Match Report

On Sunday, two great powers collided in what can only be known as an MSCC internal pre season game. With some warriors fresh off the plane from conquering the hefty pints found in the land of Malta, this game looked to be one for the ages. 

Tim House’s side set out to begin the run fest with a side of 9, soon becoming 8 as Asif joined Matt Carpenter’s side. Gus and Ahmed opened with the first runs to grace the mighty Middleton Park  of 2026 and put on about 40 before Matt Dipple, having finally warmed up, removed Gus with what can only be described as a straight delivery. Josh B strode out to the middle and soon strode back thanks to an Anirudh corker. Shaan stepped out looking to make some highlights for the YouTube but could only film his own dismissal and that of his partner Ahmad who scored a beautiful 30 with Seril working his magic. Sam continued on what Ahmad left out there and scored a graceful 30 before being dismissed by Seril again but not before Arthur F, making his Middleton Stoney debut, bowled his father in what could be described as the collapse of the family hierarchy. George R took a good wicket against Hamidullah and Tim H and Josh B closed out the innings beautifully declaring at 156. 

With tea having been taken earlier in the day due to rain, a quick turnaround ensued and Matt’s team set out to chase down a mammoth total. Anirudh set out with intention, smashing boundaries early doors and just beat Tim H at full stretch off the floor. However, this reign of terror was nothing Hamidullah couldn’t stop as he bowled him after a quick fire 30. Mike R met his match once again in the form of John F who hooped one on to dismiss him LBW. After Sam bowled a clean opening spell, Ahmad off about 3 steps started chucking them down with some fizz, dismissing Ali rather unluckily with a leg side strangle taken by Gus F. This brought Matt and Howard to the crease, who were both known for there infamous knocks over the years. Matt got lucky early on as Gus F put down a dolly behind the stumps off Tim H but went on to make a lovely 50*. Howard made a good start but was undone by a John F delivery that just nipped and hit off stump. With two youngsters at the crease and overs running away, Tim’s side were desperate for wickets while Matt’s team were still in striking distance of the total. George R and Arthur F gently nudged away though until the final overs where Josh B took the wicket of George and John F served his revenge cold with an all Floyd dismissal on the scorecard. So, what a thriller! Well played to everyone and we commence in the big leagues on Sunday this week.