Match Report

Come 1:30 pm the overhead conditions threatened, producing spits and spurts of rain. We toyed with the covers in the hope of salvaging a dampening wicket. Luckily, as Paul Wordsworth had assured us, the rain held off allowing us a full and thrilling game of cricket.

The two captains tossed up and in true Tim Riley fashion Middleton Stoney elected to field. Robin Cummings, a fresh face to many, and the returning Middleton Stoney stalwart Simon Pettit took the new ball. Both Cummings and Pettit unsettled the batters and bowled economically. Pettit brought about the early breakthrough and continued in this vein to pick up 2-27 off 10 overs. Cummings excited the spectators, bowling one of the more eventful overs in Middleton Stoney’s history.  This included bowling the batter off a no ball, a missed caught and bowled chance, a potential run out missed and a boundary or two. Most importantly, a well held catch in the slips by Mark Ford-Langstaff. Cummings bowled well finishing his 7 overs with figures of 3-39. The openers had done their job leaving the Authors 69-5.

Mike Simpson and Paul Wordsworth were given the task of breaking the Author’s growing partnership between number 5 Koj and 7 Hogg. With the ship steadied, Simpson and Wordsworth toiled to trouble the settled batters. Their tenacity was eventually rewarded, with the wicket of Hogg- bowled Simpson caught Riley. Having broken the key partnership, Simpson looked hungry for more, taking another wicket with his next over. The score now 177-7 and all to play for.

Riley and Jacob Ford-Langstaff then came on to close the innings out. The authors looked to be aggressive and up the scoring rate with one particularly impressive six over extra cover standing out. Riley stood out, bowling tightly and picking up another 2 wickets. The Author’s innings came to a close at 204-9. Now for Jay Mumtaz’s much awaited tea which didn’t disappoint. Many thanks to him and Nathalie.

Nick Moorman and Mark Ford-Langstaff strode out to begin Middleton Stoney’s reply. The pair started well and looked comfortable at the crease. After a positive start M Ford-Langstaff, recovering from illness looked to hit over the top but was unfortunately caught at mid-on.

Mike Robinson then attempted to put the pressure back onto the Authors and after some nice hitting and strike rotation he saw his bails dislodged. The baton now with Jay Mumtaz to put some runs on the board.

Moorman continued to put away the bad ball looking more and more at ease. It came as a shock to us all when he fell victim to a good delivery- bowled through the gate by Hogg. 50-3, Matt Carpenter’s turn, a rebuilding job required.

Mumtaz nudged and nurdled playing himself in. Unfortunately, much like many of his teammates he was unable to push on, falling LBW to one that kept a bit low. Middleton Stoney looked to be in a bit of strife with the score at 68-4. The innings thus far very much followed the structure of this batting report, rather stop-start.

Jacob Ford-Langstaff joined Carpenter at the crease who was looking strong. The score was building and a partnership forming. Carpenter needed someone to stick around with him. J Ford-Langstaff after knocking it around and putting a few balls away to the boundary unfortunately wasn’t able to support Carpenter any longer- a leg cutter removing his bails. With the score at 103-5 could el capitán Tim Riley sail the team home?

Carpenter and Riley ran well, pushing the ball around and finding the gaps. Middleton Stoney were well back into the game. With a partnership formed but the required run rate remaining high the pair looked to aggress. This saw the end of Riley as he was bowled for 31, the score now at 164-6.

Simon Pettit was sent out with orders to clear the ropes. 40 runs needed off the last 4 overs. Carpenter surpassed 50 even if the onlooking supporters were too engrossed in the action to recognise this landmark. Pettit was able to strike one four but now almost all the fielders were on the boundary. 4’s and 6’s were hard to come by. In an attempt to find the rope Carpenter walked across his stumps regrettably only to get bowled. A fantastic innings that had certainly put Middleton Stoney in the hunt.

Mike Simpson after seeking clarification on the run requirement headed out to bat. 22 runs off the last 2 overs needed for the victory. Simpson put Pettit back on strike. Could Pettit unload his long levers? Strong striking and running meant 18 was needed off the last. Good bowling, 16 needed off the last 3 balls. The pressure was on, but pressure makes diamonds. With no fine leg the Authors dangled the proverbial ‘carat’ and Simpson obliged attempting his ‘scoop’ shot. Sorry to say he hit this at himself rather than towards the boundary. Middleton Stoney ended 189-7 in what turned out to be an exhilarating draw.

Many thanks to the Authors for a fantastic game of cricket played in the right spirit. Another huge thanks to Andrew and Rona for their help on the bar and with the barbecue. We look forward to this fixture again next year.

Jacob Ford-Langstaff