No Rickshaw Run launch is complete without a sporting event with the local community and tradition has always dictated no less than a thrashing of the tourists.
But on Saturday 11th, the Spring 2009 teams gathered for a spot of cricket against the Mawlai Sports Club in Shillong and found among their number at least 7 people who had wielded a bat fairly recently! A major cultural festival and the Easter weekend commitments meant team Rickshaw Run had a squad double the size of the local team and suddenly Adventurists sporting history was being made!
The Rickshaw Run cricketers were also generously given the major advantage of batting first, leaving the Mawlai Sports Club to bowl and field in the midday sun. Early on the wickets tumbled fast and it seemed the natural order of things would remain intact.
Then as the batting order settled the Runners started notching up the runs and finished the innings on 182. A rousing team talk from captain Andy later the runners were in the field and the Mawlai scoring rate was amazingly similar to the Runners. Though the game wasn't played on an equal playing field, the result carves out a new chapter in the Rickshaw Run records as Mawlai finished their innings on 172, 11 runs short of victory.
However, the real reason these games are played are to meet the fine folk of Shillong, and the Rickshaw Runners were treated as guests of honour by the marvellous chaps at Mawlai Sports Club. Everything was provided, including a team kit, and at the end of the game the Vice-President of the Club presented every player and even all the spectators with a specially produced commemorative pendant in the club's colours.
A mighty fine way to spend the day and everyone was very grateful for the invitation and splendid hospitality from Mawlai Sports Club, which was established in 1921 and is the oldest club in Shillong. No doubt if the Rickshaw Run returns to Shillong a rematch will be arranged...
To see more pictures of the cricket match in Shillong click here