Morden won the toss, batted first and lost the game by 9 wickets.
Name How Out Bowler R M 4 6 C.Louis ct. Voss 4 5 1 M.Gilley ct. Vincent 28 57 3 J.Goddard ct & b Voss 1 10 S.Alexander ct. Voss 4 13 A.Gilley ct. Vincent 9 13 N.Brooker bowled Voss 3 19 K.Bromley ct. Vincent 8 32 M.Coote ct. Voss 0 3 C.Skillen bowled Vincent 0 7 I.Tyne not out 0 14 Extras (b.2,w.1) 3 Total all out (24 overs) 59
C.Louis 5-0-22-0 J.Goddard 7-1-26-1 A.Gilley 2-0-6-0
The season started with a rusty performance from Morden. Their were 2 new additions to the team, with Chris making his first appearance after joining us for pre-season nets and Andy Flowerday, Vicar at the local Emmanuel Church, turning up at the last minute following an untimely dropout. Morden chose to bat first and were limited to 59 which was sadly not enough against a strong opening 3 from Cuddington, who knocked off the runs in only 14 overs.
The Morden innings was notable for a strong contribution from Maurice Gilley on his return to the Parish team. Sadly it was not until the likes of Neil Brooker, Karl Bromley and Ian Tyne came in that the rest of the team put up some resistance but by this time the tide was with Cuddington. When Morden fielded the general standard in the field was very good. Charles created some early half chances and was unlucky not to get a wicket. The one wicket to fall was the result of an LBW decision to John Goddard for a ball that was on its way towards leg stump.
Given the early end to the game a 10 over Beer Match was initiated, during which everyone bar the wicket keepers bowled and the batting orders were reversed. Morden fielded first, with some good bowling and out fielding that saw Cuddington limited to just 66 from 10 overs. Special mention to Chris and Andy for creditable overs in their first games and to Alan, Steve, Karl and Matt who were our sentries in the deep. Also, a mention to Maurice who took the gloves and came away with 3 stumpings!
In a turnaround to the first game Morden reached the their target in a thrilling final over. Every player contributed to the cause with some batting that was suitable to the situation. After a slowish start, the Morden players warmed to the task and hit out in the aid of the team. This meant that some perished quickly, but with a target to reach this was the only way the game could be approached. A strong contribution from Neil Brooker saw him reach 20 and have to retire, another variation to the game, and Morden were left requiring 19 from the final over with Alan and Charles at the crease...hopes were still high. Alan scored 3 from the first ball, but Charles was bowled 2nd ball. John went in next. Luckily the first ball went for 6 and the next was a wide. 9 runs required from 3 balls. 2 runs were attempted from the next delivery, but sadly Alan was run out leaving 8 runs required from the last 2 balls. The next ball went for 6 and there was then a 5 minute debate while the scorers attempted to work out the actual score. It turned out Morden were on 65 and the field came in. The final ball was promptly hoisted over square leg and Morden could feel a little happier with their day.