Not the MCC vs PSB Casuals
17 August 2008
Another win for the as-yet-undefeated-in-2008 Not the MCC… and as you will be glad to know, it's a return for the lengthy match report too...
The PSB Casuals were sent into bat (on the basis that they didn't have enough players, again) and their openers formed a solid opening partnership. However, very tight bowling from Beacham meant that the scoring was fairly sedate. Azarmgin bowled some testing deliveries early on and both bowlers were unlucky not to take wickets. The breakthrough was eventually made when Malcolm came on, steaming in from his favourite top end off his customary 6 paces. Anyway, Smith's stumps were shattered by Malcolm's first ball and although Goode hit several useful shots in his 18, Not the MCC quickly gained control of proceedings. Whiting was extremely unlucky not to take any wickets and only a slightly wayward final over spoiled his figures.
Indeed Malcolm was buoyed by his early success and broke the back of the Casuals' innings with 5 wickets. The former international produced comfortably the most consistent and aggressive bowling spell of the season. His only failing was a slight tendency to bowl fast beamers, though keeper Ali South was usually alert to this ploy.
Anyway, captain for the day Muttukumaru brought himself on for some comedy off spin. Producing Seed-like turn (i.e. not much), the captain struggled initially with two wides in two balls, but recovered to bowl with considerable flight (I was going to say "guile", but I think that's pushing it). Secret weapon THE LASER was then introduced. Initial calibration issues (caused by rusting of THE LASER's primary reactor) caused some wides, but the batsmen were soon enmeshed in THE LASER's web of intrigue. Unfortunately, THE LASER was also suffering from limited traction issues and a sore groin and was unable to bowl more than 2 overs.
Debutant Tim Regis came on for a quick over, sending down some back-of-a-length leg spinners. According to some reports there was even some turn. The over was most notable for an excellent run out from Beacham/Regis. Suitably inspired, Beacham then returned with partner Azarmgin to wrap up the innings.
PSB Casuals
Smith b Malcolm 25
Bracegirdle b Malcolm 27
Goode b Malcolm 18
Cavey lbw b Malcolm 0
Damo c Heslop b Malcolm 1
Duff b Muttukumaru 7
Hunt b Azarmgin 19
Jones run out (Beach/Regis) 15
Goff b Beacham 1
Smith (r.) b Beacham 9
Cavey (r.) not out 0
Extras 16 (this must be wrong)
Total 161 all out (29.4 overs)
Beacham 6.4 - 1 - 15 - 2
Azarmgin 6 - 0 - 42 - 1
Whiting 5 - 1 - 17 - 0
Malcolm 6 - 1 -18 - 5
Muttukumaru 3 - 0 - 20 - 1
Laser 2 - 0 - 16 - 0
Regis 1 - 0 - 8 - 0
Not the MCC opened up with Malcolm, who immediately took up the Hamer Boot/Marcus Trescothick role of banging as many runs as possible in the shortest time. One glorious shot was a certain boundary on most grounds, but the extensive outfield gobbled up the ball. This was to be a familiar pattern and relatively few boundaries were struck in the early part of the innings. Muttukumaru entered the fray eager to score heavily before Malcolm came in to umpire and soon set about taking up the Mahapatra role (Malay captain, scores quickly when in, always gets out to short wide delivery by hitting it tamely to cover).
Heslop was showing considerably less enthusiasm about taking up the Watson role (no description required, but it may involve stylish defensive shots and snoozing on the boundary). His innings was cruelly cut short by a disastrous run out. Regis survived after Muttukumaru's untimely demise and made 10 good runs before another mix up led to Judas Azarmgin (fielding for the opposition but acting as impromptu umpire) sending him on his way.
Standage, adopting a 'stand and deliver' approach at the crease, hit some wonderful blows all round the ground and kept the scoreboard ticking. After Brown was dismissed cheaply and Standage finally succumbed after an excellent 35, Ali South was introduced. South, it should be noted, had not been dismissed all season and even as more batsmen fell around him, he remained composed. One glorious back foot drive through the offside was reminiscent of Chris Martin at his very best. Whiting got a tricky leg side delivery first ball and spooned the ball to midwicket and Farrington, after getting an extra life on zero, picked out the same fielder and was out for 2. At this point, the Casuals looked favourites but the ever-dependable Beacham came in and stroked the ball around for 19 not out in another close finish.
Man of the match to Malcolm for a great 5 wicket haul, must be the first we've had by a fast bowler in ages. In spite of the three quarter length trousers, he's definitely a man for the future.
Player of the season should I think go to Ali South, who obviously kept extremely well as there were only 6 byes yesterday and even fewer in the previous 2 matches. He also saved numerous wides from going for 2s and 4s. Perhaps most important were the valuable runs at the end of every innings (43 runs for the season and top of the averages). His running between the wickets made plenty of extra runs for others' scores too - a vitally important and unselfish contribution. All the games have been incredibly tight (all three went down to the last over) and the difference has usually been that we've scored more lower order runs than the opposition.
Not the MCC
Malcolm b Hunt 2
Heslop run out 7
Muttukumaru c X b Jones 41
Regis run out 10
Standage b Cavey 35
Brown c X b Bracegirdle 1
South not out 19
Whiting c X b Cavey 0
Farrington c X b Smith 2
Beacham not out 19
Virus/Laser D.N.B.
Extras (3nb, 9b, 17w) 29
Total 165 for 9 (29.2 overs)
Some of the video footage from the game can be viewed here.