The Mogs arrived at The Red Lion in very good spirits, supported by the continued fantastic summer weather and a string of good results over recent weeks.
There were a few familiar faces in the Mogs side, back from varying spells of absence: Charlie 'Dairy Bruce' Lee was back from the other side of the world and safe to say wouldn't shut up, recalling 'tremendous' stories of the recent successes by the British Lions. Due to the 1224 photos that Charlie was attempting to share with the rest of the team, it went unnoticed that the Mogs were only 10 strong....and one David Stevens was missing as kick off fast approached.
However, it seemed the Pilgrims were also struggling with missing players as whispers indicated there was a taxi speeding from Redhill station with 5 of the team on board; due to this, it was no surprise when Guy won the toss and decided to have a bat.
A quick phone call to Mr Stevens revealed that he had only just slipped out from beneath his Egyptian cotton bed sheets and was in fact calmly considering where his cricket kit was:
"Well, I'm at home of course", said Mr Stevens..."Don't worry, I'll be there in plenty of time for a 2.30 start", he added.
"That's great Dave, however, it was a 12.15 start...!"
"Oh #@$$, Sorry, I'm really sorry, I'm leaving now, sorry...."
The Mogador Wanderers umpire, Mr Peter Tharp (sponsored by a 1970's Paul Raymond film) honourably took charge and 10 Mogs took to the field, a little apprehensive at the prospect of hours in the field in the thermonuclear heat; but to be fair anything from being subjected to another photo of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the 17th different angle........
As already mentioned despite late arrival of players due to Southern Rail excuses, the Pilgrims opened with an unrecognised pairing, but that wasn't going to bother Messieurs Lewis and Brooker who were fired up and ready to launch red leather at any suspecting, or unsuspecting cricket wannabe. A couple of years ago this fixture was converted to an all-day game in line with the introduction of the Peter Martin Cup; the splendid award both teams were keenly fighting for. This explained the earlier start and also the confusion that had caused Mr Stevens to agree a more lengthy contract with Tanya, meaning the silver haired fox was 'otherwise occupied' until noon, slightly later than normal on a Sunday......?!?!
Joe and James both put in a mammoth effort in the heat and duly each knocked out 7 overs on the bounce. In reward for such sporting display they collected the top 3 Pilgrim batsmen, with a selection of stump rearrangement and slip catching practice. A mention for William [Alice] Cooper, for taking two very sharp catches at first slip - one off James [Lego Hair] Brooker's express bowling and one off Andy [Eggson] Tharp's not so express bowling, who had come on from the Residential Toy Garden end to replace James. The more educated readers amongst you may well have already guessed who came on to replace Joseph [Off Break] Lewis at the Non Residential Tall Green Trees end...it was clearly going to be a FAMILY day for the Mogs, as Dave [Mini Egg] Tharp was entrusted to continue the punishing start that had been set by the wandering side.
For those whom may be concerned at the moment, you will be glad to know that by now David Stevens had arrived, not looking at all dishevelled and rather sprightly in fact...that's was a good 'lie in' can do for you..!
In this all day format, lunch was declared to be at 13.30, which had provided the Mogs with a solid 1 hour 15 minutes to open the bowling attack. This was plenty of time for Joe and James to achieve 1 for 24 off 7 overs and 2 for 6 off 7 overs (respectively), excellent figures you would say - however, not wishing to detract anything from their efforts, I would like to remind you that the ever present Penny was again scoring for the Pilgrims. Take from that what you will, but perhaps that recognised cricket saying of 'look in the book' doesn't really hold the same kind of reliable and reassuring strength that most judges would accept. Nevertheless the two Mogador bowlers were impressive.
With Family Tharp now playing against the Pilgrims, the home side looked a little shaky. Lunch was only a mere 20 minutes away and another wicket went down. This time it brought out the Pilgrims captain (an aggressive batsman) Guy Mitchell to the crease, he would accompany Simon Arnold to lunch without the loss of further wickets. There was a sense that the Pilgrims were perhaps not as strong as previous years and there were fewer familiar faces in the side. However, Simon and Guy admirably initiated a wicket hiatus and ushered the Pilgrims to lunch at 55 for 4.
A very full lunch was taken, exquisitely supported by some port offered by the Pilgrims Captain. Marvellous!
The resumption of play after lunch was briefly delayed due to William Cooper and John Jamie Freeland (supporter) showing more interest in a small hand held device that was providing coverage of England endeavouring to win the first test of the 2013 Ashes...It soon became apparent due to said hand-held device, they had achieved just that - hurrah!
However, a rapid conclusion to the Pilgrims innings was in the balance, and a side fuelled by port and pickled onions wanted to offer some resolute opposition.
Tharp, Tharp (and Tharp) continued after lunch from their respective ends and rather too quickly, for the Pilgrim supporters, ripped through the home batting line up. Firstly, and possibly most importantly, Eggson picked up the prized wicket of Guy Mitchell, who has in the past scored runs at quite a rate. Our very own Mogador skipper produced a lightening delivery that skidded, held and spat at the batsmen, allowing Guy to guide it comfortably in to the hands of Cooper at slip - a sharp catch taken I must add.
From here the Pilgrims unfortunately failed to show much resilience. Mini Egg continued an excellent display of one day bowling at the Non Residential Tall Green Trees End, confusing the batsmen with his variation in pace, direction and understanding of the LBW laws #RidiculousAppeal #appreciatedbysupporters
The Reigate Pilgrims were unceremoniously bowled out for 59; the innings concluding with an accurate but rather humorous spell of 4 overs from the Butcher of Salgar, incorporating some interesting displays of signalling and cunning misdirection (all whilst wearing an interesting hat....?) The final wicket of Pilgrims' Andy Bushell going to the Butcher, care of a sprawling collapse from Dairy Lee in catching the ball in the middle of the wicket; the result of a looping leading edge. The last few overs were a little flat, as the Mogs realised there was a strong possibility the all-day game was going to be far from that. Both sides left the field to polite, but rather rejected applause, as 59 all out was unlikely to prove a sufficient total, and the WAGS were upset about the potential curbing of their all day sun bathing session.. The captains agreed to take a 15 minute break and turn the innings around as quickly as possible (lunch was not a distant occurrence and tea may not even be required). There were already discussions of a 'beer match' to be heard amongst a few of the Pilgrims players and Mogs alumni.
So it wasn't a huge batting challenge that presented itself to the Mogs, but there was still a job to do and it was Wilhelm [Alice] Cooper and Jimmy [Cabbie] Honeyfield whom were entrusted to get that job done. Unfortunately, Coops was just that little bit too keen to reach the summit of victory and was bowled by Mr Mitchell, advancing down the track in an attempt to put the ball into Dorking. This brought the in-form Oliver [We don't actually have a nickname for] Jago to the crease, and with the left-handed Gower-esque flamboyance of Honeyfield, made little work of the runs required and assured the seventh Mogs victory of the season. Jages finishing on 23 not out and Cabbie with 25 in the red.
Well done lads a positively professional display and a decent result, all by 16.21 in the afternoon. I can be fairly sure that Oxted next week, won't be quite so straight forward.
Appendix A:
For the interested reader, the afternoon cricket did progress further, as the decision was taken to have an 11 over 'beer' match. This turned out to be a far closer affair and generated quite some excitement. In short:
11 overs per side, with everyone having to bowl one over each.
Mogs opened
Mini Egg and Dairy took the match literally and proceeded to get drunk.
Alice Cooper sulked after having only got 6 runs earlier and substituted himself for John JD Burton (keenly supporting the afternoon with his family)
Joe had a smoke
The Butcher dreamt of a prawn vindaloo
Cabbie dreamt of Ramona
Egg did the scoring (again)
Jages explained how long his run up was going to be
Lego padded up and moaned about having to do something
Dave Stevens checked his private account and then joined Lego at the wicket.
The Colonel pondered.
Mogs scored 95 runs, and then took to the field:
Joe bowled superbly at the death and Dairy didn't.
Egg frantically managed the T11 fielding restrictions well and Jages ran everywhere.
Cabbie realised he should have bought the lilac bridesmaid dresses.
Mini Egg bowled well again, but has subsequently been cited and is now under suspicion with Abdul the Bookmaker.
JD and Dave Stevens both bowled...no they really did
JR negotiated a lucrative contract to supply Abdul the Bookmaker with hats
Lego realised he hadn't spent all of his student loan and bought a hat.
The Colonel pondered.
Reigate Pilgrims scored......92 runs... and the Mogs WON AGAIN.....
MWCC Stats