The Mogs last played at this glorious rural ground in 1965 when Bob Brown struck 189not out. This rather ruthless run-getting may hold the key as to why we haven't played there for 38 years, and after another awesome display by the 2003 vintage Mogs this Sunday it may be another 38 years before we're invited back. After a very generous & enjoyable lunch at the Martin's hideaway, the team trooped off to Ditchling duly fed and watered. Skipper Alex lost the toss and the Mogs were inserted
Up first were messrs Furner and Abbott (little & large) - the latter justifying his heritage by playing a very Caribbean-style game, and Furner slipping into to his customary anchor role with ease. The score rumbled on slowly to 90'ish, and the first wicket to go was Darrell(55) hammering the ball unerringly all the way into long on's hands. In went new exciting new recruit Toby Briggs and the run rate accelerated like Michael Schumacher, and after two dot balls to play himself in, absolute mayhem ensued as he massively dented the bowlers figures and confidence and smashed his 50 off 16 balls.
Peter was triggered by the umpire (Alex the skipper) after drilling the ball into his pads and departed LBW for 50 with the sound of leather on willow still reverberating around the ground! This didn't deter the rest of the mogs as Toby carried on to make a steady (!) 75 off 26 balls ably supported by Tharp, Moss and the Chairman, with the Mogs declaring in time for tea at 240-5.
After a great tea mogs opened up their time in the field with Briggs senior and Tharpey
bowling with no success, Andy bowling the inswinger while convinced it should be the away swinger (this discussion taking place as Matt recovered the ball from the square leg boundary) for fifth time in 10 minutes, and Keith having no luck again.
Peter Martin came on and made an immediate impact with some lovely flight and length, and in his second over a hat trick loomed, unfortunately not completed. Matt came on from the other end and struggled to get the ball past the bat but eventually picked up a couple of wickets from his the 'CBBC' (under 14s) section.
Ditchling had a little recovery and their no7 bat completed his 50 with a defiant six over extra cover shortly thereafter. However the result was confirmed when Darrell & Toby finished off the tail with a couple of wickets and Toby finished off the game with his third catch of the day.
So, the Mogs win by 90 runs, and confirm Ditchling as a lovely ground, great tea, good beer and very a friendly bunch to boot. Lets hope we can keep the fixture as its quite close to where the author lives!! (ed: committee, please ignore...)
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