Dumbleton CC hosted the Mogs for the second time as part of their cricket week and for the one and only match of the Mogs tour. With the weather threatening on the horizon throughout the day, any play was a blessing. Captain Trigger beautifully negotiated the toss to see Mogs bat first against a Dumbleton CC team with an average age that must have been under 21. Ash and Tina got us off to a flyer with a little help from some friendly wicket keeping from our insider Powelly. Almost all Mogs got a start with the bat. Gwas (Rob Brown) dealt some lusty blow for 39 runs but most credit must go to Alex 'once more unto the breach' Hewitt for producing yet another backs to wall 50, ably supported by a fine 18* from Dairy Lee and a final flourish from Eggson Tharp which saw Mogs up to 233 - 7.
Dumbleton's response lasted only 3 overs before rain ended the occasion. But what a three overs they were. Dairy Lee struck first. Having beamed the 15 year old opener he then proceeded to trap the youngster bang in front with a wily full toss. Not wanting to be outdone Joseph Lewis, like Nigel Farage on a grumpy day, sent the overseas ex-pro packing thanks to a damn fine snaffle down the leg side from the Colonel. With Dumbleton on the ropes Charlie Lee unleashed a barrage of beamers which, in the increasing drizzle, gave umpires all the reason they needed to bring the teams off and that was that.
Yet again the standard of hosting from Dumbleton CC was second to none. A marvellous lunch of roast pork, coronation chicken, warm quiche and potato salad was followed by some top drawer desserts including profiteroles, cookie dough cheesecake and a raspberry bombe. Tea was a a site to behold. No space wasted on fripperies such as sandwiches, crisps and other such savoury nonsense. This was 100% cakes, just the way Cooper likes it. Special mention goes to the Victoria sponge and millionaire shortbread but all were marvellous.
The report would be wholly incomplete without mention of Bucket's guitar playing ably supported by Cooper and Brown. The bar work of Gready and Hewitt was peerless despite nearly burning the place to the ground during an experimental 'gas chamber' shot of chartreuse.
A massive thanks to all at Dumbleton CC for hosting the Mogs exactly in the style to which they have become accustomed. Hopefully a yearly fixture will now be in place and so tourists, you have 12 months to freshen up those livers ready for next time.
Final thanks to Tina and Dairy (amongst others) for coordinating tour. Job well done gents. See you all in 2017
Rob Brown
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