Heaven had been open for most of the week blessing us with its contents and drizzle was still in the air as the Mighty Gibbon arrived at Jesus College sports ground for the season opener. Division One it may be, but some things never change; Satty was 45 mins late. The covers remained in place till 2pm and then with some brightening in the sky returning, Skipper Leonard tossed successfully and inserted Oxenford. Despite a sodden outfield play commenced at 2.15 for a reduced 35 over match.
Nothing of great excitement in the opening salvos with Kyle and Mitchell keeping it reasonable but no real penetration and Oxenford steadily accumulated to 49 off 12. Skipper made the double change bringing on Abbott and Knotty to see if some skiddy darts might alter things. (50p Shippo: Misrepresentation.) After a few sighters, both found decent line and length with Jayson bringing a mistimed pull from opener Dean which was gleefully clutched at midwicket by Knott. The first Division 1 wicket for MGCC. Followed 3 overs later when the perfect straight ball took top of Off and Abbott had his brace.
76 for 2 off 19 – pretty even. Then the arrival of Oxenford’s Pamu. The pinch hitter came off and with some fine timing and strength found the boundary regularly off all that bowled to him. True, he could have found a fielder with a few mistimed efforts that just dropped short, or just flew over a fielder (50p Shippo: Drop.) but fair play he was aggressive and it worked. Vadivale and Chambers picked up a wicket each in the last 4 overs and did an important job of only conceding 21 off the last 24 balls to keep Oxenford at 184-4 off their 35.
The fishes and loaves were divided (frugally) at tea and dry socks borrowed (50p Shippo: Inadequate sock wear) before Vice Leonard and Vadivale took guard. Oxenford, who still have the 2nd Best Left Arm Over in the OCA with Hirtenstein bowled tightly and the boys took 7 overs to get into double figures. Joey started to come to terms with the reliable wicket and a pudding wet outfield and put the hammer down, including a saintly 6 flicked a long way over backward square leg. Unfortunately Sat was all of a tangle and unable to breakout, or even get out!
Overs 14 and 15 swung the pendulum to Oxenford as Joe got a leggy LBW (41), followed immediately to the pavilion by Satty (5) and Shippo (50p : Duck). 50 for 3 off 16, leaving 134 required off 19 overs – more than a run a ball.
Despite Skipper and Knotty being new to the crease they immediately took to the task and kept up with the rate with a 17 run plundering over from Skipper suggesting this game was still in the balance. Thus his demise an over later was pivotal. Knott was joined at the Alter by The Abbott and Marsh prayers went with them. It seemed as though Jesus was siding with the home team for a period as he inflicted a drought (of runs) on the Gibbon batters. With 10 overs remaining 84 runs were still required. A waterlogged outfield and soft ball meant poor value from good shots. Clearly time to go aerial!
Jayson and his disciple Gus swung hard and scampered back and forth trying to keep up with the rate. Sadly, it was slipping and despite 3 lusty sixes from Abbott the light was fading on victory and in the sky. Knotty was bowled for a reputable 36 and Chambers quickly followed seeking a miracle 2nd run. Debutant Herriott, (Prodigal son welcomed back from the wilderness) wasted nothing and kept turning the strike to Jayson, who sought Divine Intervention from above – well he kept prodding the heavens with the ball at least. An Abbott 17 run last over with another heaving 6 and couple of fours could have won many games but on this occasion Marsh were still 11 runs from the Promised Land.
Five points and most importantly, a game under our belts when most teams could only grumble cricketless. Some real positives in attitude and fighting never say die spirit. Two good performances form Oxenford’s Pamu and Hirtenstein matched by MGCC’s Abbott, Leonard and Knott.
Skipper baptised Abbott with the match ball for his inaugural wickets in Division One and an unbeaten 51 off 42 balls.
If this performance at Jesus College is testament to what’s to come then we can look forward to many a ‘Holy Watering’ of a Saturday evening!
May you go in peace.
Prophet Kyle.