MCCC v's Laleham CC - Saturday May 28 2005 Away Match won by 153 runs

The 2nd Saturday team found themselves facing old friends in Laleham CC. Unfortunately, the Laleham pitch mower wasn't working so we had to play on the artificial strip. Trainers and stud screws came out. Imran Ahmad was skippering and lost his 3rd consecutive toss of the season with some team mates describing him as a 'useless tosser' after the event.

With the weather conditions a bit windy and overcast, MCCC were put into bat in a 40 overs a side game. The team line up looked strong this week with the return of Edgar Luis who hadn't played for the club in over a year. For those who don't know, Edgar holds the club record for the highest individual score for the club - 124 not out against Riverside CC, achieved a couple of seasons ago. Opening up for MCCC was Girish Patel who has been in rich form in 2005 which has provided stability at the start of the innings. Raj Ganesh, who normally opens the bowling was the popular choice in the dressing room to be the other opening batter.

The Laleham artificial pitch was relatively quick with the ball skidding through. Raj was the first to give a sharp chance to the slips but lady luck was on his side with Laleham fielder not being able to hold on. The outfield was fast with both openers begining to find their range especially Raj who smashes a six over mid off. First to go was Girish who played early to a fuller pitched delivery which resulted in a spooned catch. Credit to the Laleham opening bowler who followed through to take the catch. Girish finished on 11. Next up for Morden was Gerry Coezter who was due a whole bag runs after an early season drought.

A bowling change at the pavilion end saw Laleham's fortunes change. The new bowler, Adams had a very whippy arm action, delivering the ball from wide of the crease whilst still keeping a tight line. Gerry Coetzer applied some solid defence as well has hitting some stylish shots. However, on a yorker length delivery Gerry left a gap between bat and pad which led to the ball hitting his off stump. By this time Raj had rapidly moved onto the mid thirties proving all those biryanies consumed were well worth it! Hament Patel, who was in at number four, bats with a lower back-lift than his brother Girish. This allowed for some nice improvised shots which frustrated Laleham. In an almost instant replay of Gerry's dismissal, Raj found himself walking back to the pavilion after scoring 36. Adams had struck again. MCCC's promising start was looking a bit fragile with the score on 69 for 3 from 13 overs.

Edgar Luis, who was in the much sort after number 5 slot, started off cautiously, after a years gap since his last innings. With Hament Patel taking most of the strike early on into their partnership, Edgar began to settle and played attacking shots on both sides of the wicket. It soon became clear that Edgar hadn't forgotten how to score runs! Before you knew it Edgar had got his fifty although it was unclear if he realised this when his team mates applauded. Edgar did give a few chances but his shots always found the gaps. This partnership was worth 98 runs when Hament was caught at mid wicket trying to push the run rate. The score had reached 167-4 with 10 overs to go.

The Skipper, Imran Ahmad found himself wandering out to the middle realising Edgar could get a ton so decided to give the strike away as much as possible. Edgar majestically hit 2 consecutive straight sixes off Pratt to take him to the brink of what was an amazing comeback. Edgar got his century with time to spare. The question was now could he break his previous best of 124? Unfortunately this didn't quite go to plan with the skipper stranded at the recieving end for much of the final over. The MCCC total finished on 257-4 from 40 overs. This was our highest total of 2005 with Edgar Luis finishing on 115 not out.

After a hearty tea provided by Laleham, the boys took to the field in earnest although it wasn't just the skipper who looked as if he had one cake too many. Opening up the bowling attack at the pavilion End, was MCCC veteran, Jim Patel. At the other end was Grant Burger who was playing his second game for the club. Behind the sticks, was the very able Vivek Sarhoria.

Jim bowled with typical gusto that only Jim can. Although bowling some quality deliveries Jim was unlucky not to get earlier reward. However, the first breakthrough came as one of the Laleham's Crowder scooped the ball back to Jim for a caught and bowled. Grant Burger managed to find the edge of the bat to remove the middle order. Vivek's safe hands saw the game heading towards Morden's favour.

The first change bowlers were Imran Ali Khan and Barik Choudhury. After a couple of overs Imran K began find his range, hitting a good length. Very soon after Jim Patel, at gully caught,a difficult chance falling backwards from Imran K's bowling. Jim hurt the back of his head in the process but soon picked himself up. In similar fashion another Laleham wicket fell with Edgar taking a catch at deep point. The ball appeared to be going over his head but somehow he managed to hold on to it. Barik in his first bowling spell this year grew more confident and finished with a wicket to wrap the Laleham innings for 104. The final margin of victory was 153 runs.

The club would like to thank Laleham for their kind hospitality and some good banter in the field. They play cricket in the true spirit of the game and we admire that. We look forward to the return fixture against the Laleham boys later on in the season.

MCCC Batting Order
1. Girish Patel
2. Rajesh Ganesh
3. Gerry Coezter
4. Hament Patel
5. Edgar Luis
6. Imran Ahmad
7. Viv Sarhoria
8. Imran Khan
9. Jim Patel
10. Barik Choudhry
11. Grant Burger

MCCC Bowing
Overs Mdns Runs Wkts
1. Jim Patel 8 0 23 2
2. Grant Burger 8 1 37 4
3. Imran Khan 5.2 0 20 3
4. Barik Choudhury 4 0 26 1