The Mogs arrived at Wimbledon with a new look team, bolstered by a quartet of excellent off-spinners and all-rounder Dave Lang. One of the former - Will 'mini' Cooper became confused by the palatial Church Road ground, but was persuaded to stay after his attempts to join a more humble game on the Common were rejected (although we understand numbers were exchanged).
Of passing interest was the magnificent focus of Wimbledon's table topping Saturday first team in the adjacent nets, although this became more relevant as it was revealed that they were in fact our opponents!
Never ones to be cowed by a challenge, the Mogs generated significant nervous energy in the field at the start and 'Barry' Mankelow capped some superb opening swingers by snaring their Kiwi overseas pro caught behind in the 2nd over. However ex Sussex and Essex pro Neil Turk rose to the challenge although Ned Lack, a promising and distinctly amusing off-spinner from Oxted, beat the bat with impressive frequency and on another day could have embarrassed his vaunted opponents with 3 or 4 wickets.
Similarly Arnie Yugaraja from Chipstead never suffered in comparison, displaying a terrifying quicker ball that left 'Dairy' Lee nursing more bruises than a 4 week old banana. On the personal injury front a loud 'twang' signalled the parting of Freeland's hamstring after an ill advised late innings return with the ball - truly a near-death bowling experience.
Meantime Mini Cooper displayed a jedi-like ability to persuade freewheeling batsman to abandon the crease and retire, sending centurion Turk and big hitting Franke-Mattheka on their way with exuberant 'wicket' celebrations.
When the 40 over innings closed at 299-2 the Mogs had never lost their sense of humour or commitment to the cause and in all honesty it had been a pleasure to watch some of the cricket on display from some of the best players in English club cricket. However enough about the Mogs - Wimbledon's professionals played some pleasant shots as well.
An excellent tea was hoovered with relish in the luxurious country-club surrounds, nourishing hopes of mounting a spirited run chase on a beautiful pitch. However Wimbledon decided to give their opening bowler an airing and a variety of snicking and a spectacular stump-cartwheeling ensued as the first 4 wickets mustered a paltry 17 runs between them.
Then strode to the wicket Jimmy Honeyfield who gloriously recaptured his true batting form with a display of clean hitting to match and indeed better many of our hosts expensively coached efforts. Supported by Ned 'no' Lack and Ben Fairclough, the score raced past 100 in barely 20 overs until Honeyfield holed out for an excellent 50, leaving only a hobbling Freeland to thread some consolation boundaries as the innings closed on 158 all out.
A civilized post mortem ensued over various hop based products and ice packs as the key turning points of the game were discussed (arrival...that was it really) and plans put in place for next year. In summary though a real treat to play at this tremendous club and we look forward to future encounter with relish.
MWCC Stats