Munich CC’s first tour to the UK since 2003 kicked off with an attractive fixture against the Old Blues (Cricket Club for former pupils of Christ’s Hospital School) in the riot-free zone of the Teddington suburbs in Bushy Park.

The Old Blues were keen to extract revenge after slumping to a heavy defeat on the Flicx in May 2010. http://www.munichcricket.net/season-archives/friendlies-2010/

The Old Blues skipper Mr Edward Dean, himself a former MCC stalwart, obviously still possessed heavy scarring from that monumental defeat. With the sight of a strong MCC side greeting him at the gates Dean hinted it might be a good idea for the tourists to take first dig and avoid all formalities of the toss. Captain Clare was only too happy to take him up on his courageous offer.

VD fell early to a fine snaffle from iron gloves Dean before MOM and Lovell (christened Dravid by the polite opposition) regrouped against the left-arm opening duo progressing with some scrapes to 40-1. MOM then fell to a catch at point with Lovell following to a regulation caught behind to one that nipped back. With the opening bowlers having ripped out the top order the Old Blues turned to spin.

Fergie gracefully hit his first ball for four but was stumped after waltzing down the wicket to one that turned. The Kashmir Kobra ballooned one up, Clare top scored with 33 before skying one against the spin. Scott dollied one up and MCC were 8 down for 90 and suffering from grass lag.

Fudge survived two scares but plundered 23 including a massive six over the score box. Harry nudged and nurdled a useful 13, Turner was last man out skying a lolly drop with Gilo the not out batsman as MCC succumbed for 129 in just 30 overs.

I suppose a readymade excuse for most could be a first grass match for over 8 years but to be honest there was some pretty ordinary dolly lolly catches hit up.

That said a bloody excellent tea in the Teddington NPL club ensued as MCC tried to raise themselves for knocking the old Blues over.

As it turned out MCC were about 40 runs short as despite some good bowling the Old Blues always looked comfortable on the chase. Scott and Fergie opened with fire with the Aussie picking up an LBW to a fast full straight yorker.  But the sweet sound of the tumbling of early wickets failed to materialise.

MOM, VD, Maj and the Fudge all ran in with purpose and MCC got the Blues five down including two sharp catches from Captain Clare in the slip cordon. But despite being halfway there the MCC were living on a prayer. Some composed batting by Owens and Green saw the Old Blues home. Clare was awarded a bottle of plonk for top scoring and his two fine catches.

The jugs started to flow at the ground and the banter increased. Dean’s apologetic mumblings about the vagaries of the toss started to fall on deaf ears. Stories of past and present cock stoppers were numerous. The party then retired to the Bloated Mallard pub near the station to be joined by the umpires and scorers who themselves had enjoyed a fine Friday’s cricket.

Thanks to all at the Old Blues for their hospitality. Let’s do this again, preferably not in another eight years time.

van Dalsum 2, caught, 1.5 overs, 0 mdns, 5 runs, 1 wkt

o’Meager 16, caught, 5 overs, 0 mdns, 17 runs, 0 wkts

Lovell 16, caught,

Ferguson  6, stumped, 5 overs, 1 mdn, 15 runs, 1 wkt

Clare 33, caught, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 20 runs, 0 wkts, 2 catches

Rabbani 3, caught, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 19 runs, 1 wkt

Khanna 13, caught, 1 over, 0 mdns, 9 runs, 0 wkts

Scott 0, caught, 5 overs, 2 mdns, 15 runs, 0 wkts

Fudge 23, LBW, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 29 runs, 1 wkt

Turner 7, caught, 1 catch

Giles 0*,