Format: 40 overs
Jordan Bunyan 124* in 92 balls (50 in 45, 100 in 76).
Will Cooper 8-0-34-4
Won with 4 balls to spare.
Mogador Wanderers Pull Off Stunning Victory Against the Odds
On a glorious Sunday, with the sun shining at a balmy 25 degrees Celsius, Mogador Wanderers CC clashed with Sunbury CC at the Geoff Kaye Memorial Ground. Going into the game, Mogador Wanderers were considered underdogs, facing a strong Sunbury CC side, but they defied expectations in a thrilling encounter.
Sunbury CC won the toss and elected to bat first, and Mogador Wanderers faced an uphill battle. However, they displayed sharp fielding and disciplined bowling that frustrated the opposition. Notable highlights included Ben Willis showcasing his talent with a spectacular direct-hit run-out of the dangerous Tom Goldney, who was caught not grounding his bat at the non-striker's end, sending him back to the pavilion for a well-played 72. Will Cooper was the pick of the Mogador bowlers, bagging 4 wickets, including the crucial scalps of Haidar Rehman and Alfie Granger (PF: 12 years old, 46 runs from 20 balls inc 4 x 4, 4 x 6 & 5 dot balls). Sunbury CC posted a formidable 287-7 in their 40 overs on a flat batting wicket and lightning outfield. Mogador's fielding was disciplined, and at times they had to hang in the game, working hard to restrict Sunbury to singles and doubles.
When Mogador Wanderers took to the crease, they faced a daunting chase. However, Jordan Bunyan played an innings of exceptional brilliance. He smashed a stunning, unbeaten (and chanceless until 120) 124, including a whopping 20 fours, to guide Mogador to victory in the last over. Peter Furner contributed a solid 34 with some blistering cut shots before being run out. Jamie Freeland also proved an excellent batting partner for Jordan in the last 10 overs. Despite a few hiccups along the way, Mogs chased down the target in 39.2 overs, winning by 3 wickets in a result that few had predicted.
The match was also notable for the excellent teas, featuring sandwiches, pasta salads, sushi, Indian starters, fried chicken, and profiteroles.
Other notable highlights included: Brennan told a funny story about fishing. Lime and soda behind the bar was rated “probably the best ever tasted by captain Coops” and Freeland and Lewis believe they have re-written the formula for bowling statistics.
All in all, it was a fantastic day of cricket and sunshine. Mogador Wanderers emerged victorious, defying expectations and demonstrating great skill and character to secure a memorable game.
Our thanks to Sunbury too who were excellent hosts. Two skippers worked together throughout the day to ensure the best standard of cricket could be played without one side dominating. The final hour of the day summed it up when both teams shared a table and a beer together recapping the day. Distance aside from RH postcodes we really should consider this one of the marquee fixtures of the season and long may it continue.
MWCC Stats