Saturday 13th September MCCC vs Chessington CC

Corinthians nick it at the death

A nailbiting finish at Chessington in an excellent match. Batting first, on a warm September afternoon, MCCC posted good score. Andy Fletcher and Steve Herat opened the batting against a Chessington side short on years, but long on ability and application. Andy (12) was first to fall, well caught at slip. Steve (11) supported Brian Douglass before mis-timing one to midwicket. Brian, though, built a fine innings, with his usual mixture of fluent strokes and big hits. Supported well, in particular by Richard Spencer (17) and Keith Pilgrim (12) Brian made 52 before looping one to slip. Morden lost middle order wickets quickly, allowing Chessington to build some momentum. However, when a steadying partnership was required, the Steves, O'Neil and Vickery, came to the crease and put on 75 crucial runs. Both remained unbeaten, on 35 and 24 respectively, as Morden posted 202-7 from the 40 overs.

In reply, Chessington began briskly. Youth, clearly, not going to be a deciding factor. Sam Cope broke through first, having the opener caught by Brian at gulley (almost decapitating Keith at point in the process!). Chessington continued to build well, despite a solid opening spell by Jess Sharling (8-1-27-0) and the usual wicket taking by Graham Pinkney (8-1-44-3). Tony Hammond and Brian Douglass both pitched in with a wicket each. Chessinton looked good approaching 150, with 5 down and overs in hand. However, two turning points in the field swung it back Morden's way. First, Sam took a great catch at (very) deep midwicket off Graham's bowling to remove Turton, who had made an excellent 41. Then Steve O'Neil had the skipper caught behind for the 8th wicket (which, for the record, was one of 4 catches for Steve Vickery). Sam came back for a spirited, vitally accurate second spell, picking up another wicket. With one ball to go, all three results were still possible. However, Steve O'Neil took the final wicket (finishing with 8-0-39-3) leaving Chessington on 201 all out. A fine game. My thanks to all that played with such spirit, and to Chessington for their hospitality.

S Herat, A Fletcher (c), B Douglass, R Spencer, S Cope, K Pilgrim, S O'Neil Ramsadeo, J Sharling, S Vickery (wkt), T Hammond, G Pinkney

Saturday 6th September MCCC vs Energy Exiles

Exiles cruise as Morden run out of energy

This typically tightly contested encounter began well enough - MCCC winning the toss and electing to bat on a track which had seen countless football supporters and at least one ambulance trample it in the morning. However, a well timed Steve Vickery pull in the third over was well caught at square leg and rather set the tone. Two solid partnerships between Andy Fletcher (22) and Brian Douglass (18) and Steve O'Neil (22) respectivley steadied things as the score ticked over. However, the middle order wickets fell quickly and, despite an excellent partnership of 48 between big hitting Tony Hammond (21) and Vic Luis (24), MCCC posted a relativley disappointing 144 from the 40 overs.

Needing an early breakthrough to generate momentum, Jim Patel and Vic Luis bowled well, but in vain. Steve O'Neil, Graham Pinkney, Mittul Patel and Tony Hammond (the sole wicket taker) kept it tight and made them work for the runs. Chances, however, were few and far between (despite a howling dropped dolly by the skipper!) as Exiles cruised to victory. Thanks to all that played.

Andy Fletcher (c), Steve Vickery (wkt), Brian Douglass, Steve O'Neil Ramsadeo, Keith Pilgrim, Vic Luis, Jamal Tarafdar, Tony Hammond, Jim Patel, Mittul Patel, Graham Pinkney

Saturday 23rd August MCCC vs Morden Parish

Corinthians keep it short and sweet

MCCC wrapped up a quick, if not totally convincing win, in this timed match against Morden Parish at Tudor Close. Winning the toss and electing to field on an overcast afternoon, Jess Sharling and Jim Patel opened the attack on a greenish pitch. MP's openers began briskly, with some tasty looking cover drives in the first four overs. However, just as they looked like settling, Sergeant was unfortunate to play on after Jim got one to come back slightly. Spurred on by an early breakthrough, Jess soon brought two new batsmen to the crease, having the skipper caught by a juggling Jamal Tarafdar at square leg. With their tails up, MCCC bowlers were, without exception spot-on. Jess, as nagging as ever, was unlucky only to pick up 1 for 20 from 6. Jim, on a hat-trick at one point, returned a deserving 3 for 27 from 8. The change, when it came, proved equally effective. Steve O'Neil (6-2-10-3) and Grahm Pinkney (4-2-2-2) contributed a huge amount and Keith Pilgrim got in on the act, wrapping up the innings in his first over.

A slightly reconfigured Corinthians line-up saw Jamal Tarafdar and Viv Sharma begin the chase for 70 to win. Despite having plenty of time, Jamal holed out without scoring and MP came to life. Viv (15) and Tony (12) steadied the ship and despite loosing quick wickets after tea, Steve Vickery and Brian Douglass steered us to safety, Steve hitting the winning runs with a lovely pull for four. Thanks to all that contributed to a fine team effort.

Viv Sharma, Jamal Tarafdar, Tony Hammond, Andy Fletcher (c), Keith Pilgrim, Brian Douglass, Steve Vickery (wkt), Steve O'Neil Ramsadeo, Jess Sharling, Jim Patel, Graham Pinkney