The many loyal supporters at Marespool yesterday (25th), and match sponsors Broomfield Alexander, had to wait until just before 7pm to have something to cheer about.
It was the Wales football side that produced that emotion as they progressed in the European Football Championships, some two hours after Aneurin Norman’s 1st XI lost their third successive match. Ammanford were the visitors for a game reduced to 40 overs following unexpected heavy showers just before the scheduled start.
Skipper Alun Evans won the toss, chose to field and thoroughly enjoyed his tea following his club’s bowling out of MCC for just 94. It could have been so much worse if it wasn’t for the home side’s tail, and Ryan Aingworth in particular. As a result of something of a rear-guard action, 54-7 became 94 all out, with Ryan blasting 2 huge sixes as he contributed a top score of 21. Only Dan Roberts (16) & Ieuan Rosser (15) also reached double figures during a team innings which contained just one four, in the first over.
In reply, Noddy’s Men took an early wicket (8-1) to temporarily lift the spirits, and the normally prolific Evans was second man out for just 12…44-2, both wickets taken by Danrob (2-18). That was it though, as Matthew Fisher and opener Elis Richards saw their XI home to win by 8 wickets in the 23rd over.
With Alex Protheroe’s table topping & unbeaten ‘A’ XI having a bye, it was left to Stuart Seaton’s 2nd XI to snatch some glory for MCC as they travelled to Ammanford. The rain also reduced the innings here, as 50 overs became 34 per side. As was the way of things at HQ, Ammanford won the toss and chose to bowl first. Having been 32-2 at one point, the ensuing recovery was steady. Opener Tomas Davies was the rock as he and Ben Jones (27, 3 fours & a six) added 64 for the third wicket on a very slow track. Harri Turner (18, 1 four) then added 36 with Tom. However, 132-3 soon became 139-5 when Tom (69, 7 fours & a six) was eventually dismissed, so more repair work was needed! Captain Seats (12) and Dan Grace (34no, 2 fours) duly showed their experience, taking the total to 178-6. At tea, MCC had posted a decent total of 202-7.
In reply, Ammanford started badly, 11-1 early on. However, whilst always behind the clock, regular partnerships did take them to 118-3. Off spinners Rahul Shah (2-36) and Ben Jones (1-13) had shared the victims to date. Then, all-rounder Dan Grace followed up his fine knock earlier in the piece, with a late five over burst of four wickets for 11 runs, as the home side limped to 140-7 at the close..well short, resulting in a large helping of points for the 2nd XI as they secured a “winning draw”. Enough to cement their position as table toppers as we enter the second half of the season next weekend.
Next Saturday (2nd), the 1st XI seek to regain their fine form shown throughout May when they welcome Swansea to Marespool, whilst the ‘A’ XI take on GWR CC at Murton. On Sunday, the 1st XI play host to Ammanford in Round 3 of the Welsh Cup. On each day, spectators will also enjoy seeing the various aerial displays of the Annual International Airshow, including The Red Arrows, above Marespool! Tally ho, chaps!