Far From The MCC
~ Est. in 1998 ~
“Titanick Avoids Captaincy
Icebergs
As Nomads Are Slain”
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Sunday 11th May
2008 |
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Result: Won by 3 Wkts |
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Venue: Duntisbourne Abbots |
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40 overs |
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Nomads of |
143 ao |
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A. Mann 3 - 19,
J. Harris 3 - 40, D. Edwards
2 - 7 |
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FFTMCC |
144 - 7 |
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D. Edwards 24,
T. Smith 21, M. Bullock
20 |
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The
unseasonally clement spell of recent weather provided a welcome relief for
the Madsters, following the disappointment of cancellations against Wootton
and Boar’s Hill and the mighty Cholsey.
The lack of recent action produced an air of expectancy and tension as
we enjoyed our pre match pint – the players needed an outlet for the
testosterone stored up since the previous season - although Messrs Hebbes and
Parkinson had both clearly found that outlet (2 more new disciples for the
ever increasing Mad communion). Close inspection of the new Dictator’s colour
coded spreadsheet showed a welcome return to the fold for The Two Manders.
A welcome return to the fold for
the Doc (right). On
arrival at the splendid home ground of our hosts, the Nomads, N. Hebbes
proved To The Manor Born to this captaincy lark by immediately losing the
toss, to maintain Captain Howarth’s fine record as a Losing Tosser. On an afternoon of scorching temperatures, it was
no surprise to see the home team decide to bat. In the distance three key
members of the much vaunted Mad seam attack could be seen to be missing the
nets completely with all manner of ill directed missiles – this boded well.
Not. With
no obvious outward signs of enthusiasm, it was down to A. Mann and S. Parkinson
(8-0-23-0) to resume their rarely penetrative opening partnership. Nomads set
off with the composed Alleyne and Preddy Mk 1 coping well with the creaking
opening salvo. However the runs were not flowing and it was not a great
surprise when A. Mann tempted Preddy into an indiscrete lunge with the ball
sailing into the twitching fingers of Cap’n Hebbes. Alleyne, who had looked
well set for a long innings mistimed a drive shortly after and the Mad were
in the game. Parkinson continued to toil up the hill with no great luck
whereas the wily Aussie was replaced by the parabolic loop of J. Harris. It
wasn’t long before Calypso joined the roll of honour, by snaring the
entertainingly positive Leighfield – who was given a chance by the normally
reliable Moo Boy – the dropped catch was regulation; what was extraordinary
was the speed with which the culprit sought to pre-empt the fines committee,
by making his excuses before the ball had hit the deck – ‘Celestial
Interference’ was the excuse proffered. Harris went on to take an excellent
caught and bowled which contributed to figures of 8-1-40-3. Special mention
should go to Ben Mander who took a quite frankly astonishing catch to remove Second
hand car salesman A. Darley (4-0-11-0) making his much awaited debut for the
Mad soon got into the action and bowled with ‘good wheels’ and rhythm. He was
another who, in fine Mad tradition, looks set to earn his fair share of
Opening bowler; no wicket fines.
The half time cricket spread was
similar to A. Darley’s (left) variety of bowling. Previous
correspondents have sought to belittle certain members of our attack, by
labelling them purveyors of finest patisserie, especially the cream filled
variety. This accusation cannot be levelled at T. Smith (3-0-25-2) and Mander
Minor (2-0-12-0), both of whom bowled as if launching hand grenades into
enemy territory. Sure, there were times where there was more danger of
‘friendly fire’ casualties, but it is this variety that makes the attack so
potent. Cough…. D.
Edwards, came on later in the innings to quell any hopes of a Nomad revival,
his excellent bowling was rewarded with typically good figures of 3-0-7-2.
The Nomad innings was soured, however, by an act of bullying by A. Mann (5.4-2-19-3)
who intimidated an 8 year old by bowling him first ball. The harbourer of
dark thoughts called him back on the instructions of the Best Cricketer in
Cowley, (or The Hierarchy as he preferred to be called) only to bully him
once more. The poor child had the haunted look of one who had witnessed
something terrible. He had looked evil straight in the eye. Twice. The Nomad
innings closed on 143 with Mr. Extras top scoring on 31!!!! The
Mad reply began in steady fashion with Hebbes and Edwards both looking to lay
the foundation. Just when the partnership was starting to bear fruit,
Titanick (9) struck ice. He was breached below the water line and sank.
Edwards was joined at the crease by Doc Mander. Progress in the subsequent
overs was sedate, before Doc struck the ball firmly back to the bowler’s good
hand and set off for possibly the most suicidal run in English cricketing
history. Edwards, quite rightly, stood his ground and the hapless Mander (4) was
just short of regaining his ground being run out by a mere 17 yards. Even in
his matrimonial absence, Howarth’s malevolent influence was clearly in
evidence….
Running between the wicket is a
problem for most the Mad personnel. The
Nomads showed a keen intellect as well as cricketing talent, recognizing that
a player entering the fray with Moo Boy emblazoned on his shirt is not going
to nudge and nurdle – three players were immediately posted at deepish cow.
Ever the pragmatist, Moo immediately guided one through slip. Pure theatre.
In typical fashion Martin got on with it and the Good Ship Mad made steady
progress towards our target with these two in harness. It was, therefore a
surprise when Westmoreland (14) perished, bringing Edwards
(24) was next to go after being the rock around which the innings was built.
Ben Mander (0) was unable to reproduce his heroics in the field, soon
departing after a mistimed pull. At this stage the unproven partnership of
old head, Beer Matt and the young thruster Del Boy was unleashed. Both showed
cool heads and no little talent. Indeed Matt managed to exceed his 2007
season aggregate of runs in this one innings!! Just when it looked like these
two would see us over the line with time to spare, Darley (17) showed just
why the money men at the helm of FFTMCC were so keen to seal his transfer.
When served up with the largest cream horn of the day he swiped ineffectively
at a knee high full toss and was comprehensively bowled. He will fit in well.
A. Mann (left) finally loses the
will to live watching Dan grind to double figures. It
was left to M. Bullock and S. Parkinson to see us through to our target,
despite frenzied appealing, with almost 2 overs to spare. Bullock finishing
on an excellent 20 not out and Parkinson on 17 not out. So
despite recent inactivity The Mad secured a very good victory against strong
opposition, who have always proved very difficult to beat in the past. Thanks
to our hosts for a very good game played in good spirit. Onwards and upwards. ‘Mincer’ |
*
MOTM: T. Smith
and D. Edwards
Champagne Moment: B. Mander’s
superb catch
Buffet Award: T. Smith’s
chocolate mousse