The Cavs v Mogs fixture at Park lane is always one to look forward to and this one was no different. A steady crowd started to build early on and come the toss the Cavs skipper Joel was overheard mentioning that there was a 'real big game atmosphere' feel about proceedings. Having won the toss, the Cavs didn't hesitate in batting first on a typical Priory track, in the heat.
Joe Lewis and James Tombs opened the bowling, and both bowled very well in trying conditions (namely the heat and flat wicket). Joseph picked up the 1st three wickets to fall, including 2 beauties to dismiss the skipper as well as Chris Morgan (he who won the game for us at Brook this year!) Joe gave Chris a bit of a send-off after bowling him with an inswinging (not off break) delivery, after which Chris "calmly" reminded the bowler that children were present before eventually making his way back to the pavilion
The Cavs opener Srikanth was still in hitting ball to all parts of the ground causing the scoreboard to rattle along (despite being electronic). He soon fell when Dave Tharp induced a rash pull shot which was caught by Ben in the slips and this left the Cavs at 95-4, and the Mogs were hoping that the target they would chase would be fewer than 200, as the pitch was starting to bounce irregularly.
The Cavs 5th wicket partnership of Matt Denchfield (89) and Pete Mitchell (50*) had other ideas as they batted very sensibly (if not that quickly!) to put on 130 taking the total to 239 before Ashon removed Denchfield. A wicket for Andy and after 47 long and hot overs in the field the Mogs were relieved when the Cavs declared on 253-6.
Once tea arrived (10 minutes after the declaration!!) and the players had re-fuelled, the Mog set out in pursuit of the Cavaliers total confident they could give it a really good go with the line-up that they had. However, the Cavaliers opening bowlers bowled a very tight opening spell where Messer's Furner and Bhukari both perished without reaching double figures. Graham Spring also failed to get to double figures, and at 28-3 things were not looking great. Fairclough and Tombs steadied the ship with a nice little partnership, Ben especially brutal with anything overpitched. However the uneven bounce was starting to make it difficult to push on, and James, Ben were soon out trying to force the run rate. JD contributed some lust blows however once he was out, Charlie soon followed having been "psyched out" by the Cav fielders!
Dave Tharp attempted to keep the chase going, but when he succumbed for 12, Andy Tharp replaced his brother and joined Will Cooper with the score on 150-8 with 11 over remaining. Will wasn't able to hang around for too long with Andy, so the Joe came to the crease with 9 overs left, 80 odd runs needed by the Mogs and 1 wicket needed by the Cavs.
The Cavs thought victory couldn't be far away, so much so that Chris Morgan was brought on to ball to exact some revenge on Joe following his earlier dismissal. Andy had other ideas hitting him for 10 off his only over! The Cavs did miss the chance to win the game when they dropped Joe with 3 overs remaining, however they were unable to take that elusive wicket and Tharpy ended on 34* and Joe 4*, and the players retired to the pavilion to enjoy a lovely beer in the glorious sunshine, looking forward to our next visit to Park lane in July.
MWCC Stats