2009 News - Page 1
Terry Newcombe Final- 29th July 2009 Marchmont C.C. v Musselburgh C.C.
After a fortnight of unpleasant weather, wet wickets and drinking, it was a pleasant
surprise to arrive at the delightful ground at Newfield last Wednesday with the sun in
the sky, covers on the wicket and even some retro style changing facilities for the
Terry Newcombe Trophy Final.
Granger had picked arguably his strongest XI from previous midweek performances
to play in what was Marchmont’s first major cup final for many years, with the belief
that following 2 dramatic last-ball victories in previous rounds, the club’s name was
practically etched into the trophy already.
However any hint of arrogance was firmly wiped within the first half hour, as firstly
Granger lost the toss and then the Marchmont’s top order, so often compared to
Arsenal’s back four of the early 90’s (Experienced and Solid), completely
capitulated. Macgregor and Loeffen opened the batting; but Loeffen, whose previous
episodes with the bat gave Marchmont much hope, was back in the hutch fairly
sharpish after pulling ‘the Musselers’ opening bowler straight into the hands of mid on.
The Winning Team
The Winning TeamSam Peachey joined the middle and despite caressing a couple of delightful shots of the impressive Musselburgh openers, had his off stick uprooted by a quicker ball from Rene ‘Pedro’ Collins. Meanwhile Macgregor hung about a while, thumped a few hits and then was also dismissed leaving the scorecard looking a rather unhealthy 14-3. Worse was to follow as another 2 dropped in quick succession; Aaron Sardesai, ‘the central belts answer to David Lamb’ was triggered and following this Will(is) Collier was castled by a superb yorker and let’s not beat about the bush here - neither really added value to the score which now read 27-5 after 7 overs.
However staring in the face of adversity stood two experienced figures. Navin Chetty (who could already list an achievement for turning up on time for the game) and Steve Mathers. These two would go on to put together the batting partnership of the match. Mathers signalled his intent from ball one; clubbing the impressive Collins to the point boundary, whilst Chetty swung with gay abandonment, connecting with at least half to keep the scoreboard ticking. Whilst not blasting the ball to all parts, what was crucial about this spell of the game was the continual steady flow of runs coupled with the loss of no wickets - it steadied the Marchmont ship, and provided a platform for a final few overs blast.
Mathers eventually went for a valuable 20 in the 15th over; the total was closing in on 80 with a 3 figure total now looking a strong possibility. Maksimczyk came to the crease next but swiftly departed after being called through for a run by Chetty that a greyhound on speed would not have made. However it was critical that Navin was there until the close of the innings and he did just this, rotating the strike sensibly with both Steve Clayton and John MacConnachie. In the penultimate over Chetty lofted a trademark cover drive for a one bounce four, arguably the shot of the match and keeping his cool he finished on a composed 43*, leaving Marchmont with a competitive 112-8 form 20 overs.
With the recovery Marchmont had made, questions could have been raised over Musselburgh tactics in bowling out their openers at the top of the innings, making it easier to score later on. Either way, it was imperative that in order to claw back the domination they had earlier on the game, their opening batsmen would have to start impressively. They didn’t.
Maksimczyk and Clayton opening the bowling and were at their miserly best. Only 14 runs was scored in the first 6 overs, and this included the loss of the 2 opening batsmen, the first trapped lbw, the second caught well by skipper Granger, both from the bowling of Maksimczyk. Unlike in the Marchmont innings there was no respite after the opening spell, as change bowlers Mathers and Collier continued to make the Musselburgh batsmen toil. The fielding was both intense and sharp, led by Stuart ‘Graham Manou’ MacGregor behind the stumps. Both change bowlers obtained some prodigious swing in favourable conditions and it was Collier who was justifiably rewarded picking up two wickets, leaving the ‘burgh’ on the rack at 28-4 after 10 overs.
There was a whimper of a response from the middle order in the second half of the innings, as both Clayton and Mathers returned for there final overs to be dealt some lusty blows over their heads. However the pressure in the field continued to build. Granger the skipper brought himself on for the crucial closing few overs and despite bowling the odd mystery ball, was consistent enough in getting the ball right up to the batsmen and he was duly rewarded with two wickets, including that of Collins who had been the scourge of Marchmont’s top order and was threatening to do the same with the bat.
By over 15 the run rate was up to 11 an over; even the hospital seemed to know that Musselburgh were in trouble as an ambulance trundled across the outfield. Whilst this was attending to an injured footballer on the adjacent pitch, just 5 minutes later they might as well of made room for the Musselburgh team as Granger concluded the final over and Marchmont completed a comfortable 12 run victory.
It was a fantastic turnaround by Marchmont, orchestrated by Chetty and Mathers with the bat and concluded with an outstanding bowling and fielding effort. Navin Chetty was a deserved man of the match for a game turning innings and festivities ran long into the night, as the Marchmont youth policy (Loeffen, 26 and Maksimczyk, 24) partied with the adoring supporters in Opal Lounge into the early hours. It was just a shame about work the next day...
PM
27th July '09 - A Bit of a Catch Up - 1 final and 2 semis
It's been a little bit of time since an update on this page, though the Facebook and forums page have been busy!
Let's start with tonight's Cow Corner quarter final...Marchmont picked up a return visit to the Myreside finals day less than 4 months after the 2008 outing. After restricting Leith FAB (in about the 100th game against them this season!) to just 89 for 9, Marchmont cantered to 10 wicket victory. Wickets for Steve Mathers (3-13), Peaches Maksimczyk (2-15), Laurie Lee (2-15) and Neil Granger (1-20) as well as a run out for the latter and a sold batting performance from Sam Peachey (58*) and Alan Renwick (31*).
This also secures the entry to the 2010 Masterton too...
On to Terry Newcombe...Marchmont secured a place in the final against the winner of Musselburgh or Scottish Widows at Newfield on 29th July with a solid win over Scottish & Newcastle at a wet Roseburn. Good batting from Matt Loeffen and Sam Peachey helped bring home a target of just under the ton. The final team will be announced shortly, but can anyone not playing please come along to support.
So one final and a semi to go...unfortunately the Parks was not such a good story. In the semi vs Murrayfield, the rain played havoc with the Marchmont chances. After Murrayfield reached a solid total of 134, the Marchmont run chase fell short by 22 runs as the torrential rain took it's toll on a slow pitch, making it even slower! Next year!
So it looks as if we are turning into a bit of a cup team...though a comment on the leagues. The 1st XI sit 7th in Div 2, 0.5% behind 5th and relatively comfortable ahead of the relegation places. The 2nd XI sit in 7th also and a win at the weekend against Fauldhouse will have helped too.
Performances to note (Tons and Five fors mostly) - The latest one is Alan Renwick's 104* on 25th July vs Fauldhouse...more spectacular since not one other batsman got over 9! This did also include a club record for the 9th wicket between Alan Renwick and Alan Farnworth.
Earlier in the season, Stuart Macgregor (110) and Aaron Sardesai (111*) vs Leith and Penicuik respectively and Neil Granger's 5-32 vs Livingston are all worth mentions. There have also been a couple of 4 fors (Simon Marr and Chris Durling) and a couple of other high scores for Alan Renwick (80 and 83).
26th July '09 - President's XI
The annual President's XI vs Captain's XI game will take place this coming Sunday (2nd August), 1pm start at Cavalry Park.
For those of you who have not played in the game before, it is generally a 40 over a side game, with copius amounts of fantastic homemade curry (Dahl and Biriani) and trimmings, puddings and the odd beer at tea.
As always, all players are welcome and will take part in some way or form. Again, as always, this is a family event and all partners, families, etc are encouraged to come along too.
If you want to play, please let Aaron or Bashir or me know if you are available. Current availability is on the forums: HERE
If you are going to come along, please bring some pudding or refreshments, or both!
26th April '09 - MCC Put Out The Favourites, but Lose in the Final
MCC were narrow runners up in the first Cow Corner 20|20 Trophy 2008. At the third
time of asking and in a different year, the semi final got underway against pre-day
favourites, Edinburgh Accies, at Myreside.
On a good pitch, MCC batted first and largely thanks to Sam (51) and Gav (22*), a
decent total of 130 for 8 was posted. Accies reply faltered slightly with Steve C striking
early. Despite a solid spell from CJ, the Accies middle order were beginning to cement
themselves into the game and at 74 for 2, with a generous helping of overs remaining,
They looked on top. However the old addage of "catches win matches" could not be
any truer, as 2 pieces of brilliance in the field from Jay Paul and one from Farhan turned
the game MCCs way. Aaron (3-20) duly obliged in tidying the lower order up and Accies
succumbed for just 108.
The Final TeamIt was no more than MCC deserved for tenacious fielding and bowling.
To the final against Murrayfield DAFS, who themselves had issues against Drummond Trinity in their corresponding semi. This time MCC took to the field with hopes high. CJ (2-22) again partnered Steve C and it was the former who was proving difficult to keep out the action. A phenomenal piece of glovework from Gav removed Asif for just 1 and another quick wicket again for CJ (this time assisted by John Mac) meant DAFS were beginning to be concerned. However, the fielding that had been so sharp a few hours earlier, diminished and with errors creeping in DAFS were able to steady themselves again. A solid and at times brutal innings from Akerker (66*) held their innings together, was abley supported by cameos throughout the team, despite Neil's (2-21) and Steve M's best efforts (Steve and Gav's combined run out was certainly worthy of a Champagne moment).
After their 20, DAFS found themselves in a similar position to how MCC had found themselves in the semi - protecting 127. From an MCC point of view, this was probably 10 to 20 runs more than had been hoped or envisiaged in the early stages of the innings. That said, MCC knew that it was achievable on the wearing pitch.
Sam and Aaron could only be described as "cruising" at 52-0, until the pivotal point in the innings. An attempt at a second run, which at the time looked a reasonable call, ended in Sam's dearture with a lightning throw right over the stumps, from a long way out. MCC never really recovered from that and as they fell further behind the run rate, further risk had to be taken. Once Aaron and the two Steves were dismissed, the middle order could not fnd the fences with regularity and when Gav tried, DAFS skipper Wheeler showed the appropriate acrobatic tricks to take a good catch (not as good as JP's though!!). Mike perished run out for 0, again through some sharp fielding, leaving lower order with too much to do, particularly when time in the middle has been a premium for most. The MCC innings petered out for 109-8, 18 runs shy of the target, leaving Wheeler to lift the silverware and MCC rueing what could have been. Well done to DAFS, who played well in the final, particularly in the field.
But enough back slapping them - all those who were involved on the day for MCC should be immensely pleased with what we achieved too. To knock out a Championship candidate from Div 1 in the manner we did was fantastic. All aspects of that game were solid and in some cases, exceptional. Even in the final there were a lot of positives that could be taken, not least the majority of the bowling. Well done guys and let's use this to go one step further this year...
NJG
