On a cool but bright May afternoon, the Mogador Wanderers arrived at Follies Farm, Chiddingfold for our second fixture against Follies Old Spots. The Mogs welcomed Steve kelly back into the starting XI for the first time in 2 years, accompanied by Kiwi beer monster Jeff Veitch who debuted. Having fielded our first ever Mog called Colin against Brook last week, it was extraordinary to field our first ever Jeff, only a week later.
Under a mackerel sky, skipper Hewitt correctly called "tails" and elected to bat first in a 40 over game. Furner & Fairclough opened the batting and the little master quickly showed the home team what we were made of, playing 2 maiden overs against the home skipper David Leng, before uncharacteristically playing all around a straight one, losing his off stump in the process. Peter (3) conjured up a new excuse (never previously heard before) blaming his
"excessively watery eyes" for his dismissal. Tharpy came in at 3 and put on 42 for the second wicket before both he and Fairclough (who arrived at the ground sporting the Maroon Jacket) were out in quick succession, leaving the Mogs 47-3 after 15 overs.
Freeland and Kelly had arrived at the crease by now and these 2 put on 86 for the 4th wicket at a run a ball, with Freeland pulling anything short (just like his days at Eastbourne) and Kelly straight driving and cover driving pretty much anything, just so long as he didn't have to run. It was a surprise when Kelly (45) was dismissed, although the property magnate was later overheard telling anyone who would listen, that he thought it would be nice if everyone got a bat, which was nice of him. Hewitt (14) missed a straight one but Jeff Veitch (25) hit a few boundaries including one towering 6 into Mr Economou's front garden. Jamie (41) missed out on a half century, but contributions from Lewis (16), Abbot (7) and Davies (8*) ensured the Mogs ended their 40 overs on a very respectable 220 - 8.
We enjoyed an excellent tea, which scored a very high 8 out of 10 - freshly laid eggs and local ham filled the bread, with "to die for" chocolate brownies following behind. No quiche, no fresh fruit, no supermarket Battenburg cake, just honest sandwiches lovingly prepared by authentic tea ladies.
Fortified, the Mogs took to the field, possibly over confident that our total would be too much for Chiddingfold's Old Spots. Abbott opened the bowling and was mildly disturbed to see his 4th ball take the edge, only for keeper Parker to spill the chance. Having not played for 8 months, Will had oviously been practising his cymbal playing. Jeff Veitch ensured it wasn't a costly mistake, removing his off stump next over (10-1). Tom Gleave was joined by David Leng and these 2 put on 67 at a run a ball in an excellent stand, although the Mogs fielding was totally rubbish, with Parker and Hewitt dropping 5 chances between them - the faint strains of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture could be heard in 2the office". Veitch took his second wicket at a crucial time, removing Gleave (40) just as the Mogs were starting to look anxiously at the scoreboard. Jeff finshed with 2-40 frpom his 7 overs and he looks a good find. Lewis replaced him from the bottom end and struck first ball removing Stokes (4) before Leng and Campling took the home team up to an imposing 130-3 with 18 overs to go. Freeland & Lewis bowled unchanged for 16 overs and to their credit and our relief, they both bowled beautifully, taking 6 wickets between them as the Mogs regained control. Our fielding was much better after the drinks break and when Jamie (2-25) and Matt (4-22) finished their spells the Mogs wetre well on top and it was left to Abbott (2-29) to adminster the last rites as Follies Old Spots were bowled out for 179 off 35 overs.
It had been an excellent game, played in a great spirit, with Families Abbott, Freeland, Lewis & Hewitt supporting from beside the pavilion, along with the Major and David Bishop. Beer was taken and tales of tourring Menorca swapped and as we left this beautiful ground, we all agreed that when the Mogs win the Euro millions
jackpot, should we decide to buy ourselves a ground, it would be very similar to the one used by Follies Old Spots.
Report by Alex Hewitt
MWCC Stats