The Mogs recorded a tremendous win against a good Exmouth side on Day 1 of our Devon Tour. Winning the toss, we opted to field first after sampling a couple of pints of the local cider due to extreme excitement at finally being in the West Country.
Freeland & Lewis opened up with the former in particular bowling an exemplary opening spell. Our hosts were rattling along and it was birthday boy Toby Briggs who snared the first wicket for the tourists. Still the boundaries rattled along, but our overseas pro, Tertious Gouws, came on 2nd change and immediately showed everyone why there is a real opportunity that he could represent South Africa at some stage in the future. His fizzing leg breaks & googlies were the stuff of legend and his spell resulted in 2 wickets along with a number of byes with Charlie having as little idea of the ball's direction as the batsmen.
Although 150 - 2 at 20 overs, the Mogs reeled our hosts in, with Tharp snaring 3 excellent wickets as well as Joseph, who returned at the end and took 1. We caught most of our catches with Mike Johnson holding on to an absolute steepler at Long On, which got his 30th birthday off to a splendid start. Our thanks to David Martin who donned the baggy maroon for the first time in 5 years, ensuring that 11 Mogs took the field.
A good tea was enjoyed by players and supporters alike and the players thanks must go to David & Pippa, Frank & Mary, Alan & Pat, Ken & Diana, as well as Gail & the Junior Jackson tribe who cheered us on throughout both matches, as well as offering scoring & umpiring services.
Confident of victory Freeland & Lee opened up, but Lee (0) and then Johnson (2) were triggered by Umpire Hewitt and when Jackson (12) fell, the Mogs were 18-3 off 9 of our permitted 40 overs, with a target of 239 required for victory.
A truly breathtaking partnership of 165 was then put on by Jamie Freeland (84) and Tertious the Magnificent who scored 125 not out off around 60 balls. He really did hit the ball breathtakingly hard and far and Exmouth's experienced bowlers had no idea how to get rid of him. Freeland fell LBW for a splendid 84 and The Butcher of S'Algar joined Tertious at the crease to watch our South African guest pummel the remaining 40 runs from a further 12 balls, resulting in a 6 wicket win with a full 11 overs remaining.
It was a breathtaking innings and one which must surely rank alongside Ali Brown's century against Headley as one of the great innings by a ringer that The Mogs have enjoyed!
Mog players went clubbing in Exmouth resulting in an 04.00 finish with our supporters enjoying a more dignified meal at a Sidmouth Chinese restaurant. Could we nbeat Sidmouth on Day 2?
MWCC Stats