The MCC ventured to Beirut (Hasenbergl) for the fifth league game of the 2012 season. Morning rain meant a late start and a reduced (30 over) game. POCC won the toss, batted, and got off to a flyer, being 48/1 off 5 overs. The wicket was a direct hit run out from Clare at mid-on. Ferguson once again bowled well. His 6 overs in the middle going for only 12 runs. Everyone else went for at least 6 an over. Bryan’s only blemish was taking a wicket off a no-ball. Clare took a couple of wickets and Rabbani one, but otherwise it was one-way traffic. POCC finished on 208/6, with the final wicket a pointless run-out off the last ball by Dennis behind the stumps.

The MCC innings well and truly got this year’s duck race underway – with five noughts in the book. Is this an MCC record Des? Manny played a lone hand at one end, being last man out – caught on the fence for 46. Weston and Brunskill were the only others to make double figures. The rain came too late to save the MCC.

Veser 46, Caught
Wright 0, Caught, 2 overs, 0 mdns, 19 runs, 0 wkts
Weston 14, Caught, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 24 runs, 0 wkts
Algar 5, Caught
Ferguson 1, Run Out, 6 overs, 0 mdns, 12 runs, 1 wkt, 2 catches
Clare 0, Caught, 6 overs, 0 mdns, 41 runs, 2 wkts,
Rabbani 0, Caught, 6 overs, 0 mdns, 38 runs, 1 wkt
Brunskill 11, Run Out
van Giezen 0, Caught
Gill 0, Bowled, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 41 runs, 0 wkts
Blades 2*, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 29 runs, 0 wkts

MCC 102/10 off 21.4 overs lost to POCC 208/6 off 30 overs by 106 runs

MCC MOM – Ferguson. Veser honourable mention.