MCC 158 all out (54.1 overs) – K. Winder 4-32
UWMCC 160 – 3 (34 overs) – M. Chandraker 69*, D. Goodyear 41*
With exam season drawing to a close, the Warwick boys welcomed the MCC for the annual fixture which, in the past, has thrown up some truly entertaining encounters. As rumours circulated that UWMCC club captain Rooty would be making his debut for the MCC against UWMCC, captain Goodyear et al. needed no further incentive to extend the current winning streak to four wins against what promised to be a strong MCC team. To the untrained eye, it seemed that Goodyear had been so keen to extend this run that he had rocked up with 12 men. To the better trained eye of any UWMCC member, they would have soon realised that Goodyear had made absolutely no cock up whatsoever. Despite representing the opposition, Rooty had turned up in full UWMCC stash with purple stained tie included. What an impression. As the rest of the MCC team filtered in news quickly spread that they’d had a late drop out and needed another player and with a quick reshuffle in the score box department, Charlie Turner would also be making his MCC debut with Rooty. Scenes. A quick inspection of the pitch and overhead conditions had 8 probationary members of the MCC cursing the tradition that the MCC were invited to bat first and with new ball pair Winder and Roche warming up, the scene was set for what was going to be a fantastic mornings session of cricket.
The next 30 overs of play resembled what can only be described as proper test match cricket, the MCC were reduced to 88-7 at Lunch (see S. Broad vs Australia 2015, link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HX9b-igX0c). Bowling marathon 13 over spells each, Winder and Roche delivered a masterclass in seam bowling, working their way through a strong MCC top order. At one point, skipper Goodyear had 4 slips and a gully who were all interested every ball as the pair beat the bat a ludicrous number of times. It was a true representation of double penetration (see “Double Stuffin’ This Fine MILF” on Pornhub, link: https://www.pornhub.com/view_video.php?viewkey=693358372). After the 5th wicket had been taken, the team huddle was more centred around Goodyear telling the team not to get carried away with sledging Rooty, and by team, he was only looking at a mischievous Bexson giggling away to himself. After the new ball pair had finished their spells, Randall took over the seamers duties, again beating the bat on plenty of occasions and getting his own reward by snicking off the MCC number 5 who had really dug in for 20 off 93 balls. In Rooty’s defence, he looked the most fluent batsman of the morning, batting positively and looking in good touch before the introduction of Mihir just before lunch saw the back of him for 22.
After a fantastic lunch, Turner strode out to the crease to meet a revamped UMWCC team hungry to polish off the innings. Randall and Mihir picked up another couple of wickets however this meant the start of the fully fledged members of the MCC who weren’t on probation and clearly knew how to apply themselves in tough conditions. The introduction of Probert was quickly rewarded as another batsman fell however the last pair hung around for a bit and with a pitch that was certainly now flattening out, the pair moved the score along to 150 before the reintroduction of Winder saw the innings draw to a close. Winder finishing with his second 4-for in two years against the MCC.
With about 90 mins until tea, the biggest match up of the day was still yet to take place. Somehow, Rooty had managed to convince the MCC that he was an opening bowler much to the enjoyment of the UWMCC lads. Bex and Mihir were sent out to get us through to tea and things were looking good after Bex whipped a Rooty short ball off his hip for 4. However, Rooty had the last laugh as Edward Scissorhands’ brother Henry Hardesthands then fell punching the ball to cover and UWMCC were 1 down. Ozanne and Mihir took the score to 30 before the former was trapped in front for 5. The next partnership was an important one as Piers and Mihir took the score to 75. Mihir was looking in great touch as he manoeuvred the field at will, picking gaps at ease while Piers took more of a stand and deliver approach. After a good tea, Piers was dismissed and captain Goodyear made his way to the middle, still with a bit of work to do. Mihir continued to be busy while Goodyear got settled before launching an onslaught on some questionable part time bowling. Goodyear finished on a classy 41* while Mihir, after bringing up his half century kicked on, slapping a returning Rooty to all parts on his way to a match winning 69*, a real crowd pleaser.
A fantastic win for the UWMCC boys as cheered on by Gemes and captain Bozza from the scorebox and a fourth win in a row against the MCC. Two great knocks from Gooders and Mihir but the highlight of the day was the fantastic morning session had by UWMCC and in particular Roachy and Kit. TFC’s for Hall and Money, cheers lads.