With spirits high from the runfest at Leigh the Mogs arrived at RPCC full of the joys of summer. It didn't take long for the team to relax in familiar surroundings and indulge in the hospitality on offer. Despite some confusion caused by the oppositions fielding drills captain 'eggster' Tharp made his way to the middle to confidently lose the toss.
As the heatwave temperatures reached the 70's the Mogs took the field determined to avenge last years loss. The new ball was taken by the partnership of Brooker and Graham and the cavaliers struggled to deal with early swing. They were soon reduced to 30-3 and rumours of a beer match could be heard in the Mogs office. However the Cav's middle order managed to see off the Mog's opening spells and then set about rebuilding the innings. 'Mini Egg' Tharp and Spring came and went causing few problems and failed to stem the flow of runs. Thankfully for the Mogs their skipper was up for the fight and managed to slow the run rate with the help of Cooper's trusty slow right arm. With two Cav's batsmen well set they progressed slowly but surely towards their 3 figures. Lee's late burst proved tricky for them as they finished after 48 overs on 235-6.
Tea was a welcome break from the afternoon sun and energy levels were restored for the wilting Mogs. After a slight reshuffle in batting order Lee and Fairclough strode out to the middle with great expectations and bellies full of crab Sandwiches and San Miguel chasers. The Mogs struggled early on losing Lee, Fairclough and Tombs cheaply. Without panic the 'Eggster' Tharp stood tall and regained some respectability with a fine 39. Wickets however continued to fall and the Mogs looked in danger of not reaching 3 figures. As the last 20 overs arrived the Mogs had the option to block out for a brain numbing draw or go down fighting. In true Mogs spirit Spring, Brooker and Parker took the game back to the Cavaliers and gain some respectability eventually being bowled out for 132.
Despite a disappointing result the Mogs set about drinking the fixture back lead by the younger of the Tharp brothers. As the fifth jug dissapeared the Mogs felt confident they would be back next year and packed their bags for the short walk home.
MWCC Stats