Far From The MCC
~ Est. in 1998 ~
“Sgt Reeves’ Lonely
Hearts Mad Band”
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Sunday 30th
August 2009 |
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Result: Lost by 99 Runs |
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Venue: Holton |
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20 overs |
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R. T. Harris |
175 - 5 |
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J. Hoskins 3 - 27 |
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FFTMCC |
76 ao |
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S. Dobner 18 |
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Banned from imbibing prior to an early kick off
(orders from Sgt Reeves - silly boy), the various MAD arrived at Holton where
it looked as though they had the pitch ready for a football match.
Consequently we demonstrated why we play cricket and not football whilst we
waited for an R. T. Harris side to show up.
Indeed the only excitation seemed to be trying to lob a football or
cricket ball onto some 12 feet high overflow pipes. Nobody really succeeded. With players variously wishing the game might be off
or we could at least convene to a pub, the R. T. Harris players gradually
turned up and waited in their cars.
After some deliberations as well as drizzle and tutting, it was agreed
to play a Twenty20 game and hope the rain would come down heavier.
Petty Officer Hotson
(10) feigns enjoyment under his helmet. The MAD were put in to field in the light drizzle.
Despite the conditions, Squadron Leader Shorten (4-0-22-0) and Wing Commander
Collins (4-0-46-0) put in some effort to try to get an early wicket, but only
succeeded in running out opener A. Rafiq with a smart throw from ’La di Da’
Gunner Howarth combining with Collins for the first wicket. The next pair of bowlers were the aforementioned ‘La
di Da’ Gunner Howarth (4-0-22-0) and Field Marshall Hoskins (4-0-27-3). The
latter being more successful due to a stumping by Petty Officer Hotson and
two catches from Howarth, the second of which was later voted champagne
moment. R. T. Harris persisted like the drizzle with W. Rahman reaching an
unbeaten half century, ably supported by Z. Hamid. Our last two bowlers were Corporal Fisher
(2-0-22-0) and Bombadier Leggate (2-0-34-1), who despite getting a wicket off
the final ball of the innings, courtesy of a catch in the deep from Private T.
Smith, was later in receipt of the infamous ‘buffet’ award. R T Harris had
gone to 175-5. Tea was a short lived affair due the weather and
most of the R. T. Harris teams’ religious observances. The rain cleared up and MAD openers strode
to the crease to begin our innings. Sgt Reeves (0) led from the front by
opening the batting but lasted only two balls before having his stumps
removed by their quickie Z. Bashir.
Private Smith (2) soon followed being bowled also. Petty Officer
Hotson (10) and Chief Technician Dobner (18) offered some resistance to the R.
T. Harris attack but were both out from the bowling of A. Rafiq. Colonel
‘Mustard’ Morley (4) also went cheaply, as did Field Marshall Hoskins (7) and
Bombadier Leggate (5).
A bloodied Field
Marshall Hoskins (7) slopes off the killing fields. It was apparent that the game was getting away from
us; Corporal Fisher (1) and Squadron Leader Shorten (0) went cheaply
also. Wing Commander Collins (10) was
the only lower order batsman to reach double figures. ‘La di Da’ Gunner Howarth (5*) remained not
out as the MAD slumped to 76 all out. Refuge was sought in the Railway Inn who had the
most business since we were there last year.
It was twenty year ago today…. ‘Morlers’ |
*
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No
Fines on this Day |
MOTM: J. Hoskins’ 3-for
Champagne Moment:
Buffet Award: