Match Report

Wow! Sunday 10th July 2016. Wimbledon Final, British Grand Prix, Euro 2016 Final, Dheepika Vadivale’s wedding in the village, and of course our own annual Nigel Cassidy Memorial cricket match.

Although slightly overcast. On arrival at the ground just before 12 noon, the outfield was freshly mown, stumps were firmly planted at either end of the wicket. Everything was set for a great day’s cricket. Soon after 12 the opposition started to arrive, and before long the warm up began. It was very similar to the Sidney Cricket Ground XI last year, all clad in Lycra they ran through their drills, stretching off, quick sprints etc. Most of this took place at the Bulmer’s (Bullmarsh) Close end. As the Middleton players turned up they could only look on in awe. What were Cassidy’s team hiding? At no point did any of them use their right arm, were they saving them for their action on the pitch? Speed, flight and guile? We would all find out in good time. Darren Cassidy retained his 100% winning of the toss record in this fixture, and as ever before put Middleton into bat.

The start was put back 30 minutes due to the traffic congestion at the crossroads in the village. The A43 leading to Silverstone, and the B4030 Bicester Road were almost at a standstill (Thames Valley Police would have been very disappointed if they had of chose this day for their speed traps). The delay did however, give our stand in debutant Captain and star of last week’s record breaking match Richard Simpson, the opportunity to formulate a batting order which would do the club justice.

Opening the batting were our two tallest batsmen, Dan Simpson (20) and youngster Joe Moorman (39), together they put on a solid start. With a run rate of just short of 6 an over, a decent total was on the cards. Despite that and as promised a spell of flight and guile from veteran spinner Mario Kempster saw figures of 4 for 12 in his first 5 overs. The skipper and his father’s replacement and body double Dan Savins both blasted 50 to bring the total to 202 for 5 declared at tea (4.30).

The players enjoyed a WI inspired tea of sandwiches and homemade scones, lovingly baked and prepared by the ladies of the WI from Cottisford, and Judy (the Chairman’s better half). Outside was Oxford Crepes serving delightful freshly prepared Crepes, for the 40+ spectators.

The bell rang at 5pm for the resumption of play, which duly got under way at 5.10.

Skippering for his first time at Middleton, Richard made some inspired changes, utilising all the players, highlighting each ones strength. None more so than Stuart Midson (debutant) coming on as 3rd change who took a wicket with his second ball. The runs were spread out, without any batsmen really getting in to make a notable score. What was apparent was that many of the wickets fell to an excess of power in the bottom hand, perhaps had they used the right hand in warm up this wouldn’t have been the case. The timing was perfect Simpsons men cleared up the tail and a 63 run victory was secured just before the heavens opened.

‘Nunc est bibendum’ was the call from the Chairman behind the bar, and the visitors did not disappoint. This one day regularly is the busiest day in our calendar, and provides valuable funds for keeping the club afloat, and this year was no exception. Next year the match will coincide with our biannual ‘Charity Ball’ in aid of Nigel Cassidy Trust Fund which supports young local sports people, and The Wooden Spoon Children’s Charity.

Please note I accept no responsibility for the accuracy of this report, as I spent 10 hours nonstop behind the bar! It was a great day though!