a great start making an opening stand of 57. Oli then joined Zac at the crease and after a few close calls the score continued to tick over until Zac (27) departed. Jack joined Oli In the middle and the pair took the game away from the opposition with some controlled batting. Oli made a fine 55 and a short cameo from Oskar (21) allowed the Barker touring team to pass the total in the 37th over. A great win for the boys. "From the fields" was heartily sung in the dressing room to the strange stares of the locals.

A mid afternoon return to the hotel left plenty of time to relax for a couple of hours. Boys deposited themselves at various venues - the cafe for coffee, ice cream, chicken pies or cookies; the pool for a refreshing dip and debrief with Ben D about his deep long on field placement or Lachie L about his two catches (and his missed chances); the rooms where the BBL game between the Strikers and Renegades was reaching a climax. Tomorrow we have an early start as we travel to Galle and play a game. Today was uplifting and allowed some of the boys who hadn't made a huge impact so far to shine.

Day 7: Pinnawala and back to Colombo

Regrettably it was time to leave Kandy. No more cool evenings, jacuzzi's at the hotel, post match massages or haggling in the markets. Oscar's wardrobe has increased dramatically and many others, including Andrew, purchased cricket shirts at bargain prices. The greatest challenge has been purchasing gifts for mum and dad and many are using the strategy of buying something they would like in the hope that mum and dad will say " oh that's lovely dear why don't you keep it". Time will tell how successful this is.
Back to today. We had a relatively short bus trip to the Pinnawala elephant orphanage and as soon as we climbed off the bus we were hit by the heat and the spectacle of elephants wandering along the main street. We then negotiated the markets as we made our way down to the river where a dozen or so elephants were standing or playing in the water. Tourists were allowed onto the river bank to get close up to the elephants and for a small fee you could pat an elephant and have your photo taken.

After a quick lunch to make time for some more shopping we walked back up the street to the elephant sanctuary to see some elephants being fed and to have further close-up experiences with them. It is amazing that you can get so close to these magnificent creatures and they seem to be comfortable, relaxed and enjoying the interaction with humans. It was truly a very special experience for everyone.

The short 81km to Colombo took two and a half hours as the roads are so clogged with tuk tuks, buses and motorbikes and there is only one lane going each way. The first observation made on arriving at the Ramada in Colombo was that there was a coffee shop serving real coffee - very important for Thommo and Bindog. The boys headed to their rooms and either chilled watching TV or were drawn to the well equipped gym for a workout. Jack, Oli, Tom M, Thommo and others all worked on their guns in preparation for tomorrow's game. Today was awesome and will stay in everyone's memories for a long time.

Day 6: Game 4 v Kingswood College Kandy

Another bright, sunny day dawned in Kandy. We awoke to the sounds of barking dogs and the Moslem call to prayer. We had a fairly short bus ride to the university cricket ground in Kandy to play  Kingswood College. We won the toss and for the fourth time batted first. Lachie and Zac got us off to a brisk start and we were 36 after 5 overs. At this point the opposition brought their spinners on. All the teams seem to have at least 5 spinners and get plenty of turn. This slowed the run rate considerably and we limped to 7/103 after 30 overs. Our tour guide Malinda was so concerned he paced around the oval hoping for something to happen to save our bacon. Enter the swashbucklers, Ben P, Tim and Ben D. With their devil-may-care attitude, a bit of luck and some lusty hitting, they took the score at the end of the 40 overs to a very respectable 199. Ben D was particularly entertaining, hitting the ball into the clouds on a couple of occasions and scoring 22 off the last over.

With a pretty reasonable total we were quite confident we could defend well enough and take away a win. Unfortunately, as Thommo so aptly put it, "we shot ourselves in the foot". Wayward bowling, ill discipline in the field and some positive batting took the game away from us and Kingswood passed our score in the 36th over.

On the way back to the hotel we stopped off for some retail therapy to try to drown our sorrows. "Genuine" Ralph Lauren polo shirts, cricket shirts and "real" Omega and Rolex watches were the favoured items and everyone returned with happy tales of their bargaining prowess and their cheap, imitation merchandise. Back at the hotel everyone settled into their routine of cards, pool or a relaxing spa and massage.