Format: 40 overs. Debut: Tom Jackson.
Unlike previous years the Mogs were welcomed to Tadworth CC in beautiful sunshine and temperatures suggested (hopefully) that summer is on its way. Captain Cooper won the toss, and against his better judgement for a 40 over game at Tadworth, decided to have a bat. With the sun pouring down the guys welcomed the decision, and the familiar partnership of Turner and Furner strode to the crease. In an unlikely turn of events after 4 overs Peter Furner was outscoring Richard Turner – this did not sit well deep down in Turner’s soul and it soon became evident that this realisation was to cause a change of events. Richard managed to get back some of the strike and despite the very slow outfield started to find the boundary with some regularity and normality resumed. Richard steamed past Furns, reaching his 50 around about the 13th over. Furns was first to be dismissed bowled for a solid 23…Richard Turner was joined by the return of Ash Bukhari, and how wonderful it was to see him – the Mogs batting train continued to pick up speed. Richard and Ash were still in at drinks, with Rich on 71 not out, the Mogs had reached 131-1 after 20 overs… Richard (not known for his ability to tan) not only managed to avoid passing out in the heat of the sun, but managed to hold it together to reach the first Mogs hundred of the year –(having retired out on 100!) Congratulations Richard!!
Ash also continued to smash the ball around the sun drenched Tadworth ground, joined at the crease by Stuart Jackson and then Ben Willis; Ash eventually falling for an almost equally brilliant 86…with the overs approaching the hallway point, and the bowling and pitch speeds dramatically declining, Ben Willis and Charlie Lee did very well to add a valuable few runs at the death, 26* and 11* respectively. The Mogs finishing on a very challenging 273 for 6. The confidence however was relatively curtailed as previous games against a self-confessed weakened Tadworth side have seen the Mogs lose previously to this kind of score….
There were some truly chocolatey brownies dispensed from the captain at teatime, that I believe require a mention. Very tasty…. thoroughly enjoyed by both players and the wonderful supporters that had amassed throughout the Mogs batting innings.
With the energy levels boosted via the chocolate and the hydration levels suitably enhanced, especially in the continued sunshine, the Mogs took to the field.
The choice of bowling was a little lacking in numbers (more on that to follow), but nothing was lacking in the Mogs opening bowling attack...!! It was an absolute joy to see two sons of legendary Mogs families taking the new ball. Already known to the membership in only a couple of seasons was the ever-improving Ollie Burton and from the other end, son of our very own newly appointed Chairman, Harry Hewitt (note: Charlie Lee was heard to comment to Stuart “Action†Jackson: “This is tremendous, with these kids coming through, it won’t be too long until we can just sit on the side lines watching and enjoying a beer in the sunâ€). Harry was bowling brilliantly at one end and picked up the first early wicket of the very jovial Tadworth opener. At the other end Ollie (remember he’s only 13) was able to get the odd one to move off the pitch, and was dealing incredibly well with the confident, but not so jovial South African, who was finding the middle of his beautifully sounding, historic Surridge bat very early on. The challenge that Captain Cooper had was due to the age of the bowling attack, nonetheless fantastic for the future of the Mogs, it made it tricky as Ollie could only bowl a 6 over spell. Nevertheless, with the need to give Ollie a break, only brought more joy and pride as another legendary Mogs family son was introduced at the young age of 12 years and 11 months. Tom Jackson (no need for any introductions, its in the name!!) appeared at the Road End, showing an incredibly uncanny resemblance, not only in choice of left arm over, but also with skips and gestures that can only have been learnt from his father…. (Mr Parker and Mr Lee did in fact have to quickly check whether it was actually Stuart bowling…uncanny indeed!). Harry had picked up a second and a third with a fantastic spell of bowling, in which he also managed to rip the off stump out the ground and send the bails to Dorking…!! Another change to the bowling brought Captain Cooper into bowl, which only excited Richard Turner at mid-off who claimed: “I just love to watch you bowl Will†…#bromance
As forementioned, the Mogs, although not lacking in bowling talent, were lacking a little in resources. Due to Tom also needing to take a break in overs due to his age, the Mogs captain interestingly asked Charlie Lee to have a bowl….(note: as he is indeed the editor of this weekend’s match report, please do not be surprised by his reluctance to completely destroy his mental state 😊). However, with the aim of balanced and transparent journalism, I will comment of the 0.5 over spell thus: “Record Breakingâ€â€¦.it was a painful moment for all involved as Charlie literally lost all physical motor skills in the bowling department and could simply not pitch the ball anywhere near the wicket. With umpire Keith Briggs finally losing all patience and administering a final warning for not pitching the ball, Charlie was put down; the final delivery completed by a thankful Ash Bukhari.
Moving on.
By now the infamous 0.5 over spell that shall never be mentioned again had given Tadworth 14 runs and plenty of time to relax and recuperate. The Tadworth score was simmering at 96 at the halfway stage. After drinks Will Cooper continued to bowl well (for more detailed and bordering lude analysis please see Richard Turner) and the Tadworth middle order were just unable to score at the rate required to get close to the 274 required. With overs being delivered and time running out the only difficulty Captain Cooper was experiencing, was not the disaster of losing the game, but how and where was he going to find people to bowl the allotted 40 overs. Up steps Mr Peter Furner…... Peter bowled with the flight and guile that we all expected. It even brought a reverse sweep from the similarly aged Tadworth tail ender, that was pretty much the only attacking shot he played. Ash, despite being in pain due to his back, was thankfully able to bowl a few overs; thus allowing the youngsters to return and get the Mogs nearer to the magic 40 overs. The opposition who indeed stayed true this year to their pre-match statement of being a bit weaker, were unable to increase their scoring rate, but nevertheless the Mogs were also unable to get them out…so the game slowed towards a timid conclusion. The introduction of Richard Turner, bowling on one leg, did manage to burgle the final wicket in the penultimate over and the pain (on many levels) was terminated. The Mogs had a terrific early season win, finally against Tadworth - well done everyone….
Further mentions, thanks and congratulations must go to Ben Willis, who I’m told managed 37451 steps (according to FitBit) fielding consistently in the afternoon sunshine and being involved in almost every one of the 40 overs…also, Stuart Jackson, Ash Bukhari and Richard Turner for fielding despite being injured…and finally to those that, despite the late and rather unexciting finish, stayed at Tadworth to have a drink with the opposition, even though almost their entire team had disappeared. It’s the Mogs way.
Next week, north France
Charlie
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