Format: 40 overs
Merstham bowled out in 35.1 overs
Mogs got the runs in 30.3 overs.
Steven Pullen 75* in 65 balls (50 in 42)
Mogador Wanderers Seal Well-Rounded Victory in Spirited Contest
A sun-drenched afternoon at Merstham Cricket Club provided the perfect setting for a well-contested friendly between the hosts and visiting Mogador Wanderers CC’s for the Matthew Lewis Trophy. Both sides brought energy and commitment to the match, showcasing a blend of individual brilliance and cohesive team performances.
Merstham CC set the tone early, with their top order displaying aggressive stroke play, led by a rapid-fire innings from Ben Jones. His early dominance provided an important foundation, and with contributions from Dane Leary and Nathaniel Coe, the home side looked well-positioned. However, Mogador Wanderers maintained their discipline, tightening their lines and holding firm in the field to ensure regular breakthroughs. A collective effort across the bowling attack saw Merstham dismissed for 159, a total that promised a competitive chase.
Mogador Wanderers approached their innings with measured intent. A steady opening partnership laid the groundwork, with contributions from Richard Turner and Alex Hewitt ensuring momentum stayed with the visitors. The backbone of the chase came from a composed innings by Steven Pullen, whose unbeaten 75 kept things on track throughout providing stability and ensuring no dramatic collapse. Supported by disciplined batting throughout the order, with contributions from Furner, Turner and Hewitt (sounds like a city law firm!) Mogador Wanderers reached their target with confidence, finishing at 161-4 and fittingly Joe Lewis scoring the winning runs with a boundary through wide long on.
The match was a fine display of teamwork on both sides—Merstham CC combining resilience and attacking intent, while Mogador Wanderers combined steady batting with controlled bowling and fielding discipline. While the visitors secured the win, the real triumph was the spirit in which the game was played, a reminder of why friendly fixtures remain such an enjoyable aspect of the game.
Notable social mentions: Brennan’s fishing stories continue with finding wearing pads uncomfortable due to sunburn on his knees, Joe Lewis beginning a second spell of the season by bulldozing over the stumps from a 2 pace run up. Neil Coles starting with a deep wicket to a batsman because “we know him from last year” to learn next ball he hasn’t played cricket for 6 years. Play-cricket online scoring flashes a warning much like a smartwatch heart rate monitor when your strike rate falls below 18!
At long last the trophy returns to the Mogs hands for a year. A sincere thank you to Merstham CC for their warm hospitality and competitive cricket. Here’s to another great contest in the future!
MWCC Stats