Unfunnily, the Mogs found themselves beset by constant rain during their fielding session for the third time this season, and despite bowling with a ball resembling a bloated pigs bladder dipped in olive oil, stifled an aggressive run chase with another much improved display of committed bowling and aggressive fielding.
The weather was particularly frustrating given a typically firm and bouncy John Mason Tadworth pitch which would have made for the flowing strokeplay and shoulder high takes from the keeper all the more picturesque on a sunny day. In any case the gaggle of supporters saw Mogs opener Jackson hinting at the form that illuminated the 2001 season and was unlucky to depart for a punchy 23 including one memorably silken cover drive. On Jackson's departure caught from a miscued hook, Honeyfield continued the theme with another couple of sumptuous cover driven fours before being bowled for 19 after a rain break encompassing a quiche, sausage roll and pork pie oriented tea.
The Mogs own 'little master' Furner continued to mix deft deflections with some unaccustomed aggression, a high four count doing justice to his Captains instruction to increase the pace in what was likely to be a rain affected game. Turner once again was unduly distracted by the 'Stella target prize' (for a straight 6 hit over the sightscreen) and departed quickly, and with Furner lbw just short of a deserved 50 the onus was on Freeland and Martin D to maintain the scorechart's trajectory. This they did in contrasting styles, the former being struck a clanging blow on the helmet whilst 'El Presidente' reeled off a string of straight driven fours on the way to 42. A quick 60 run partnership was bought to an end with Martin bowled, and after Freeland's towering 6 over square leg the innings closed on 175 for 6 from 36 overs.
Tadworth's innings started nervously in steady drizzle, with Lewis J quickly producing a spitting off-cutter to bowl one bemused opener. Abbot's rumbling contribution was stifled by localised dampness at the crease, causing him to slip about like a drunken schoolgirl on a vomit strewn dancefloor, and soon enough it was the familiar spin twins Hewitt and Lewis wheeling away in the gathering gloom. There was an eventful 2 over burst from Freeland, including 20 runs, a warning for head high bowling (slippery ball!) but containing an uprooted middle stump for the lugubrious remaining opener and a dropped half chance from their distinctly useful left-hander who proceeded to add serious momentum to the Tadworth innings with a hard hit 50.
At one stage, with 70 to win off 10 overs and 8 wickets in hand the home team were favourites. However, with the ball now giving off a little trail of spray as it left their hands, the spinners kept their discipline and with Lewis producing two crackers in the penultimate over to add to Hewitt's 2 previous contributions, the impossible dream was briefly glimpsed.
However an uneventful final over saw Tadworth gently pull into the sidings at 155 off 37 overs for a deserved draw, and with rapidly shrinking sweaters, the Mogs retired for a swift but satisfactory ale after a surprisingly full day of cricket.
MWCC Stats