Match Report

CAMPIONES!

Middleton Stoney met Hampstead Norries in the final of the Oxfordshire friendly cup final at Middleton Park on a splendid September afternoon. A slightly adjusted earlier start time of 1pm (which was much welcomed in hindsigh due to a slow over rate from the oppo…) was agreed with the 35 over format. Matt won the toss and elected to bat first.

Ben Meritt opened with Matt and saw off the first over well. Runs started to flow with a run rate at 5 an over and Middleton were quickly 34 without loss after seven overs. Hampstead took off the opening bowlers and replaced them with Arundah and Nikhil, who bowled a good length on the 5^th stump line. Ben, watchful, moved his feet to access scoring areas and moved to 50 by the 14^th over with the opening partnership at 72 without loss. It should be mentioned an all ran 4 was included in Bens’ score. The opening partnership was soon over after Matt edged behind.

Ben shortly followed Matt back into the pavilion after a well made 53. MSCC had a good platform to get going. In walked Olly Ross. His first 36 runs came off 38 balls. His next 56 runs came off 29 balls. More to follow shortly.

Mark joined Olly and after a lovely cover drive, he was deceived by a good slower ball from Allidahah. Ahmad joined Olly and batted sensibly, blocking the good balls and putting the rubbish in the bin.  However, Olly at the other end brought out his inner Glenn Maxwell, a spitting image of his innings against Afghanistan in the world cup of 2023. After pulling his groin after plenty of quick singles, Olly was no longer mobile and decided to stand and deliver. He put the 29^th over away for 29 runs. Almost hitting Satya’s car, Simmo decided his van was in trouble and moved it further away, only for Olly to hit it harder and get closer to his van in his next 6.  Olly fell for 94 after going for one more large hit. Well batted Olly.

Anirudh walked out and supported Ahmad in the final few overs with Middleton finishing on 230. A great effort with the bat.

During the interlude, we were treated to the tea of the year by Denise and Rona. The tandoori chicken legs followed by the carrot cake went down a treat. Seconds (and thirds) were had. Middleton Stoney were ready to go to win the cup.

Hamidullah opened the bowling from the farm end against Mickey. After Mickey put two fours away, Hamidullah found his line and Mickey walked across the line and the ball hit his pad. Lumbers, quickly decided it was out and Mickey was back in the pavilion. Not much to complain about.

Hamidullah plugged away followed by James ‘Gary’ Lyon. James had the ball moving both ways and was a pleasure to watch, while Hamidullah bowled a consistent line and length on the 5^th stump line. Norries skipper was caught by Carpenter after nicking off, bowled Hamidullah. This was followed by their no. 3 bat thinking he could take a quick single to point, only for Shaan to quickly launch the ball back with a one bounce throw to Matt to take the third wicket by run out. The standards of fielding were remarkably improved compared to the previous week.

Lyon got his first wicket by turning Rashib inside out. Rashib played the Jubilee while James bowled down the Bakerloo. Hampstead were 25 for 4 off the 7^th over and Middleton smelt blood. Hamidullah took the 5^th bowled while James took the 6^th by nicking off the batter to Matt. Hampstead were 52 for 6.

Up stepped Sathya and Shaan. Sathya’s first 5 overs were 1 wicket for 3 runs. Tidy. Shaan was a little more wayward but bowled good balls and questioned the batter and kept the ever increasing population of the slip cordon interested. Drinks were taken and Sathya resumed, bowling Imran first ball after tea. Josh Bazeley was then brought onto bowl and after his first grenade of a ball, he found a good line to the batters. After Ben dropped a dolly, he then took a good catch at long mid on. Hampstead were 9 down. Josh darted a ball down to their no 10 batter and took a good caught and bowled. Middleton Stoney are now Sunday Friendly cup village champions!

A huge thank you is to be said to Matt Bazeley for an immaculate scorecard, Richard Lumb for umpiring again and finally, Denise and Rona for a wonderful tea. Days like today make Middleton Stoney a special club with special people.

Middleton Stoney will enter 2027 to defend their title as champions!