The Mogs arrived at the lovely Maori Oxshott ground on Sunday, looking to get their first win of the season following a draw and loss in the first 2 games. Skipper Andy Tharp won the toss and decided to bat first, hoping that the chance to get first use of the track would help the batters fair slightly better than last week.
Messers Furner and Turner opened the batting, and they were soon finding the gaps in the field, Richie was looking in fine form until he decided to pick out one of the Maori youngsters at mid on and was out for 17. Pete Riddy joined Furns and the pair batted very well together in compiling a 126 run partnership, which was cruelly cut short when Pete Riddy managed to injure himself in attempting a slog sweep and had to retire hurt (it was later confirmed as a ruptured Achilles!!). Will Cooper scored a quick fire 23 before holing out, and it was left to Furns and Paul Fisher to put on 50 runs which allowed Tharpy to declare after 41 overs with the Mogs 218-2. Peter ended 75* and Fish a well made 30*
As usual the tea was excellent, hot pizza being a highlight, and it was a replete and happy group of Mogs that took to the field full of confidence. This confidence was slightly misplaced as the Maori opener (Sat 1st XI skipper) decided he liked the cut of Joe's jib and proceeded to punish anything remotely short and smash it to the boundary. Patrick had better luck as he managed to bowl the other opener for 3, however after 8 overs Maori were 80-1 and Tharpy decided to take the pace off the ball and bought himself and Cooper on to see whether this would have the desired effect. The run rate was slowed, and Will bowled the number 3, however the opener was still there and looking a class bat as anything slightly overpitched or short was dispatched with a minimum of fuss. At the start of the final 20 overs Maori were 150 odd for the loss of 2 and were hot favourites to win. Then, having scored his ton the Maori opener retired himself, and on such things games turn, and with Charlie Lee taking 2 quick wickets, Coops chipping in with another and the highlight of the day Peter Furner running out a Maori batsmen with a direct hit from mid off.
From being 150-2 Maori were 180-7 and all the Mogs needed to do was to remove Steve Saker and the game would have been theirs. However this was not their day as Steve was able to bat out the last 7 overs and they ended up 200-7 off 39 overs.
Maori Oxshott were exceptional hosts as always, and although we were unable to force the win, it was an excellent game played in the correct spirit. Thanks go to John for umpiring, to David, Allan & Pat, Ken Rice and everyone else who turned up to support us.
MWCC Stats