Once again another comprehensive win for the OMs but it was far tougher than the final scores might indicate. Because of holidays and other cricket commitments we were six players missing from the previous round and all were key players in our regular team for this season. This required us to bring in some players with little Cricketer Cup experience and/or playing only occasional cricket this year.
Josh Haynes (5.12-17) won the toss and elected to bat on a hard, greenish wicket and he and Freddie Wynn (7.10-15) set off at a good rate before Freddie was out for 20. Alex Milton (5.10-14), our leading batsman, joined Haynes who continued to attack the bowling but with his score on 37 drove a ball straight to mid-off at 65 for 2. Ben Tegg (5.10-15) then joined Alex who was 8 not out. Another wicket fell when Milton was given out LBW to a dubious decision for 13. Our three prime batters were gone, and we were into the players brought in at short notice, but Ben Tegg was playing well but two more wickets fell and we looked in serious trouble at 90 for 5.
In came Joel Cox (5.18-23), the younger brother of Olly Cox (5.17-22), and a recent College leaver. These two then knuckled down and their partnership of 95 saved the day for the OMs taking the score to 190 before Ben was out for 51 but Joel still in and as throughout his innings playing superbly, playing fine shots all around the wicket. He was finally out for 63 – caught at long off with tail enders all that was left. We eventually got to 227 all out which at the time seemed to be 25 below par but however confidence was high in our team that it was enough.
Liam Smith (5.10-15) and Angus Catto (5.17-22) opened the bowling, but the Clifton openers set off attacking the bowling with Meadows their best player in good form. Angus Catto got our first wicket bowling Meadows partner with a great ball at 40 but Meadows still there and looking very dangerous when Liam Smith got him to get a thick edge and he was brilliantly caught in the gully by Mahaz Ahmed (2.13-18). 70-2 after only 10 overs. Malvern’s tails were up, the spinners were on and the 4’s dried up. Josh Haynes got a wicket followed by a wicket for Dan Holland who was bowling his off spinners on a very tight line and length. Freddie Wynn our third seamer had kept one end quiet. Haynes and Mahaaz kept the pressure on with a wicket for Mahaaz and two more for Captain Haynes. At one stage with 6 wickets down all 6 bowlers had taken a wicket leaving Clifton 8 down for 166 and 9 overs left.
At this point the heavens opened, and we had a thunderstorm that finished any chances of further play. I must say I was immensely proud of the team and in particular of Ben Tegg and Joel Cox who came into the team late but also the whole team for their bowling and fielding and spirit in the camp. Well done EVERYONE. I’d also like to say a big thank you to our many supporters particularly Richard Lichten (4.68-72) who drove 180 miles each way and Andy Gifford (8.66-70) from Bedfordshire to watch and support the OMs. Great effort.
We are now in the Semi-final which will be on 23rd July v Oundle on The Senior and the Final is on 13th August at Arundel. Do please do your best to come and support us on 23rd July – if we win it will be our 17th Final.
By Bryan Richardson (3.57-62)
President OMCC