MPCC Start With A Win

MPCC got off to a flying start with a convincing win against a useful Thorseby U.17 XI at a sun drenched 4th Avenue on Monday 9th May.

Winning the toss, skipper Pete Quinn elected to field, a decision that clearly confused and delighted the Thorseby Captain in equal measure as he appeared to take much pleasure in informing Pete that he would have elected to bat anyway.

Pete turned to his regular opener Carl Gabbitas to commence proceedings with the new ball and was almost instantly rewarded as Thorseby skipper skied one to mid wicket only to be dropped by a guest fielder.

Mark Davis took the opposite end and almost immediately found himself haunted by the familiar curse of not being able to replicate his devastating (and painful) net form on the field.

The opening pair toiled and were successful in limiting the batsmen in terms of runs, however a wicket remained elusive.

Making the change, the Captain opted for the reliability of Darron Hall coupled with the pace and accuracy of MPCC prodigal son Dan Holloway. The changed reaped rewards instantly as Thorseby's Bromhead attempted to pull Darron Hall, only to be caught at point by Brian Costello.

The pace of Holloway quickly brought another wicket as Willis's stumps were uprooted with a swinging seam ball that gave the batsmen no hope.

Having barely troubled the scorebook, Hall struck again, taking the scalp of Thorseby's Lee helped by Dan Holloway making a safe catch at cover.

The skipper made a further change with Brian Costello replacing Hall and Mark Davis returning to replace Holloway at the pavilion end. The partnership, whilst unorthodox seemed to work with neither batsmen coming to terms with slow right arm spin at one end and medium paced left arm swing at the other. Naturally it was only a matter of time before another wicket fell and it did, this time Thorseby's Whittaker trapped LBW by Costello.

MPCC being to sniff the sweet aroma of a limited run chase and keen to capitalise on a successful spell by Costello and Davis in keeping the runs down turned to Gabbitas and Hall to bring further wickets.

Carl's hard work was eventually rewarded. Having been robbed of an early wicket, Gabbitas made no mistake this time as he cleaned up Thorseby's Keeble who had been becoming something of a thorn in MPCC's side.

Not to be outdone, Hall quickly followed with a further two wickets, clean bowling Atkins before taking a fourth on the night thanks to a steady catch from MPCC debutant Tom Hill.

Looking to get back into the pavilion for a breather, the Captain looked to Holloway remove the tail. It took three balls before the last man was despatched leaving MPCC with a very reachable 75 for victory.

In the absence of regular opener Neil Eggleston, Darren Hall took to the field partnered by brave debutant Darren Hodgkinson. Both struggled with their opening exchanges with the Thorseby attack and despite all his best efforts, Hodgkinson was soon returning to the pavilion having been trapped LBW by Thorseby's Duffin.

Mark Davis came in at 3 with the usual instruction from his Captain to build an innings. Despite what appeared to be a genuine attempt to do just that, Mark was unlucky to fall quite quickly to a good catch without troubling the scorebook.

Dan Holloway came in at 4 with a fierce reputation for being able to bat as well as bowl a ball. The reputation was realised as a flurry of boundary's sprang forth from his weapon of willow.

Just as it looked like MPCC were taking control however, disaster struck as Darron Hall was clean bowled for an uncharacteristically low 6.

Carl Gabbitas came in at no.5 having been moved up the order owing to his good form with the bat in the nets. Carl did his job admirably, supporting Holloway in achieving an impressive 56 not out to win the game.

Upon reflection a great start for MPCC against a side full of regular league cricketers that can only boost confidence going into our Sunday programme. Despite there being a number of worthy candidates, the man of the match award in recognition of exceptional bowling figures of 4 overs, 1 maiden, 4 runs, 4 wickets is awarded to a deserving Darron Hall.