Mildenhall 1XI hosted Norwich at Wamil Way on Saturday in a very entertaining EAPL fixture. There was some added spice to this match following a difficult encounter earlier in the season. The home side batted first and a new opening combination was tried out. Experienced Pete Worthington was joined by even more experienced Andrew Squire. The veteran duo both reach double figures before Worthington (16) was the first victim of McCabe's. Squire lasted 38 balls for his 10, which included a 6. Squire was McCabe's second wicket. Matt Allen dropped a weighty anchor for Mildenhall. The young batting star batting for 142 balls and 154 minutes in his innings. It was Matt's role in a big partnership that would prove to be a pivitol part of the match. Ryan Clark the Mildenhall keeper-batsman made 11 off 32 balls before he was dismissed by...you guessed it McCabe. Tyron 'King' Koen came in at 5 and offered up some strong resistance for Mildenhall during his innings of 27 before he was dimisssed by O'Donnell. It is an unusal tactic to have your best batsman batting at 6 but the tactic is working for Mildenhall. Ben Shepperson is currently enjoying tremendous form with the bat and with the ladies (which is more important - I'll let you be the judge). The charming lothario once again showed all his class with the bat during his innings of 71 from only 69 balls. Ben hit three 4's and three 6's in an innings that gain Mildenhall some tremendous momentum. Matt Allen proved to be an excellent wing man for Shepperson before he was dismissed by O'Donnell. Tom Allen made a quick fire 15 before he was run out. Murtaza was unable to provide his normal late order resistance as he was dismissed for 5. It was left to a couple of other Allen's (Jon and Big Jim) to see out the rest of the Mildenhall innings. Mildenhall finished on 212 for 8 from their 64 overs. Sean McCable bowled 11 overs and took 5-29. O'Donnell bowled 17 overs and took 2-59.
Koen did some early damage with the ball for Mildenhall when he removed Sexton for 0. Tom Allen bowled Sheridan for 3. Aaaron Watson hung around for 80 balls for his 34 before he was dismissed by Koen. The introduction of the fidget spinner Murtuza (sorry that should read finger spinner) that put the game into the control of the Suffolk side. Murtzaza removed O'Donnell for 13 and Ash Watson for 30. Adam Taylor was removed early by his highness (King Koen) as was Mirner for 2. Murtza accounted for the wickets of McCabe (9) and Cudden (5). At this point Mildenhall looked to be heading for an easy win. However, a last wicket stand between Jason Blake (44 not out) and Dominic Mirner (26 not out) proved to be too big an barrier for Mildenhall to overcome. The away side finished on 176 for 9 from their 59 overs. King Koen took 4-44 from his 18 overs. Tom Allen took 1-16. In one of the most ironic scorecard inputs ever seen (I of all people, appreciating the irony) the Mildenhall EAPL bowling scorecard for the shows that James Taylor bowled 18 overs taking four wickets for 31 runs. I would like to state for the record I did not input those details onto the scorecard. Anyone who knows me would know I would add runs and never wickets!!!! Anyway, well bowled Murtaza who actually took 4-31 (I can understand why they would confuse the two of us...). This was another fine display from Mildenhall and from Shepperson, King Koen and Murtaza in particular. Congratulations to the Allen family for having a full set of siblings in an EAPL match. I doubt four brother have ever played in the same EAPL team together, I could of course check but frankly...I don't particular care that much. Please Mr. President could you rectify your bit of comedy on the scorecard as soon as possible, but thanks for thinking of me anyway.
Not such good news for the 2XI as they travelled to Ipswich and suffered a heavy defeat. Mildenhall batted first and lost Rich Thurston (9) and Andy Youngs (1) early in the innings. Skipper Steve Graham was again in excellent form. Steve hit 69 before he was dismissed. Steve just needs to go on and convert these 50's into 100's and the 2XI will be real contenders in this division. Taha Ahmed made 13 and Tom Heywood 34. New 2XI star youngster Gabe Jones made 22. Eddie Finnis contributed with 12 and that charming veteran Martin J. Taylor also made 12 before he was run out. Mildenhall eventually reached 202 for 9 off their 45 overs. For the home side D. Smith took 3-61 and De Cosimo took 4-47.
Ipswich chased the runs down with few scares. S. Hammond scored 64 before he was dismissed. M. Burch finished 75 not out and C. Norton 43 not out. Ipsich losing on 2 wickets during the chase. Ipswich reached their target in the 42nd over. There was a wicket each for opening bowlers Steve Graham and Martin Taylor. Dissapointing defeat but these things happen.
No side knows more about dissapointing defeats than Mark Thurston's 3XI side. Not much was expected as the bottom of the league side took on a tough assignment away at Kesgrave. Not much was exactly what the 3XI got. Mildenhall batted first and slumped to 95 all out. The 3XI only had 10 players. Steve Grinling was the top scorer with 30, Reuben Handy score 16. There were four 0's in the Mildenhall innings. B. Garnham took 8 for 26.
Kesgrave took only 14.2 overs to reach the target. I would tell you who got the runs for them but I'm getting depressed just reading the scorecard. Who cares who got the runs, really? Kesgrave chased down the total for the loss of just one wicket (Zajac the only wicket taker).There have been some really tough defeats this year for the 3XI and great credit once again to Mark Thurston for keeping his humour and sanity during this very tough season. I admire Mark for the way he has kept smiling despite everything. A home match next week and a chance to pick up some points. Keep going Skip we are all right behind you (probably having got out before you).
Back to some good news. Mildenhall 4XI won a tight home match against Halstead 3XI. Mildenhall batted first and posted 152 for 9 from their 45 overs. Lou top scored with 26 not out. 'Pistol' Paul Thurston got 23. There were also contributions from Parker (16) and Chipchase (20). Special mention to Hurricane Harry Butcher, the cricketing/darts hybrid scored a sensation 1 not out (I told you I would give him a mention Mrs. Butcher). For Halstead there was a sensational bowling performance from R. Harris who bowled 15 overs and took 7-21.
Despite conttibutions from Simon Rippingdale (56), Mills (24) and Totham (35) Halstead were unable to reach their target. Halstead finished on 147 for 7 off their 45 overs. For Mildenhall Chipchase bowled well early on taking 2-35 but it was everyone's favourite Sparky Kiefer 'Bravehearted and man of mighty bicep' Renouf who produced the man of the match display for Mildenhall. Kiefer bowled 12 overs and took 5-25. A close and great win for the 4XI and a fine way to end this weeks match reports...
Actually I think I'll just report some other quick news. I went to Audley End on Saturday. First things first 'value' for money is not a major consideration at the English Hertigage site. I thought the entrance fee was steep if not extremely verticle. To be fair we had managed to acquire some heritage membership cards, but nonetheless!!! However my real issue with the day is as follows. We entered the coffee shop where some young hipster served us. Now this young man was a handsome devil, slim, good looking with a glint in his eye. He had long dark hair and was clearly a hit with his fellow workers. Now young man you may be good looking and you may have long lucious hair but that does not give you the right or the need to touch your lovely hair 12 times before you hand me over my delicious fruity scone!!!!!!!!!!! As handsome and successful as that young man will be in his life he will never and I mean EVER pass his food hygiene level 1 certificate. All the cash and looks in the world cannot bring you much needed food certfication. Learn young man, learn!!!!! And one last point, it is jam AND cream you young Don Juan and not jam OR cream. Do I sound bitter or a smidge jell?
As in victory
JT