Well, that was the question posed at Marespool earlier this afternoon (10th)!!
MCC Debenture Holders 2023Pentrych were in town, won the toss and chose to bowl first. And, to be fair, that proved to be the correct decision for much of the first half of this top-of-the-table clash!
Richard Gibby (24, 3 fours) and Skipper Aneurin Norman opened things up for MCC..43-1 when Rich was dismissed. “Noddy” was out for the uncharacteristically “low” score for him this season..40, 5 fours. 87-2 – not so bad on your own patch, could certainly push on from here.
Really? In the time it takes the Chairman to pull a pint at the bar, MCC’s scoreboard read 92-8 – complete capitulation!
The guys now out in the middle kept their heads, however, kept chatting to each other, however..and duly put together one of the greatest partnerships seen at Marespool, especially given the context!
Sam Harris (33, 2 fours) and Greg Handley (57, 6 fours & a maximum) added a remarkable 92 runs in good time!! Pentyrch looked absolutely devastated!
Jack Straw whacked a four of his own at the death to finish 6no, whilst the MCC total at tea was 191 all out! Harris ‘n Handley might have something to say if they bat at Numbers 9 & 10 next week!
In reply, the fact remained that less than 4 runs an over was all that was required for Pentyrch to cruise back to Cardiff later on with new-found smiles on their faces. After all, the wicket was typically excellent for batting and the outfield was quicker than recent MPs’ resignations!
15-0 after the first over – this chase may not take long!
However, all the bowlers then pulled rabbits out of their hats!! Backed up by fine fielding, Aneurin’s Lads not only stemmed the flow of runs but took wickets at regular intervals. Any serious glimmer of a recovery by our visitors was thus snuffed out before real danger threatened.
In the 43rd over, Pentyrch were eventually bowled out for 156, to finish second by 35 runs!! This latest performance by our 1st XI, which included eight catches & two stumpings, illustrated the great character displayed after tea, and after The Sam & Greg Show before that.
MCC wicket takers today were Sorrya Selvakumar (2-25), Captain Norman (1-22), Jack (2-34), Greg (1-11) & Sam The Man (4-30). Mention of Max Phillips too, conceding just 27 runs from his 10 wicketless overs, as well as pouching two catches.
After the game, our jubilant skipper said: “From 92-8, best Mumbles win I’ve been involved in!”
At Drefach, our ‘A XI ran out winners by 6 runs in a high-scoring affair!
Eurig Morgan’s Army were put into bat, and totalled 214-6 from their 40 overs.
The in-form Dave Martin top scored with 87no (9 fours & a six), ably supported by Stuart Seaton (22, 3 fours), ‘keeper Thomas Ludman (29, 2 fours), & Tom Hannant (34no, 5 fours).
In reply, the host’s final score was 208-8 at the end of the last over! Each of MCC’s 6 bowlers took a wicket or two but standing out was Lewis Francis, with 1-17 from his allotted 8 overs. Great win, guys!
Finally, at Pontarddulais, our 2nd XI did not have much fun, to be honest.
Batting first, Gareth Baggers Boys were bowled out for 121 in the 36th over. Alan Harris (34, 6 fours) and Vinnie Sanharwal (24, 5 fours) were the only double-figure men.
After the break, “Bont” were evidently keen to shower, change and secure front-row seats for the Champions League Final later, as they raced to their 9 wicket victory from just 21 overs!
Next Saturday, the 1st XI make their way to Gorseinon, the 2nd XI play “Gors” at Marespool and our ‘A’ XI welcome Morriston to Murton.