Match Report

For the first time in the 2026 season it was warm. Not just warm but sufficiently hot for two drinks breaks to be scheduled in each innings. Bizarrely only one set of drinks were taken as the game changed dramatically in Middleton’s favour in the 21st over of the match.

Middleton’s XI featured James Bazeley, son of Matt, brother of Josh, making his home debut. Making season’s debut were Jay Mumtaz and Chairman Pete. The Old Leightonians were to have a mystery late arrival to complete their XI. OL’s won the toss and chose to bat. The pitch was rolled flat after the rain earlier in the week and it was hoped that it would play better than it did a fortnight earlier.

Ahmad was in fine form with the new ball, alarmingly quick off just a few paces. The openers, Bye and Shacklady played him well, Bye in particular using Ahmad’s pace to pick up a brace of boundaries to backward point. Sensing a breakthrough the number of close catchers grew.  Paul Wordsworth had five overs from the Church End, not quite as sharp as his opening partner. 

Full pitched balls were played with confidence, twice Paul was swept to the boundary. Ahmad and James patrolled the covers and ensured no easy runs could be taken. Paul had his hands on his head in disbelief as Bye was beaten and the ball shaved the stumps. The keepers hands must also have been on his head as two byes were conceeded.  Were they Bye’s byes?

It appeared that a long afternoon chasing leather was on the cards. Bye lofted Ahmad over his head for a boundary, Sam Norley at mid-off only able to turn and watch the ball sail past him. Next ball, Ahmad replied, Bye playing back to a full ball that moved just enough to beat the bat. Bye made 21, Shacklady, the quieter partner had just reached double figures.

Acomb-Wood looked the most accomplished of all the visiting players. He had more time to play the quicker bowling and he adjusted well to the increasingly variable bounce the pitch was offering. Paul was rested after five overs to be replaced by James. James looked a little rusty, several full tosses were offered and gladly accepted as free gifts by the batsmen. As the first hour approached, OL’s were well place at 68 – 1 from 17 overs.

Immeadiately after drinks, James bowled Shacklady for 23. Veteran visitor to Middleton Park, Allan G, “I have been playing the fixture for 40 years and it always keeps low” joined Acomb-Wood. Ahmad, after 10 overs of pace opted to bowl an over of off spin for his final over. Acomb-Wood played a glorious off drive to the first ball, an imperious boundary. The second delivery was a full toss which he played ingloriously, from the back of his bat to Shaan at mid wicket. Ahmad deserved the wicket, but it was the worst ball he bowled.

The game changed rapidly. Ahmad struck again with the fourth ball of his final over just as a familiar white van drove in to the ground. What was unfamiliar was the kit bag being lifted from the back and the offer made to complete the OL XI. Ahmad was replaced after 11 accurate and challanging overs to be replace by Peter.  Allen was bowled by James. “I should have known it would keep low. OL’s were five down and  Samuels, who had driven from Falmouth for the game, was new to the crease. James picked a third wicket again hitting the stumps, Samuels squeaked a single from his only ball faced.

Peter’s over was uneventful. Samuels was now at the non striking end as James began his sixth over.  At the end of the over he was still one not out, three more wickets had fallen, James had hit the stumps each time and the visitors had slumped to 77 – 9.  There is a time in a game when a hero is called for. Simmo made his familiar way to the middle, greeting the players on the way in, secretely his inner 8 year-old self desperate to survive his first ball, to score a run and to  be not out at the end.

The first ball was negotiated. The second nudged to Sathya at square leg and a cheeky run gained. Simmo relaxed. James was rested, (or cruelly taken off depending on your perspective) allowing Shaan to pick up the final wicket thanks to a catch at mid off by Matt  B. Simmo was disappointed not to bat longer, but mightily pleased to be back in the red ink.

When Athis does the tea those not selected are often jealous. Once again the tea was superb with the samosas a highlight. With the innings over in just 21 overs Athis was working at lightning speed to ensure everthing was ready. With extra time to enjoy the food, tea was a leisurley pleasure in the hot sun,

Sam and Jay padded up while others opted for a refill and a second cake. Jay took strike. At the end of the over MSCC were in double figures, Jay cutting for four twice in the over. Sam scooped another couple of runs from a ball that lifted from a length but was soon trapped LBW for just 3. Anirudh was in little mood to hang around joining Jay. In a contrast of fortune OL bowled full tosses for Anirudh to swat to the boundary  while every ball bowled to Jay seemed to shoot or jump. Three times Jay jabbed down on balls that mis behaved, once he swayed as a ball rose up around his ears and over the keepers shoulder. 

Jay survived a flick to mid wicket that offered a simple catch but finally  could do nothing as Tahiliani, the only bowler to ball a tidy line and length, cleaned him up with yet another shooter. Anirudh crunched a ball to deep square leg, directly at a fielder. The fielder saved the 6 but dropped the catch.

As the target approaced Matt Bazeley supported Anirudh. Anirudh drove to long on.  It stopped just short of the boundary. Matt called for a second run and just beat the throw as it came in… .and passed the stumps at the other end. Matt called again and set off, as did Anirudh reluctantly. The chasing fielder was also reluctant. Matt persuaded Anirudh to complete a third and then a fourth run. By now Matt was catching Anirudh and both players were running in the same direction, Matt like a relay runner in the 4 x 400 ready to pass on the baton.

A brief conversation was had where Anirudh explained that four was plenty, while Matt set off for safety, in what would have been his sixth run. The direct hit just beat him home.

Shaan hit the winning run in the 15th over. The game was shorter than most evening games, the first of which is a week on Wednesday. The Old Leightonians were good company and while their cricket may not have been of the greatest quality today they at least set the record for the most beer drunk by a visiting team this year. Simmo was happy, 15 overs is about as much fielding as he needs these days.