The Mogs completed a fine victory against Ditchling on a day that started with heavy drizzle yet finished in glorious sunshine. Our hosts were celebrating their 200th anniversary and with the whiff of beer and champagne hanging over the ground, the Mogs were inserted on a wet wicket. Furner and Peter Riddy opened the batting and against a strong opening attack, they made somewhat stodgy progress and Pete Riddy soon mercifully holed out with the score on 22 off nine overs. Alex Hewitt joined Furns at the crease and the score accelerated to 56 before Furns played all around a straight one from Ditchlings guest off spinner, who, surprised at removing Peter "The Limpet" Furner, soon had an attack of the yips. Lee was out LBW, Oscar Lewis perished at mid off and Will Cooper was caught behind, but Alex Hewitt was seeing the ball well and smashed anything he could in an arc between extra cover and mid wicket. Father was joined by son and both Harry and then Joseph helped Huge guide the score past 200 with Alex reaching his first ton for 4 seasons off 61 balls, finishing on 115*.
Tea was a triumph. As I remember there were two types of warm quiche, sausage rolls, cheese puffs, pork pies, falafels, pitta bread with hummus, cheese, crisps, cheese balls, custard creams, cocktail sausages, rocky road and a delicious homemade chocolate cake. In addition and this might be a first, we were served two bottles of quite delicious English sparkling wine produced locally. 10/10 for half way refreshments.
Captain Lee had bowling options that Joe Root would be envious off and Joseph and Harry opened the bowling. Both bowlers bowled fine opening spells with Lewis getting a wicket via a smart catch from Day who had dropped a similar chance from Harry the previous over. Huey and Murali came on first change and whilst Ditchling stayed with the run rate, wickets started to fall. After snaring his big brother,Huey was replaced by Will Riddy who bowled a spell of bowling that, like the sparkling wine, improved with age. He ripped out our hosts middle order with a smart stumping by Oscar the highlight and Will Cooper applied the finishing touches with three quick wickets including a great caught and bowled.
We retired to Ditchling sun drenched outdoor deck, drank Hewitt's two jugs (Turner - please note), chatted with President Martin and family and all made mental notes that we would play again next year. It really is a wonderful fixture and our thanks were proffered by Lee to our marvellous hosts.
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