Dry weather greeted MWCC for their first game of the 2013 season; after a false start in April it was clear to see the Mogs showing commitment and spirit from the outset. The 12.30 "ball park" meet time disregarded as unanimously as the 2006 ashes or a hypothetical offer for a kick around at tea time... game on vs Follies Old Spots was just a few minutes late. A quaint and charming ground built by a man falling in love with the game of cricket and putting a pitch in his back garden. Fortunately he must have been on holiday during the 90s when Peter Such, Alan Mullally and Alan Wells were doing their best to ruin test cricket in this country, forcing any ground owner to immediately give up and erect 6 lawn tennis courts to try and discover the next Jeremy Bates.
Once the fog cleared from Freeland's exhaust, a breakdown requiring a limit of 30mph to the game (not sure that limit was honoured on the way back though Jamie?), a stint in the field was called for. Dairy Lee kicking off the innings with tremendous bravery following his mini marathon run. A doubly astounding effort to still be able to run in whilst supporting the weight of the medal around his neck, for completion of his heroic event. Freeland also followed delivering some solid trundle warranting Hewitt's 2 men on the drive field mirroring the 2005 Hayden/Hoggard "fly trap", but sadly with no joy. Follies worked their way to 50 odd without loss with a few play and misses to worry about but early suggestions were, it was a good batting wicket.
Following quiet mumblings (largely to himself) that the pitch looked solid and would offer no turn, Will (Alice) Cooper was called to the helm for a roll and quickly proceeded to turn one for a chop on and first wicket of the game. Cooper combining his flight and guile with tremendous foresight for the pitch conditions - 9 further wickets then proceed to fall at the hands of spin. Not to do the bowlers any dis-service however the pitch was no "raging bunse", the Mogs bowled with control and wickets were taken on a regular basis: first by Tharp (well bought) and then Fairclough with some tremendous leg spin, including a ball of the century replica. A delightful "pitched middle hit off" turner. The umpire and batsman in shock for a split second before everyone realised just what a moment it actually was. Hewitt contributed well with the lower order fall to his variations including an early contender for KFC classic catch of the year from Oli Jago. A snare so spectacular that his infant daughter was reported to have conjured the effort and strength to turn around, jump up applauding and crying "I am half his genes", wander over to ensure the scorer had spelt the name of her father correctly and then lay back down again in the peace of her mother's arms, before anyone had regained the composure to notice.
Follies all-out 183
The new ball was seen off early from Tharp and Furner. Furner showing some early season form playing just his 142nd game of the season with some well placed drives. Following Tharp's dismissal the Mog's welcome debutant Peter Riddy sporting the most splendid hat to have graced the cricket field post second world war. A sensible and well judged 46 worthy of a golf applause and politely raised bat but sadly there was no jug to be bought on this debut. Certainly there will be more of this to come if we can keep him... Peter, come back any time, bring the family! Bring the hat too. In fact, don't come back unless you have the hat.
A little wobble in the middle with 3 quick wickets but nothing to worry the likes of Hewitt and Freeland who polished off nicely with 40 odds not out between them. Excellent hitting down the ground saw the nerves gradually ease and allowed time for those with pad rash to see off the tremendous teas combined with discussion of Lee's woeful attempt to promote Mogs through the world of social media. 10 followers means not even the whole team is following Mog Wanderers on twitter. Perhaps a re-tweet from a minor celebrity could be a challenge for the week anyone? Joey Barton or Clare Balding maybe?
A splendid start to the season. Other important points of note:
The introduction of a "brut moment": Anyone displaying signs showing perhaps a lack of manliness will be met with a splash of the popular 70s cologne Brut fresh from Cooper's Xmas stocking. You have been warned... girly fielding, conversations of a sensitive nature or a unhealthy display of personal hygiene may be candidates for a "brut moment" and you risk being "bruted" upon the teams request
Teas consisting of ham and egg farmed on the premises is surely a new high and one worthy of mention. Look out at Maori Oxshott attempting to match this with sandwiches containing failed tennis player and undeclared £50 notes
Mid-innings squash: an excellent temperature and correct ratio of squash to water. Drinks like this should only be met with a relaxed exhale, polite nod and the words "good mix" followed by a swift downing. Undoubtedly the bench mark for any future mid-innings beverage. Drinks like this will only be bettered by this and a choice of cordials.
Thanks to Follies Farm, Mario and the family for having us. Also thanks the Steve "Fingers" Hodge for umpiring and John Moulton for scoring. The Sunday "Scumpire" combination a luxury most Sunday teams can ill afford.
On to Maori
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