Match Report

Mumtaz enjoys a short bowling spell

The Bacchus XI are a young team. Each showed enthusiasm, bravado and pleasure in playing despite succumbing to a heavy defeat. For the first time in over a month MSCC chose to field first. Experience of this track suggested that wickets would be hard to come by. Batting second was the easier way to win. 

There was, for the first hour or so a constant threat of light rain. The covers, sponsored by Nolan Gas and Nolan oils had been deployed overnight and were wheeled off in time for the  game to begin. Hamidullah once again had the new ball in his hand, this time supported by Robin Cummings. In his second over Hamidullah hit the stumps to take the first wicket, while Robin, shaping the ball in towards the batsman was proving awkward to play.

Quarter of an hour into the game the drizzle started, then became light rain. Opting to go off proved a wise decision as within a few minutes the shower became heavy enough for the covers to earn their keep.   Twenty minutes had been lost.  Hamidullah had kept warm, for his first ball back dismissed the key Bacchus batsman. 

For a short while the third wicket partnership prospered. There were many close fielders and commensurate gaps in the outfield to be exploited. Shaan Singh came on as first change. The batsman sensed an opportunity and became more aggressive. One aggressive shot was miscued, Howard Lancaster at mid on judged the flight of the ball and tumbled forward to take the catch. 

Hamidullah completed an 8 over spell in which he deserved more than two wickets. Somehow the keeper missed a straight forward chance which should have given him three.  Paul Wordsworth came on  and saw his first delivery dispatched to the square leg boundary. Revenge came quickly with a perfect delivery that turned from outside off stump to hit middle. Shaan also hit the stumps as the Bacchus innings imploded. 

Shaan finished his spell with three wickets allowing occassional bowler Jay Mumtaz to have a go from the church end. Jay bowls so infrequently he can remember his figures from year to year. They are usually one over 2 wickets for no runs. This year he did not disappoint. The only difference being the one extra delivery needed.

Bacchus’ total of 72 never looked to be enough to challenge the MSCC run machines of Lancaster and Ahmad. The visitors did bowl much better than they batted. Both players played and missed more than once. Howard picked off his runs mostly behind square using the pace of the deliveries. Ahmad was more direct, clubbing the ball back past the bowler and through extra cover.

Sitting on the boundary, number 3 Mumtaz was hoping to getting to the crease. He had been next man in in his last innings. With five runs needed and the kettle whistling in the kitchen he got his chance. Howard was bowled.  Out came Jay. Simmo had arrived to watch the second innings and gave Jay some encouragement to “get on with it”.   The first ball faced was defended. Next ball and Jay was returning to the boundary edge. The ever polite Simmo made no comment, but it is whispered that a wicked grin had been spotted by the more discerning spectators.

Panic ensued for a moment. Stevyn at number 5 was umpiring and needed to pad up. Ali Meier, now due to bat had taken off his pads. Untroubled was Ahmad waiting at the non strikers end.

Ali  became the third victim in five balls and the question was asked would Stevyn be ready to bat in time?

Robin leapt at the opportunity to pad up and came out to be non striker as Ahmad duly finished the innings and the players retired to tea and the test match. Denise Simpson and Rona had produced  a first class spread. It was a rare day when no-one had to worry or rush over delicious sandwiches, scones and cakes, many thanks Denise and Rona. It was lovely.

As there was plenty of time left the players agreed to play a 10 over game. Shaan had missed the message and missed out on a chance to bat. Bacchus were able to gain their revenge chasing down 68 to win with two overs to spare.

There is an extra  game on Friday starting at 3.00pm do come along if you can.