Format: declaration
Debut: Sam Murphy
The Mogs were glad that the predicted downpours did not materialise and they were able to kick off their season at the picturesque Maori Oxshott ground on Sunday. We welcomed Sam "Eddie" Murphy to the fold, as well as having Rob Brown from South Nutfield CC helping out due to the late withdrawal of JD.
Tharpy was hoping to win the toss to allow the team to bat first and stay warm in the biting wind, however this was not to be the case and Maori Oxshott won the toss and put the Mogs into the field. Joe and James had the honour of opening, and Joe struck in his second over trapping the Maori opener lbw. The next batsmen was their new overseas pro who definitely knew which end of the bat to hold! James was unlucky during his spell bowling a few great deliveries, and it was Joe who struck again bowling the other opener with and I quote "a bloody beauty!" Andy had replaced James and he had the new batsmen lbw for a duck, and when Rob Brown ran out their portly young skipper with a direct hit the Mogs had got back an element of control, but the Aussie pro was starting to play really well, dispatching any bad ball to or over the boundary.
Joe was replaced after an excellent 11 over spell by Charlie, but the exertions of the previous day seemed to catch up with Charlie and he was expensive with his 7 overs going for 52 runs. Will Cooper replaced Andy and he was much more successful than Charlie, taking 4 wickets with his wily spin bowling. Sam Murphy replaced Charlie, and although unsuccessful with the ball, he gave the Mogs a glimpse of his potential and hopefully we will see more of him this season. The Aussie pro moved serenely to his 100 and ended the day 126* as Maori Oxshott declared on 240-8 after 42 overs.
The usual good tea was taken whilst the end of the Premier League was being shown, and 30 minutes later the Mogs began the chase with Peter Furner and Rob Brown opening up. Rob started very well hitting some great shots including a huge six, but then departed on 20 trying to clear the cover fielder and failing! Peter was struggling with a sore arm, and was out next lbw for 10 to one that kept slightly low. Ben started his innings with consecutive boundaries and he obviously has an eye on retaining the batting trophy this year as he played an excellent innings. Oli Jago and Sam Murphy played some nice shots but were both out trying to keep the scoreboard ticking over, and when Will Cooper joined Ben the Mogs were needing in the region of 7 an over. Both played with skill and maturity until Ben was sledged by Grant Wood, and then proceeded to edge a ball straight to him next ball to depart for an excellent 80.
Charlie definitely claimed the TFC award for the day by failing to trouble the scorers before getting out, and Tharpy, determined to score more runs than wickets this year, hit a couple of boundaries before getting bowled sweeping, the ball actually ricocheting off his box onto leg stump! This left the score at 180-7, but Will and James kept the scoreboard going, and despite James falling lbw for 5, Coops was determined to get the Mogs over the line. He reached a well-made 50 before getting out with the score on 220, and Joe quickly followed getting caught on the boundary by Steve Saker and the Mogs had lost a great game by 20 runs.
Many thanks to John Moulton for umpiring, and to the supporters who turned up especially Will Cooper's step dad who painted the Mogs in the field, I cannot wait to see the finished painting! The Mogs travel to Tadworth next week looking to get the season well and truly underway with a win!
MWCC Stats