The Mogs recorded their first win of the season against Tadworth on a chilly, Spring afternoon. The Mogs gathered at the King's Head, Tadworth and after a pre-match pint of Youngs, we won the toss and elected to bowl first. Our team was a captain's dream, made up of a wicket keeper and 10 all rounders and it was Freeland & Coxon that opened up on a terrific pitch that rewarded both batsman and bowler alike. Like a good coffee machine, Freeland worked up a good head of steam from the Walton Heath end and although his 5 overs went unrewarded (0-4), Tadworth's openers were unable to put bat on ball and so the pressure mounted. Coxon also bowled beautifully (1-25) and one of his outswingers found the edge and was snaffled with delight by Parker, who was at his very tdiest. Tadworth's number 3 batted well (79) and the run rate soon increased with Lewis (1-37)treated disdainfully whenever he dropped short or overpitched, although he picked up the other opener via an easy catch for Tharp at slip. Tharp snared 2 wickets for himself, one via a terrific stumping by Parker and the other via a very good catch by Fairclough at deep, deep midwicket. The bowling changes continued thick and fast with Hewitt unsuccessful, new recruit Stokoe also wicketless but showing great promise and it was Honeyfield (2-13) and Lee who picked up the last 2 wickets as Tadworth posted 182 for 6 off their allotted 40 overs.
A magnificent tea was served with a choice of 4 cakes the undoubted highlight, though hot tea was possibly even more popular as the cloud had set in and chilly turned to cold.
Fairclough & Lee opened the batting and they saw off the new ball with Fairclough looking in particulalrly fine form. Unfortunately the introduction of Tadworth's excellent 13 year old (Surrey) legspinner proved Ben's downfall, adjudged LBW by Umpire Tharp despite being well forward. Andy reassured his team mates that it was very, very straight. Hewitt made his way to the crease and started slowly, determined that the Mogs would record their first win of 2011. Lee was bowled off stump by a good slower ball and Honeyfield met a similar fate and at 38 - 3, the Mogs were in a parlous state. Hewitt & Stevens ensured that no further wickets fell for 15 overs however and soon, singles became 4's and 4's became 6's. The 100 partnership came up and despite Stevens holing out at Long On for a good 32, Tadworth's shoulders had dropped and when Stokoe came to the crease, the only remaining question was whether Hewitt could reach his 100 before the target was reached. Tadworth brough on a 14 year old to tempt Hewitt into indiscretion, but a waist high full toss nearly killed our scorer Alan Lewis, the next ball was hit over Long On to see Hewitt (109*) through to his 100 and the next hit over long off to secure the win.
As usual our hosts were generous in defeat and our army of supporters and the Mogs celebrated a good win in the bar, despite the Doombar barrel running out.
MWCC Stats