Micklehurst (a)

The 2XI arrived for their first local derby of the weekend full of determination to get their season up and running after the disappointing opening day defeat by Middleton. The weather was set fair and our skipper won the toss and seized the initiative – we’ll have a bat!

A much need stable start followed, Holt (S) and Dickson chalking up their first 50 opening stand of the season. The score was in the 70s when the latter was first out, lbw to a full toss for 43. Holt Jr continued smoothly, though some momentum was lost as wickets fell at the other end. Yifter’s arrival at the crease brought us back on track, and soon the first 6 of the game was launched over long-off. Ben was just reaching full flow when another lbw decision ended the fun, he left chuntering.

A comedy run out between the two firebrands Pemberton (G) and McGrath followed, McGrath submitting both the first Temper Tantrum and Bat Chuck of the Season entries in following moments. “Pro” Holt passed his 50 and subsequently smote two maximums before falling for 66, caught mistiming an attempt for his 3rd. Scampered runs, fall of wickets, a beautiful square drive from Pemberton (Z) all followed before the best No.11 in world cricket, Holt (N) strolled to the crease and saw us to a respectable 167-9. Less than we could have got, but hopefully enough.

A blistering opening spell from Messrs McGrath and Tunnicliffe ensured it most certainly was. The returning McGrath brought extra zip and control in a superb display of bowling, MCC players managing to hit only 4 of his first 24 balls as he beat the edge again and again. Once his bowling was done, 5-19 had pretty much secured the game. Take a bow son.

Yifter ended with 2-21, including an excellent caught and bowled, and the opening pair’s combined figures showed how they had hunted together. Pemberton Snr then suffocated MCC with his fizzing off-breaks, young Nathan Gallagher bowled a couple of nice overs, Zak P a silky smooth 4 and Sam H took the last wicket to finish things off.

A good win and we were off and running – mission accomplished. Well played lads! We celebrated cheerfully in MCC’s most welcoming Clubhouse.

Daily Lesson: Telegraph poles come in light, medium and heavy options and should be placed 1.8m into the ground (McGrath passing on his wisdom to young Gallagher)