Having press-ganged Messrs Freeland & Parker J into playing, the Mogs had a very strong side to take on Tadworth in what is always a good fixture. We won the toss & inserted the opposition on a warm Summer's afternoon.
We took wickets at regular intervals with Peter Rice opening the bowling down the hill and Matt Lewis at the other end. Matt soon bowled one of their openers with (another) full toss, whilst Peter "Special Fried" Rice bowled Tadworth's skipper Mark Bell, leaving Tadworth 35-2. Despite a recovery the Mogs continued to bowl well, with Freeland bowling "his best spell in 10 years" and Pete Martin both chipping in.
Lewis returned for a longer second spell & immediately took wickets, with his final analysis reading 12-2-30-6 as we bowled Tadworth out for 168. As we took tea, all of the Mogs were confident of reaching a modest target...
Jackson & Furner opened the batting & Jackson (4) went in the third over, playing on to one that was too close. Tharp soon went as well after a few lusty blows (including one huge 6 over square leg), before "Boycs" & David Martin put on a good stand & steadied the ship.
Both went however, swiftly followed by Abbott & Hewitt & the Mogs capitulated from 93-3 to 93-6. Freeland & Matt Lewis put on 30 or so & our hopes were raised but Jamie was caught at deep square leg, Peter Rice went for 0 and Matt gloved one behind & sportingly walked off the pitch accompanied by quite the bluest blast of Bernard Manning style swearing!
"Could John Parker & Pete Martin save the day?", the crowd asked. "No", was the answer as the Mogs were bowled out for 132.
Report by: Alex Hewitt
MWCC Stats