Format: 40 overs
Debuts: Fin Koessler & Rory Nicoll
Forest Green bowled out in 33.4 overs.
Mogador Wanderers got the runs in 32 overs.
Milestones: see report.
On a sun-drenched afternoon at the beautifully scenic Forest Green ground, the Mogs took on the hosts in a closely contested encounter that ended in a well-earned win.
The day saw two Mogs debutants take the field – Fin Koessler (aka "Sharky") and Rory Nicoll – both making a positive impact on their first outing.
Forest Green batted first on a small but picturesque ground and were restricted to a below-par 181, thanks to a disciplined and varied bowling performance from the Mogs. In the searing heat, the Skipper made the tactical decision to rotate the attack, with eight different bowlers sharing the workload – a move that paid off handsomely.
Standout bowling performances included Tom Leaning who grabbed three key wickets, while debutant Rory Nicoll and Jamie Freeland chipped in with two wickets apiece. In his debut behind the stumps, Steve Pullen impressed in an unfamiliar role as stand-in wicketkeeper, taking three sharp catches to keep the pressure on.
The chase got off to a slightly nervy start, with the Mogs making harder work of it than they might have liked, but the result never really looked in doubt. Peter Furner anchored the innings with a well-compiled 40, holding things together as wickets fell around him. Contributions came throughout the order, with young Eddie Hewitt showing maturity beyond his years with a confident knock under pressure.
The match was fittingly finished by Alex Hewitt, who clearly enjoys playing at Forest Green – having previously scored a century and taken a five-for on the same ground – guiding the Mogs home with two wickets to spare.
Milestones of Note:
Peter Furner passed an incredible 9,000 career runs for the Mogs – a remarkable achievement.
Jamie Freeland entered elite company, becoming just the second Mog ever to notch up 5,000 runs and 200 wickets for the club – a true all-round legend.
A brilliant team effort and a memorable win on a ground that continues to provide rich moments in Mog history. Well played, lads!
MWCC Stats