Following the frenzy of runs of last week (1st), it was a case of “to be continued” yesterday (8th) as MCC batters again plundered opposition bowlers!
One game has to be outlined up front and, tough though that is on Stuart Seaton’s 2nd XI’s efforts at Cowbridge, our 1st XI takes pride of place this week!
Somewhat out of character, Aneurin ‘Noddy’ Norman won the toss against Ynysygerwn at Marespool..and chose to bowl first! Great looking pitch, an M4 paced outfield and the sun was about, plus our skipper has a dodgy bowling shoulder!
Anyway, 19 deliveries into our guests’ innings, the scoreboard read 13-2, both guys caught behind by Sean Davies..off Nods’ bowling!
However, there followed an excellent partnership of 113 between Nathan Davies (40) and Alex McCormack (69) – 116-3. That became 146-5, when Alex left the stage.
Another recovery took place for the 6th wicket as former MCC captain Morgan Hodges (32) and Sam Mogford (39) added 46 between them – 192-6.
Boundaries were struck and wickets were taken during the remainder of Ynys’ innings – 235-9 at tea. Soorya Selvakumar (1-56), Aneurin (2-26), Sam Harris (3-46, plus a fine day in the field), & Max Phillips (2-33) shared the bowlers’ wickets. Plus, ‘keeper Sean claimed 3 catches & 2 stumpings t’boot! Definitely a gettable score so, so far so good for the skipper’s incredible plan!
Well, after the latest yummy MCC tea, it was Aneurin & Luke Smith who once again opened up for the Club, with Richard Gibby to come in at 3, if required!
He was required, in the 5th over – Luke out, 17-1! Soon after, Richard was out – 33-2. And before the decent crowd knew it, our board read 46-3 when Aneurin (19, 1 four, 1 six) loped off.
There was an air of calm about, however, as Max joined Greg Thomas..38 overs to get 190 runs.
Oh, c’mon scribe, cut to the chase, the suspense is killing!!
NO MORE WICKETS FELL, AS MCC STORMED HOME WITH 8 OVERS TO SPARE!
Our all-rounder friends had added an undefeated 192 runs, during an imperious stand of quality, confidence and entertainment! Greg had struck a superb ton to finish 102no (12 fours & 5 sixes!) with Max being no less dominant, ending 75no (6 fours & a six). Words cannot do justice to this breath-taking display of batsmanship during a great team effort from start to finish – well done chaps, and “good decision, Noddy”!
At Cowbridge, Seats lost the toss and watched the remainder of the game, either as umpire or fielding captain!
His batsmen were in top form as well. The first three of Gareth Baglow (38), Elliott Oates (74) and former captain Joe Phillips effectively put the game to bed at the break, MCC 270-8 from their 45 overs! Joe had struck a magnificent ton of his own, contributing 103 to his team’s total!
After the break, Cowbridge appeared resigned to defeat, as they were eventually bowled out for 150 in the 31st over. Greg Handley (2-49), Kaesh Vigneswaran (2-25), Eoghan McKeegan (2-35), Steve Maddock (2-15) and Rhys Davies (2-3) duly completed the second tremendous teat effort of the day! MCC won by 120 runs!
At Murton, Briton Ferry Town had pitched up to take on Kapilan Radhakrishnan’s ‘A’ XI.
A few hours later, BFT left Murton, having completed a 15 run victory! Yet another good game, however, with the result not quite going Kaps’ way this time out.
Batting first, our visitors rattled up 214-5 in their 40 overs, including Mohamed Nisstaj’s commanding knock of 102. The wickets were shared by Dave Martin (1-7), Ben Jones (3-47) & Dan Board (1-45).
In reply, our lads totalled 199-7. HOWEVER, thee bright spot of the entire game was provided by 14-year-old Ed Harris who opened MCC’s batting – and finished 86no at the close! Jon Brearley (37, 6 fours) & James Harris (27, 4 fours & a max) provided good support at the top of the order.
The future is indeed bright, with Ed and so many mates doing themselves proud at both Senior & Junior level!
For the full stories, go to https://mumbles.play-cricket.com/Matches!!!!
Next Saturday (15th), the 1st XI travel to Clydach, the 2nd XI take on Swansea at Marespool and our ‘A’ XI make their way to Aberdare.