Records tumbled at East Horsley's beautiful ground on an overcast Autumn afternoon - an aggregate of 617 runs in 80 overs has surely never been topped in our proud history, a statistic given credence by the President's excellent memory.
The Mogs batted first in a 40 over match with Larke & Fairclough taking 14 off the first over before Tony Drake (son of Tim) whistled one through Fairclough's (1) defences, cartwheeling his off stump. Hewitt joined Larke at the crease and they took turns in battering East Horsley's boundary defences in a 16 over partnership which realised 136 runs. Hewitt (69) was caught at gulley with a 100 in the offing & Moss (5) was bowled but with Richard Brown (34) going well, the Mogs were 175 for 3 after 20 overs. Larke reached a splendid century soon after, before Brown was run out & Freeland caught behind first ball to a perfectly pitched legspinner by the home side's inch-high 14 year old (echoes of Perranporth, 1993?). If Horsley thought they had found our tail however, Tharpy (36) and Fraser put on close to 100 for the 6th wicket. Larke was out in the last over for a magnificent 167 (4th highest Mogs score ever - see below for the top 5), which included a cornucopia of cricketing highlights as the Mogs reached a daunting 341 for 8, the 2nd highest score in our history.
A magnificent tea was taken with the scones & cream and homemade chocolate cake the highlight, though hot mugs of tea were sought first by players & Mogs supporters (President, Robert Hewitt, Francesca, Pat & Alan, Frank & Mary, Mr & Mrs Lee) alike. Fortified we took the field and Lee (2-41) & Rice (1-49) reducing the home team to 56-3 after 12 overs. Tony Drake came in at 5 and having excelled in the field (4 wickets and some recklessly brilliant fielding) he continued his good day's work with a sensational 123, which was every bit as good a 100 as Larke's, if not better. Whilst our total was always significant with Drake in the match was not a forgone conclusion. Lewis & Tharp both picked up a wicket in their 8 over spells but could not dislodge Drake who continued to hit everything with enormous power (distance & height) - one straight drive even dislodged the cricket boot of William "Boris" Brown, another son of a Mogador Wanderer, Richard. Hewitt ran out their number 7 and with 100 runs needed off the last 10 overs, Freeland found the edge of Drake's bat, which was neatly snaffled by Fairclough who had an excellent day behind the stumps, including a lightning quick stumping off Tharpy. With the danger man applauded off the pitch, the game was up and William Brown snared his first Mog wicket as Horsley came up 65 short.
It was a terrific game played in great spirit and we stayed in east Horsley's lovely pavilion longer than we should have, reminding everyone why this fixture is one to be cherished.
Hewitt
Top Mog individual scores
1. Alex Hewitt, 229* v Newdigate, 2006
2. Alex Hewitt 200 v Ewhurst, 2000
3. Bob Brown 189* v Ditchling c1967
4. Fraser Larke 167 v East Horsley 2009
5. Jonathan Lyons, 154 v Tadworth, 1993
6. Jamie Freeland, 150* v Oxshott, 2009
If anyone can add to this list, please e-mail Alex at alex@aokevents.com
MWCC Stats