Format: Declaration. From 63-0 to 128 all out. Oxted and Limpsfield played 12 men.
The Mogs started their season at Oxted and Limpsfield in typical April cricket weather, and after a lot of jumpers were removed from the bottom of cricket bags and pulled on, the game got underway.
The Mogs batted first and started very well, with a fairly new opening partnership to Mogs fans, a perfect blend of youth and experience, we found ourselves in a commanding position at 63 for no loss. However a couple of quick wickets for the hosts made sure Furner and Geffen couldn’t capitalise on their fine start. Riddy and Spring fell to some excellent Oxted bowling and the pressure was on Captain Cooper and Van Zyl to steady the ship. They did just that, with twenty from both of them, however just five runs from the remaining batsmen left the Mogs struggling all out for 128. They would require a monumental effort in the field to win the season opener.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the eye watering spread that was produced by Felicia Bhat and Ashley (soon to be Mrs Cooper), which would have been fit for Lord's. You would do well to find a better tea than that anywhere in the country this summer. Our many thanks to you both, you outdid anything anyone did on the pitch that day! With stomachs full and morale restored, it was time to take to the field.
A strong start was needed and Harry Hewitt set the tone with a wide down the offside for his opening ball. However two wickets in succession must have had the hosts panicking slightly after one over had been bowled. A great spell from Andy Hoad kept the pressure on, and the Mogs were still in with a fighting chance. A Will from both ends for our first change offered something different, but sadly we simply didn’t have the runs on the board, and despite a great spell from Van Zyl (even with all sorts of Van-based nicknames being thrown in his direction), the hosts reached 130 with five wickets remaining.
An entertaining start to the season, and a spirited team performance, means that once again the Mogs are in safe hands this year, and hopefully some positive results will be right around the corner.
MWCC Stats