Far From The MCC

~ Est. in 1998 ~

 

“Big Head

Finally Has Something To Boast About”

 

 

Wednesday 7th July 2010

Result:  Won by 2 Wkts

Venue:  Cutteslowe Park

20 overs

Marsh XI

154 - 9

M. Reeves  4 - 14,  J. Hoskins  2 - 21

FFTMCC

156 - 8

D. Edwards  47,  P. Mellor  34,  M. Reeves  20*

 

 

 

Did I tell you I once got a century on this ground, playing for the Marlborough House? You can read all about it here (match report #4 1999) although the only bit worth mentioning is: “Indeed, if not for a well constructed century by Marlborough’s Reeves (102) the Jude’s target would have been nothing less than derisory.” Did I also mention that I was an absolute cast-iron, nailed on, let’s not even bother having a vote certainty for the Marlborough House Player of the Season award that year? Did you know that the Marlborough were as dismal at cricket as they were at voting during the AGM? Did you know that apparently “being unlucky and the stats not telling the full story” was a valid reason for not voting for the most prolific run scorer in 1999? Did you know that hat size isn’t necessarily an indication of head size?

 

 

M. Reeves arrives at Cutteslowe looking like a right banker.

 

The FFTMCC pitched up at Cutteslowe park one sunny Wednesday evening to face a Marsh XI side who had administered a dicking on the same ground only 23 days earlier. As usual the full Mad team were all present and correct at the appointed time to be greeted by one Marsh player and two kids. No matter, it’s almost mid-summers day, plenty of time. Martin lost the toss so therefore we were in the (rutted and bumpy) field. The poor state of the outfield was in contrast to the excellently prepared wicket and the Marsh openers made the most of it against the spirited opening partnership of J. Pearson (4-0-43-1) and D. Shorten (4-0-34-1). Pearson in particular was required to show considerable and admirable restraint in not letting rip, as fielders contrived to usher the ball to the boundary on many occasions. Goodness we were awful.

 

Then the first turning point as J. Hoskins (4-0-21-2) and Reeves (who once made a century on this ground) came on first change. Both registered wickets and managed to slow the flow of runs a little, but the Marsh innings continued to bound along at about ten an over. T Smith (2-0-29-0) bowled much better than his figures suggested (so would therefore win player of the year at the Marlborough) along with D. Edwards (2-0-13-1). The only bright moment in an otherwise terrible team fielding display was J. Pearson making good ground running forwards and taking a smart catch.

 

 

J. Pearson (right) tosses down another doughnut.

 

Then the real turning point. At the fall of a further wicket, skipper Moo took the unusual step of calling the team in to an on field huddle. Fear that future opponents are reading this prevents me from retelling all that was said, but it bought to mind Henry V. ‘C’mon lads we’re not out of this yet’ (at 130 off 15 overs) is all I can reveal.

 

Even in the short form of the game, wickets can be important. This was the case in this match, although not for the expected reason. We absolutely must not take any more wickets otherwise opener Bila (retired on 52) will return to heap further damage. OK skip, shouldn’t be a problem. Unfortunately Hoskins and Reeves (the two best bowlers the MAD have ever seen – Mike 4-0-14-4) just could not help themselves, with Hoskins pointing out quite correctly that it’s actually quite difficult not to bowl directly at the stumps. So McGrath (Reeves) and Warne (Hoskins) improved their stats and Bila duly returned. Fortunately their brilliance continued with the inspirational words of Moo ringing in their ears, the run rate slowed in the final few overs and the MAD were set a challenging 155 to win.

 

 

Edwards (47) looking the part in his gardening shorts.

 

“They’re a better batting side than they are fielding” was the encouraging words as openers Shorten and Roberts went out to bat. The Marsh were in party mood, seemingly with no inkling that 155 might actually be achieved and certain they were about to administer a second beating of the year. These thoughts seemed to be confirmed when Shorten was soon back in the hutch along with Leggate as the MAD slumped to 1 for 2. That became 7 for 3 when C. Roberts (4) was castled. In came P. Mellor (34) and Edwards and did a fine job, pushing the rate along at 10 an over until Mellor was eventually run out (exhausted). He left the field with the smile of a man who’s given his all but who’s race is now run. The Marsh, starting to sense an unlikely defeat, unleashed their fiercest bowlers. Edwards (47) was equal to all they could throw at him until finally undone as he attempted to maintain the run rate against a leg stump yorker. Hoskins (15) goosed magnificently assisted by Pearson (9) and Smith (1) to put us within touching distance of an unlikely win.

 

 

Martin (left) waiting to bat towards the tense finale.

 

Finally it came down to M. Westmoreland (2*) and Reeves needing 20 off the last two overs with only I. Howarth (TFC) in reserve. Reeves (20*) was in no doubt. Casting off his XXXXL hat, he strode to the crease ready to recreate a tiny part of that magical day in 1999. Boom as the first six cannoned off his mighty bat. Kerpow as the next one went even further, disappearing into the gathering gloom. Swish went the final beautiful off drive and we were home. Stick that in the minutes of the Marlborough House AGM 1999.

 

 

‘Reevsie’

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

ne

Statto's Scorecard

No Fines on this Day

 

 

MOTM:  M. Reeves (who else?)

Champagne Moment:  M. Reeves’ second maximum over cow

Buffet Award:  T. Smith’s well grilled vegetarian mushrooms (with pepper sauce)

 

 

 

(...back )