Category: 2017

MCC Gold 243-7 (35.0 overs) (J. Altmann 2-fa, P. Bowes 2-fa) defeated MCC Black 164-7 (26ish overs) (N. Konchada 2-fa, K. Mahmoud 2-fa)

Man of the match: Dave Carr for making a delicious 20 pesto, olive oil, fresh basil and tomato-topped delicacies – in addition to a swashbuckling 20* runs carved all around the wagon-wheel.

With an initial verbal confirmation on Monday, Desmond ‘Tromboner’ Bradley was triumphant; the Munich Cricket Club, recently railroaded by a Hirsch-destroying Food Truck festival, were finally granted permission to return and play cricket on their hallowed, now-repaired-after-30,000€-and-three-months turf.

But make no mistake – this wasn’t the canny old Chairman’s first rodeo. As we have all learned all-too-well, verbal confirmation means sweet-FA in Germany, so the foresight to request written confirmation of said permission wasn’t such a bad idea at all. In fact, it really came in handy when a slightly soused Helmut rolled out to the middle as we were rolling out the pitch to tell us all to piss off back home. (Incidentally, the pitch was rolled out west of the track due to damage on the regular side.)

Anyway, MCC Black Captain-of-the-day Philip ‘Phil’ Bowes managed to avert a hostage situation, proudly presenting the short email on his handy to the thirsty Hausmeister who grumbled off back to his farm, thus avoiding being bound and gagged for the duration of our match.

Jonathan ‘JD’ Deverill, having misplaced his coloured MCC top several months earlier, read the awkward situation like a Chinese newspaper and thought he’d try his luck asking the steaming caretaker for his shirt back. Helmut softened somewhat and surprisingly obliged, throwing in a free pair of Pak Orient trousers presumably as a gesture of goodwill given his error.

As with every game without our Chairman present, all things administrative went to shit as we were lacking any form of scorebook or writing device. James ‘Jabez’ Kantor saved the day with a quick trip down to German Cricket TV headquarters, indulging in that well-known pastime of pinching office supplies from work. If only he’d remembered to grab a pen too.

Starting at 12:43, MCC Black hit the field with a whack, similar to that made by the knife-wielding maniac lurking around Rosenheimer Platz, but much more like the one from 2017’s top run scorer Mahmoud ‘Macca’ Khan, who belted one straight back to Jonty ‘Jont’ Altmann for an excellent c&b in the third over.

Some very tight bowling continued with maiden overs from Altmann, ’Disco’ Dave Carr and Deverill hindering the run rate. This was however at time to time threatened by the odd loose ball in addition to an hilarious 4 overthrows gifted by the white-haired warrior. Sixty-three years young and still bounding about like a teenager, the MCC look forward to welcoming him into the 2⁶ club very shortly, joining the likes of wrestler Hulk Hogan, former cricketer Imran Khan and Tim Allen of Home Improvement, er, ‘fame’.

An initial wild over from ‘Akka’ Akmal transitioned into a quite a tight display but he was unfortunately unable to snag a wicket. Overs passed, with the crispest bat-stroke being played directly into one batsman’s ankle, where a pornographic soundtrack of painful screams ensued.

Obayed ‘Mushy’ Mushtaq made it to the crease, with his measured and elegant strokeplay pleasing all spectators, almost as deeply as the chicken curry he brought for the tea break back in summer. Eventually, Queenslander and new father Ben ‘Ben’ James managed to dazzle the Masterchef with his lofty spinners, bowling him for 12.

Nirmal ‘Nermal’ Konchada also delighted onlookers with at least one sizable six, before being trapped in front by Bowes, proving yet again that you don’t have to bowl fast to get wickets. Doubling-down, he bowled talented hitter Sami ‘Sammi’ Jamula the very next ball to emphasise that very point; sadly the hat-trick delivery to ring-in Harmand was uneventful. (Usman ‘Chicken Man’ Sandhu’s interpretation of Bowes’ theory was unsuccessful on this particular day, despite a tight first over.)

With Jabez holding up one end nicely, Harmand hit a few quick-fire fours before allowing Jonty the opportunity to rearrange the structural integrity of his woodwork. Imtiaz ‘Imti’ Ahmed also made it to the boundary on more than one occasion, with he and the cuddly Kiwi closing out the innings to begin a well-anticipated tea break.

Once again deliciousness triumphed, with players spoilt for choice. Whether an entire vat of Haribo gummies, more leftover KFC original recipe pieces or mouth-watering home-made sausage rolls from top-tier WAG Sylvia, it is safe to say that no-one went hungry. And just when the ice cold beer was beginning to wash the last crumbs down our dry throats, Disco Dave provided the ultimate encore, freshly preparing his bruschetta with the delicacy of a surgeon to the gastronomical standards of a smiling south Calabrian Nonna.

Full of food and fire, Khan ‘Al’ Ali and Ruhel ‘Smiley’ Ahmed opened the batting, the latter departing for just two in the fourth over, caught off the bowling of borrowed MLCCer ‘Butterfingers’ Avi, who assured us he had been learning how to catch hard cricket balls over the week. As Desmond was again taking a well-earned rest from scoring duties, it is impossible to quantify the partnerships in terms of, well, runs, due to a lack of entries in the ‘Fall of Wickets’ row. C’est la vie.

Anyway, national superstar Dennis ‘The Menace’ Ritigahapola was bowled for a mere single from the bowling of Sami, while Ali was amusingly caught after swatting away a rank full toss from Avi in his third over, though square-leg umpire Altmann resoundingly declared it a no-ball. Deverill and his bespectacled buddy confidently prodded around Imtiaz’ quick bowling before one of the fizzing slowies from Konchada bowled the venerable team elder.

Usman came and went relatively quickly, despite ‘surviving’ a dangerously close LBW decision by national umpire Ritigahapola, (later deemed to have had the finest of edges.) He was shortly thereafter bowled for a finger-lickin’ good KFC duck, bringing Bowes to the centre.

A colourful partnership of (*unknown) runs continued with a good handful of sixes peppering the fresh grass before a mix-up left both Phil and Ali at the striker’s end. With mild confusion as to who was actually dismissed, the captain, with utmost nobility, relieved his partner of any further stress or responsibility in the match – heartiest congratulations to Ali and his 43 well-earned runs, bouncing back very well from his unfortunate duck in 2016 playing for MCC Black.

A little slow to get off the mark, Carr accompanied the dangerous Bowes before the captain was bowled by Nirmal for ten. Akmal didn’t last long, being bowled for a duck off the crafty part-time slow bowling of the curry King Mushtaq who unfortunately, according to the scorecard, bowled just the one over despite having plenty more left in the tank.

Altmann added some spice to the mix during his brief tenure, fours and sixes comprising the majority of his 21, while his GCTV colleague took a few overs to loosen the stiffness in his arm, bowling an impressive 5 or 6 wides. All the while, Carr continued on his merry way driving, cutting and carving before his fellow countryman was bowled by Macca.

Two balls later, yet another of his countrymen was bowled by the same gentleman and it was time to pull up the stumps for 2017; the heavens in concurrence as the last tones of daylight bid us adieu.

Wendi-Meg Breward

 

No report was submitted for this riveting friendly against the Munich Lions.

(We think we may have won?)

Goldener Oktober, memories of multi-hued leaves on the Autumnal trees, a table wine and MCC with its own version of this famous phrase. Some would say it was the arrival of Lord Wembo of Pretoria with Lady Wembridge as colourful as the autumn leaves but in reality it was an innings featuring four ducks, three of them golden, the final one much to the mirth of the spectators.

The match against the Breakaways, one week after the scheduled last match of the season, was arranged at short notice as witnessed by the hilarious team selection with more comings and goings than you would see on a busy day at the Hauptbahnhof. When Cassandra Craig turned up after working on a Sunday morning we were finally represented by a full team. Captain Ayub lost the toss and MCC were asked to field choosing youngster Samiulla Tanka as keeper after his sterling performance in the six-a-side last week. Brooks and Deverill opened the bowling, Deverill getting the first wicket on the final ball of his first over and the Lions on 16 total. On the second ball of his second over he got another, well caught behind and the score on 22. After nine overs, Ayub replaced Deverill and after 13 overs, Brooks was rested. He was replaced by Sandhu, fresh from his exploits against Serendib, who bowled very well and got a wicket in his third over, caught by Craig (taking him to the top of the catching table) and the Lions were now 94 for four down, their third wicket having fallen to Toke, the partnership breaker extraordinary. Ayub got the next wicket with the score on 119 but a 70 run partnership was only broken when Toke was brought on for one more over and got a hilarious hit-wicket to his name. The seventh wicket fell on 195, an LBW for Ayub and the eighth on 202, the first of two run-outs. Ayub also got the ninth on 223 and the tenth was another run-out on the last possible ball of the innings, the score being 283.

After teas, biscuits and cinnamon cakes bakes by Crystal Craig – long may she support us – and some pizza, MCC opened their innings with Khan Mahmud and Wembridge. Mahmud survived a wide successfully then became the first to add gold to the Munich skies. He was replaced by Tanka who brought as many lives as a black cat with him but batted splendidly before falling for 37 in the 12th over with the score on 61. Captain Ayub came in and showed his intentions by hitting a cracking four but that was all he hit, the next ball he missed completely and was bowled leaving us on 65 for three down. Wembridge at this stage was still plodding along, having slowly crept through the entrance door of the 500 club and was on 17 when the captain departed. A 52 run partnership between Deverill and Wembridge ended when Deverill was bowled for an uncomfortable 11 off 38 balls faced. MCC were now well behind the required run rate and needed a big hitter so Craig came to the wicket and was part of a 57 run partnership (of which he scored seven), broken when Wembridge went for 85 from 97 balls in the 33^rd over and the score now 174. Imtiaz hit a quick-fire 11 but left with the score on 200 for 6 in the 36^th over. Michahelles replaced him and saw Craig become very aggressive hitting three boundary fours before George left for a duck with the score on 213. Five runs later Craig was caught in the deep going big again and MCC were now 218 for eight down after 38.1 overs. Usman Sandhu was next to bat and next to add to the Goldener Oktober, falling after 38.3 overs. Brooks replaced him with clear instructions to make them bowl their forty overs at the very least. After 34.4 the golden skies reverberated once again to the sound of the stumps crashing accompanied by hilarious laughter and MCC were all out for 220.

There were a couple of noteworthy incidents during the MCC innings, the first when five penalty runs were awarded after a ball thrown in by a fielder hit a jumper left lying near the wicket. This is only the second time I have seen this, the first being in Zuoz where a rather stroppy opposition keeper caused five penalty runs to win us the game by not preventing the ball from hitting a helmet placed behind him. The other incident was a certain run out of an MCC batsman but the wicket was already broken and the fielder held the ball in one hand and lifted the stumps with the other while the batsman scrambled home. Congratulations to Captain/Umpire Ayub for knowing the laws.

Khan Mahmud, 0, bowled, 2 overs, 0 mdns, 17 runs, 0 wkts

Wembridge, 85, caught, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 22 runs 0 wkts

Tanka, 37, caught, 1 catch

Ayub, 4, bowled, 6 overs, 0 mdns, 52 runs, 2 wkts

Deverill, 11, bowled, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 37 runs, 2 wkts

Barrett, 28, caught, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 18 runs, 0 wkts, 1 catch

Imtiaz Ahmad, 11, caught, 4 overs, 0 mdns 26 runs, 0 wkts

Michahelles, 0, LBW, 2 overs, 0 mdns, 19 runs, 0 wkts

Toke, 2*, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 23 runs, 2 wkts

Usman Sandhu, 0, bowled, 5 overs, 1 mdn, 16 runs, 2 wkts

Brooks, 0, bowled, 8 overs, 0 mdns, 44 runs, 0 wkts.

MCC, 220 – 10 in 38.4 overs, lost to Lions, 283- 10 in 40 overs, by 63 runs

MCC MOM: Wembridge

A wonderful sunshiny day was upon us last Saturday as the MCC rolled up to Situlistrasse to play a game of cricket against touring team Poddington from the UK.
Upon arrival we were tasked with the usual setting up procedures, before Bowes and Farid picked up the opposition team, still rather drunk from the night before, from the U-Bahn. It is safe to say that a portion of the MCC team were also struggling with Wiesn hangovers, meaning that we were prepared for a very hungover day, well until we purchased beer, that helped.
The decision was made to play a 2 innings T20 match. Ever the gentleman Barrett forfeited the toss, allowed the opposition to open the batting. A new face emerged for the MCC – Mohammed (one of Farid’s mates) who described himself to your author as a ‘quality all rounder’….
He opened the bowling with Altmann, the latter bowling the opposition captain in the first over and claiming a wicket maiden. Mohammed, left arm round, was actually very good! He took his first MCC wicket with his third ball, a fantastic stumping by Farid, worthy of a highlight clip on German Cricket TV! At this point the opposition were struggling at 5/2, so Altmann bowled his second before captain Barrett decided to give the opposition a chance, bringing on Bowes and Michaelles. Flight attendant George bowled very well and got a well deserved wicket. Bowes’s right arm ‘nobody is quite sure’ was also useful, claimed his first wicket of the day, a stunning one handed caught and bowled. Desmond Bradley felt a shudder down his spine as this happened, knowing that Bowes would be back at the top of the bowling averages!
Poddington rallied and built themselves up to 50/4 before Prafuls first ball of his spell destroyed the stumps. Nirmal also got himself a wicket, well held by Praf at long on before Mohammed claimed another 2 wickets, both bowled. Bowes was brought back on for the final over taking the final wicket, caught by Giles at first slip.
MCC were straight out to bat after a 2 minutes break with Altmann and Parlour opening for the MCC. The two of them put on a 61 run opening partnership in the first 4.5 overs, both batsmen hitting 3 6’s before both departed 3 balls apart. Nirmal managed to avoid the duck race, Bowes did not. Praf scored a very nice to watch 22. Signel figures for Mohammed and Farid, before Craig came in and hit more boundaries than had ever been seen before in his 20 – bowled with 1 ball to go (thinking of the team not his average for once), bringing Giles in to finish 1 not out.
At the halfway stage MCC were ahead by 18 runs.
During the first innings we were also greeted by Littleborough CC (our hosts in the UK tour) who had come over to celebrate some form of festival in Munich. Much to the pleasure of the owner of the small café (whom we had informed at the beginning of the day to prepare for an onslaught of drunk Brits) the 3 teams managed to drink over 150 of his cold beers before 1600.
Because alcohol I don’t remember too much about the second innings.
The second innings of Poddington (in which 2 of their fielders played for us due to Farid and his friends having to leave for work) was much more eventful with all 3 of their top batsmen making 25+ before a mini-collapse at the end left them on 110 wickets coming from Barrett, Parlour Nirmal and a run out – leaving the MCC requiring 92 off 15 overs.
Michaelles opened the batting, batted for 8 overs and hiot his first ever 2 boundaries for the MCC, much to his delight, raising his bat to the crowd, before being triggered to a ball which wasn’t really hitting anything.. Nirmal got another low score bringing Altmann and Praf to the crease. Altmann batted for 13 overs by the way and only faced 16 balls.
Praf and Parlour both fell for low single figures leaving MCC requiring 51 from 4.5 overs. Bowes and Altmann (when he was allowed to face) both hit big boundaries and brought the innings to a close, Bowes scoring 6,4,4 byes off the last over to win the game with 1 ball to spare!

MOM: George Michahelles for his wickets and first ever boundaries and top score for the club! (sorry Jonty!!)

Innings 1:
Altmann 26 Bowled. 2-1-8-1
Parlour 30 Caught
Konchada 1 Caught. 2-0-9-1
Praf Tk 22 Caught. 2-0-6-1. 1 catch
Phil Bowes 0 Caught. 2.4-0-10-2. 1 catch
Farid Otmankhil 1. Caught. 1 stumping, 1 run out
Mohammed 3 Caught. 4-0-25-3
Craig Barrett 20 Bowled. 3-1-16-0
George Michahelles 0*. 4-0-23-1
Doug Giles 1*. 1 catch

Innings 2:
George 10 LBW. 3-0-14-0
Nirmal 3 Bowled 2-0-13-1
Altmann 24*. 2-0-23-0
Toke 7 Bowled 1-0-8-1
Parlour 2 Bowled 2-0-11-1
Bowes 27* 2-0-10-0
Barrett DNB 3-0-21-1
Giles DNB

 

Submitted by Phil Bowes

Congratulations to the MCC 6-a-side squad for reaching the quarter finals of the tournament organised by Serendib.
It was a very colourful affair with 17 teams from Frankfurt, Wurzbung, Göggenheim, Burghausen, Tegernsee, Pfaffenhofen and some other places as well as most Munich clubs, arranged in three groups of four teams and one of five and virtually each team in different coloured clothing. Scheduled to start at 08:30 with everyone being present at 08:00 MCC were down to three players then which rather messed up the organisation as we were scheduled to play the first match against the Lions. Mahmoud Khan was there at eight but realised he had left his bat on the U.Bahn so went looking for it and didn`t return until around 09:00, still with no bat. In the meanwhile Imtiaz Ahmad had arrived but nary a word from Maiwand Khan Zazai so we borrowed a player to make up six. The first game against the Lions was won quite comfortably, the second narrowly lost to one of the three Pak Orient teams participating and the third won easily against someone. The good run rate meant we qualified for the quarters and played another of the Pak Orient teams and were thrashed although we were still in with a chance until a rather foolish run out cost the last wicket. In the four matches MCC had shown some excellent batting and bowling skills with some sublime catching. One in particular from Imtiaz Ahmad, a caught and bowled to a ball which endangered any low-flying aircraft and taken so casually was impressive. There were of course some dollies dropped too. Young Samiullah Tanha kept wicket in all matches and performed very well, a new star in the making. In our final match Mudussir Ayub opened the batting, cooly hit a four then a high top edge was very well caught by Waqas Khan, playing for one of the Pak Orient teams. He has taken only 4 catches in 18 appearances for MCC and caught the captain when playing for the opposition. Rearrangement of the batting order next season is definitely called for it seems. MCC were actually well represented in the tournament with Butt Thomas playing for yet another Pak Orient team – the eventual winners – and Shahzad Afzal Qureshi playing for the Lions. The final between Pak Orient and Wurzburg was played in almost complete darkness. Pak Orient were declared winners after Wurzburg left the field claiming there was cheating on the part of the umpires when an apparent high ball was not no-balled. Actually neither Winsley Fernando standing at the non-strikers end nor I at square leg could see the ball to call it.
There were three candidates for best batsman, Mahmoud Khan among them but Butt Thomas was the winner.
It was unfortunate that the sun set an hour too early and so affected the game, perhaps next year there will be fewer teams or a bowl-out arrangement if the light/weather is too poor.
Nevertheless MCC had a most enjoyable tournament and have sent out a search party for Maiwand Khan Zazai from whom nothing has been heard or seen.

Tom Mitchell`s team, Linfield, in Surrey, came to Munich for their first ever international tour. Tom played for us while studying in Munich from 2013 to 2015, scored 405 runs making him a page 2 batsman and also took 10 catches. Obviously we were keen to host his team but the damage to the playing field at our home ground put the Kybosh on a joyful return to the Hirschanger. Fortunately the Munich Lions were on tour to Prague so they kindly rented us their ground in Situli Strasse. The pillock with the keys to the ground turned up without them so both teams had to vault over the fence while`st the pillock returned home to fetch them. It was then discovered that neither the expected nails to fix the wicket nor any stumps or bails were to be found. Barrett and Bowes, alliterating in “B”, headed to the Hischanger, Bowes standing guard while Barrett vaulted yet another fence to fetch the necessary from our kit box.

Finally the pitch was set up, the pillock returned to open the gate and learn that captain for the match Bowes had lost the toss and MCC were fielding. The weather at the start, around 1pm was OK but Barrett insisted the forecast was for rain from the start so it was decided to play 2 runs for any wide or no-ball and the illegal ball not to be repeated. MCC opened the bowling with Butt and Bowes, everyone wishing the captain for the day would be tonked thereby removing the miscarriage of justice at the top of the bowling table. Butt got the first wicket, stumped by Barrett, with the score on 23. The second fell, bowled Deverill, with the score on 99 and the third a superb direct hit run out with the score on 151. Bowes, who had indeed been severely tonked, brought himself back on and got a hilarious stumping with the score on 167. An unbroken partnership of 46 for the fifth wicket took Linfield to 213 for 4 after their 20 overs.

With Cassandra still predicting rain it was decided to finish the second innings before taking any teas so Bhat and Mustaq opened for MCC. After 26 were on the board, Bhat left to a caught and bowled to make way for Konchada. Twenty eight runs later Mustaq was caught by Henry Mitchell, Tom`s younger brother who is just as elegant as Tom when batting. Amazingly, Barrett, the batsman who epitomises “Batting sans Frontiers” was next up and was part of a 3^rd wicket partnership of 38, Barrett being bowled going for a big one. Along came Butt needing 38 to make the 500 club, striking the first ball distainfully for a boundary four but was then out caught. Next man was Jolliffe, he with the car that takes five passengers, determined to make his first runs for the club. Ten runs later he was bowled but had scored one run to his great satisfaction. Khan Mahmud, the top run scorer of the season so far, came in next to be run out for 10 and make way for Bowes. An unbeaten partnership of 46 for the seventh wicket took MCC to 186 after 20 overs.

Bhat, 13, caught

Mushtaq, 21, caught

Konchada, 87*

+Barrett, 11, bowled, 2 stumpings

Butt, 4, caught, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 48 runs, 1 wkt

Jolliffe, 1, bowled

Khan Mahmud, 10, run out, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 41 runs, 0 wkts

Bowes, 18*, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 45 runs, 1 wkt

Karthik, DNB, 2 overs, 0 mdns, 24 runs, 2 wkts

Deverill, DNB, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 25 runs, 1 wkt

Altmann, DNB, 2 overs, 0 mdns, 21 rubns, 0 wkts

MCC, 186 – 6 in 20 overs, lost to Linfield, 213 – 4 in 20 overs by 27 runs

MCC MOM: Konchada

A second match was begun almost immediately with no real tea break, leaving the batting side to feed themselves when able. Teas were once again not provided by Qureshi, he was rumoured to be in Prague, touring with the Lions, but all the players had been assigned a task to bring something. Deverill reneged on his promise to bring along some Pimms, probably because he was too busy dreaming of his forthcoming visit to the Rolling Stones concert where he was able to obtain a couple of incredibly cheap tickets.

Linfield batted first once again, this time Barrett was captain and Bowes keeping. The bowling was opened by Deverill, on the verge of entering the 25 wicket club and Khan Mahmud. The first wicket fell in the first over, a run out with the score on 2 and Deverill bowled the next with the score on 6. In the sixth over Karthik relaced Khan and had an eventful over – 6 wides, wicket, single, 6 wides, wicket, 2 wides. Leaving them 53 for 4 down. Barrett replaced Deverill going for 8 runs in his first over and 25, including four sixes, in his second. Konchada replaced Khan and got a wicket in his second over and Butt came on after Barrett had bowled out. He got a wicket in each of his first two overs and the score was 156 for 7 in the 16^th over. Bhat had one high scoring over leaving Deverill and Khan Mahmud to finish off the last three wickets.

A fast turn-around saw Altmann and Konchada open the batting, Altmann, in his first game since the Erlangen league match, scoring nine before being caught with the score on 17. Konchada and Butt put on 30 for the next wicket, Konchada scoring 19 to round off a good day`s batting. Bowes and Butt put on 51 until Bowes had his stumps realigned to make way for Deverill. Butt departed LBW for 34 and Deverill heard the death rattle very soon and left having scored one run to make way for Mushtaq. Two runs later Mushtaq went for one and was out caught allowing Bhat to enter the fray and the duck race. Khan Mahmud was run out for the second time in the same day with the score on 117 for eight. Colling, dressed most improperly, more like a mountaineer than a cricketer, scored 8 including an almighty six and Barrett allowed Jolliffe to be run out for 0 thereby ruining his day. The rains began just as the run out occurred so there must be an omen there.

Linfield had the usual fines procedure so beloved by touring teams and had MCC a similar scheme in place we would be a rich club because of all the dropped catches, some of them more difficult to drop than catch.

Altmann, 9, caught

Konchada, 19, LBW, 2 overs, 0 mdns, 20 runs, 1 wkt

Butt, 34, LBW, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 28 rus, 2 wkts

+Bowes, 22, bowled

Deverill, 1, bowled, 3.5 overs, 0 mdns, 26 runs, 3 wkts

Mushtaq, 1, caught, 1 catch

Bhat, 0, ???, 1 over, 0 mdns, 19 runs, o wkts

Khan Mahmud, 5, run out, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 14 runs, 1 wkt

*Barrett, 7*, 4overs, 0 mdns, 44 runs, 0 wkts

Colling, 8, bowled (batted in place of Karthik)

Jolliffe, 0, run out

Karthik, 2overs, 0 mdns, 24 runs, 2 wkts

MCC, 140 – 10 in 20 overs, lost to Linfield, 192 – 10 in 19.5 overs by 52 runs

MCC MOM: Butt T K

After beating the league champions Erlangen in the quarter finals and Wurzburg, the runners-up in the Regionalliga Nord in the semis, MCC faced the might of Pak Orient, the runners up of the Bundesliga Süd-Ost in the final of the BCV T20 at the Pak Orient ground starting at 13:15. This was the first opportunity to win silver, apart from indoor tournaments, since 2009, the last time we were T20 champions. The teams were on time as well as the single umpire which was disappointing for a final, particularly as two umpires were expressly requested.

Captain Ayub lost the toss and MCC were asked to field, opening the attack with Brooks and Kahn Maiwand. They bowled tightly, Brooks in particular assuming Jonty Altmann`s mantle of bowling superbly but not getting wickets. The first wicket fell on 27, caught Ayub, bowled Maiwand with the score on 31 but Pak Orient put on 74 for the second wicket, broken by an LBW from Butt on his very first ball. He also got a wicket on his second ball, stumped Otmankhil, but not given by the Pak Orient square leg umpire. It looked out from the scorer`s table on the boundary and also, apparently, from the bowler`s end umpire, for he overruled the decision and gave it out. This somewhat incensed the opposition and there was a pitch invasion by their captain Ali, Omar Khan and a spectator, protesting that the stumping cannot be given by the main umpire. This is correct under the laws and the umpire, Milan, should have appointed a second umpire so serves him right for any aggro he received. Thus, at the end of the 13<sup>th</sup> over they were 108 for 3 down. Ayub got a caught and bowled in the 14th over and in the next over, Butt`s second, Otmankhil got another stumping leaving them on 125 for 5 down after 15. In his third over, the 17^th Butt got a fourth and also a direct-hit run out making them 144 for 7 down. In the eighteenth Khan Waqas got his wicket so Pak Orient were 149 for 8 down when the heavens opened. The innings should by rights have finished then due to the long rain break but the umpire allowed the innings to progress to 20 overs and they were all out for 175 after exactly 20 overs.

There were no teas, Qureshi having refused to bring them for the sixth time and, after a 30 minute break, MCC opened the batting with Butt and KHan Mahmud. Butt tonked the first ball beautifully for four but sliced the second to be very well caught at deep gulley so it was something of a set-back. Qureshi, he who didn`t bring any teas, replaced him and played a most unusual innings. He faced 13 balls and swung lustily at each one, connecting with four of them only and, not surprisingly, was bowled leaving MCC on 19 for 2 after 3.2 overs. Captain Ayub came and went with the score on 23 to make way for Bhamare. Abijith took a sighter then hit a massive six off the second ball faced but, with the score on 34, he left to look for some more teas. Khan Waqas took his place for three runs only to make way for Konchada with the score on 37 after 7.5 overs. Throughout all this Khan Mahmud had been accumulating runs and was now in the highest MCC partnership of the day with Konchada. This was sadly ended when Konchada was well run-out with the score on 64. Abdul Maroofkhel was next in, hitting a splendid four before falling LBW in the 13^th over with the score on 72. Otmankhil, once again went looking for gold and hoping to top the duck race table came in and gave way immediately to Khan Maiwand. Mahmud finally gave up hope and skied one to be caught for an outstanding 42 and allowed Brooks to face a few balls. He was run out for 1 leaving Maiwand just short of his maiden half-century.

It was quite a heavy defeat but the team had done marvellously well to reach the final and deserve a lot of credit . Most of us retired to the local hostelry afterwards to sort out the problem with North Korea as one does after a cricket match

Butt, 4, caught, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 24 runs, 4 wkts

Khan Mahmud, 42, caught, 1 over, 0 mdns, 14 runs, 0 wkts

Qureshi, 4, bowled

Ayub, 1, bowled, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 45 runs, 2 wkts, 3 catches

Bhamare, 10, bowled,

Khan Waqas, 1, bowled, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 38 runs, 1 wkt

Konchada, 13, run out,

Maroofkhel, 6, LBW,

Otmankhil, 0, caught, 2 stumpings

Khan Maiwand, 3*, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 26 runs, 1 wkt

Brooks, 1, run out, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 26 runs, 0 wkts.

MCC, 92 – 10 in 16 overs, lost to Pak orient, 175 – 10 in 20 overs, by 83 runs.

MCC MOM: Butt T.K.

 

 

After beating Erlangen in the quarter-finals MCC had a home ground fixture in the semis against Wurzburg. Unfortunately the Hirschanger was closed for repairs after a Schicky-Micky event had caused considerable damage to the playing field. Fortunately Adschi Keim of Pak Orient agreed to allow us to play on their ground and saved us from a long trip to Wurzburg.

The game was scheduled for a 12 noon start and MCC arrived promptly at 11:15, or most of us did. Unfortunately for Wurzburg one of their cars containing three of their players had an accident on the way and they were not expected to arrive until around 3pm. This meant that MCC could have claimed the match as nine players have to be present no later than 30 minutes after the scheduled start time. Umpire Ravi agreed that we could start the game with the opposition having eight players only and captain Ayub duly used Maria Theresa to win the toss. Surprisingly and very sportingly he chose to field first arguing that if we could not beat them when they had a full side (during the MCC innings) then we did not deserve to be in the final.

MCC opened the attack with Brooks and Khan Maiwand, both, in true MCC Tradition, bowling a wide with their first ball but thereafter bowled very well. After five overs Khan Waqas and Butt took over, Waqas getting the first wicket in the 7^th over with the score on 27. In the 12^th over Ayub came on with a wicket maiden, and, in the fourteenth, Qureshi entered the fray and the wide boys race, but also got a wicket, caught Butt, in his only over and Wurzburg were now 69 for three down after 15 overs. Ayub got a second, caught by Waqas and, when he was brought back on, Waqas took two wickets in his fourth and final over, leaving Wurzburg on 96 for 6 after 19 overs. No more wickets fell and they made a total of 102 in their allotted 20 overs.

Plentiful teas were supplied by Qureshi and, because of the temperature, a longer than usual break was allowed.

MCC opened the batting at 13:50 with the opposition having only eight players in the field but, at 14:10, the remainder arrived and ran straight onto the field without waiting for the third over to finish. After three overs the MCC openers, Butt and Khan Mahmud, had put on 31. Butt in particular was very aggressive and, after six overs the score was 48 for none and the game almost in the bag. The first wicket fell with the score on 90. Mahmud going for 15 to be replaced by Qureshi. MCC took only 12.2 overs to reach the target score finishing another great team effort.

Butt, 72*, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 18 runs, 0 wkts, 1 catch

Khan Mahmud, 15, caught, 1 over, 0 mdns, 8 runs, 0 wkts

Qureshi, 2*, 1 over, 0 mdns, 12 runs, 1 wkt

Konchada, DNB,

Ayub, DNB, 4 overs, 1 mdn, 14 runs, 2 wkts

Khan Waqas, DNB, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 17 runbs, 3 wkts, 1 catch

Ibrahim Akmal, DNB,

Brooks DNB, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 16 runs, 0 wkts

Otmankhil, DNB, 1 catch

Tanha, DNB,

Khan Maiwan, DNB, 2 overs, 0 mdns, 11 runs, 0 wkts,

MCC, 103 -1 in 12,2 overs, beat Wurzburg, 102- 6 in 20 ovrs, by 9 wickets

MCC MOM: Butt T.K.

 

After the semi-final another T20 was arranged, MCC vs a combination Pak Orient/Wurzburg XI. Captain Konchada presumably lost the toss as MCC fielded first once again. The bowling was opened by the Khans Waqas and Maiwand, both taking wickets and the score was 55 for three after six overs. They were replaced by Bhatia and Maroofkhel who also took wickets and after 12 overs the score was 112 for six. Tanha, Usman, Qureshi and Ayub also bowled, Tanha taking two wickets and Usman rewarded with a run-out in his first over. Pak Orient /Wurzburg finished at 184 for 9 in their 20 overs.

After a short break MCC opened the batting with Khan Mahmud and Usman, Usman departing for some more Kentucky fried in the third over with the score on 9. In came Benedikt Zellhuber-McMillan, a new member who only turned up to watch but was thrilled at getting a game. As he is an anesthetist we wondered if he would bat like Geoffrey Boycott and send everyone to sleep but then, as Geoffrey says, when they wake up I`m still batting. As it happens it was obvious that he has played cricket before and actually faced seven balls before getting run out. Qureshi made a boundary filled 15, Ayub made 11 from six balls and then made way for Butt. He seemed not to take it too seriously and was taunting the Pak Orient fielders by playing Dil scoops, taking a left hand guard and playing left handed until he was forced to retire having amassed 29 and the total score 81 for six after 12 overs. Bhatia and captain Konchada put on a useful 41 for the seventh until Bhatia was run out and made way for Khan Waqas who scored a lusty 22 including two fours and two sixes.

Khan Mahmud, 13, caught, 2 catches, 1 stumped

Usman Asif, 2, caught, 2 overs, 0 mdns, 18 runs, 0 wkts

Zellhuber-McMillan, 0, run out, 1 catch

Qureshi, 15, caught, 2 overs, 0 mdns, 10 runs, 0 wkts,

Ayub, 11, bowled, 1 over, 0 mdns, 15 runs, 0 wkts

Butt, 29, retired out,

Konchada, 29*, 1 catch

Bhatia, 9, run out, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 22 runs, 1 wkt

Khan Waqas, 22*, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 22 ruins, 2 wkts, 1 catch

Ibrahim Akmal, DNB,

Khan Maiwand, DNB, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 33 runs, 1 wkt

Maroofkhel, DNB, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 39 runs, 2 wkts, 1 catch

MCC, 147 – 7, lost to Pak Orient/Wurzburg, 184 – 9 by 37 runs

MCC MOM; Khan Waqas

After some stupendous thunder storms over Saturday night and spots of rain from the overcast Munich sky still falling, MCC assembled at 9am outside the Hirschanger for the trip to Erlangen for the BCV T20 quarter final match. Lack of transport meant we had to hire a mini-bus although mini is a strange way to describe it as it was really an 18 seater with three rows removed and was very, very long. Five players piled into John Jolliffe`s car and six more plus umpire Ravi and the scorer piled into the van and all arrived in time, just after 1130 for the 12 noon start. The weather in Erlangen was good, sunny skies, no rain and temperature around 20° plus although the playing field was still damp from the overnight rain.

Captain Ayub put Maria Theresa to good use, won the toss and cleverly chose to field first opening the attack himself with Khan Maiwand. His first ball was a wide, as was Maiwands and that of Wàqas when he came on, thereby continuing an MCC tradition. Nevertheless with the last ball of the first over their opener Ali hit the ball to Maroofkhel, who rarely drops one, and Erlangen were 4 for 1 after one over. With the last ball of the fourth over Maiwand got their other opener and captain to nick one which was spectacularly caught by keeper Otmankhil leaving them 19 for 2 after four. Ayub bowled a third over but Maiwand was replaced by Waqas who, as already commented also opened with a wide. However on the sixth ball of the first over he saw the sight that warms the heart of every fast bowler, the batman`s off stump cartwheeling away, making them 29 for 3 after five. Khan Mahmud replaced Ayub and had two wicketless but fairly tight overs while Waqas got a second clean bowled in the last ball of his third over. On the third ball of the same over the captain dropped a fairly easy dolly but, since the striker had assumed it would be caught, he didn`t run and both batsmen were at the striker`s end when Ayub threw-in to Waqas to run out the dangerous Gusher Singh who had returned 106 not out against us in the recent league match. Erlangen were now 57 for 5 after ten. Butt took over from Waqas, giving only a miserly two runs from his first over and Maiwand replaced Waqas. On his third ball Maiwand got his second wicket, Aniket caught Akmal and in the fifth ball of his second over Butt got an LBW leaving them 72 for 7 after thirteen. There was then a 42 run parnertship between Philip Milton and the hard-hitting Jimmy Joshi before, in an inspired move, Akmal was brought on and got Milton in an easy caught and bowled from his first ball leaving them 117 for 8 after seventeen. Three runs later Ayub bowled Joshi but a partnership of 20 for the last wicket, aided by some poor fielding, took them to 137 for 9 after 20 overs.

Teas had been provided by Mahmud but there were no knives to spread the strange looking speads on the semmeln which led to much innovation. The target of 138 was achievable but not easy but the team were reminded that if Butt started as he had against Erlangen in the league match we could do it. Also choosing to bat second helped as the outfield had dried significantly and it was better for batting. Consequently MCC opened with Butt and Khan Mahmud, with Butt facing. Erlangen opened in true MCC fashion and the first over was +, ., +, 4, 4, ., ., meaning umpire Ravi had called a five ball over but with 10 off the first over we were on our way. Butt`s first four scoring shots were all boundary fours, not slogs but very good cricketing shots. Mahmud went for 9 with the score in 33 in the 6<sup>th</sup> over to be replaced by Jolliffe in his very first innings for MCC. The opposition scorer couldn`t believe we would let anyone bat at three who had never before played for us until he learnt that he has a large car and can take five to away matches. Jollife went for a duck with the score on 48 in the 9^th over to be replaced by captain Ayub who, at first, played a very secondary role to Butt who was now in the six-hitting mode, taking Joshi for 6, 6, 1, 1, 6, and 1 in one over to cruise past his 50. He finally fell for 72 in the 15^th over with the score on 95 leaving MCC needing 33 to win 5.5 overs. Waqas and Ayub made short work of the task, Waqas finishing the  game with two consecutive classy fours.

Mcc thus won with a very good team effort and look forward to the semi-finals.

Butt, 72, caught, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 10 runs, 1 wkts

Khan Mahmud, 9, caught, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 34 runs, 0 wkts

Jolliffe, 0, bowled

Ayub, 39*, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 17 runs, 2 wkts

Khan Waqas, 16*, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 26 runs, 2 wkts

Khan Maiwand, DNB, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 22 runs, 2 wkts

Akmal Ibrahim, DNB, 2 overs, 0 mdn, 17 runs, 1 wkt, 2 catches

Maroofkhel, DNB, 1 catch

Usman Asif, DNB

Tanka, DNB

Otmankhil, DNB, 1 catch

MCC, 140 -3 in 17.3 overs, beat Erlangen, 137 – 9 in 20 overs by 7 wickets

MCC MOM: TK Butt

On Saturday 5^th the complete party including lady Wembridge assembled at Piccadilly gardens after some deliberately confusing instructions made to bump up the fines box, and took the tram to Old Trafford for the second day`s play of the test against South Africa. It gave Wembo ample opportunity to wear his Proteas shirt and cultivate his pseudo Saffir accent, much to the amusement of the other tram passengers.

We saw some wonderful test cricket but, unfortunately, we were in the Fosters party stand which is a pseudonym for “amongst the yobs”. After 4 o`clock thousands were so pissed and we were showered with missiles from the upper ranks, so much so that Giles left the ground and Finchy moved to the other side of the ground. None of this troubled Veith at his first test and he joined in the creation of the long beer mug snakes wholeheartedly. Unfortunately once the snakes broke they were turned into beery missiles.

After the match tour manager Barrett decided we would all go for a Ruby Murray very close to the tram stop at Deansgate.

Suffice it to say that his idea of very close is different to anyone else`s and we walked miles only to be told there was a 45 minute wait to get in. On the way we had passed the Hilton hotel and saw one of the umpires, Aleem Dar, he with the frightening beard, entering. Not to worry said the long distance runner there is another one just around the corner – the corner being some ¾ mile away – but we made it and enjoyed a very spicy dinner.

After dinner the manager said we would walk to a nearby pub resulting in another long route march and, once again, we were refused entry. Not to be daunted he led us to another watering hole which, although far, far away was well worth the effort and there we stayed until closing time and once more walked back to the hostel.

The next morning we assembled at around 1015 to travel to Littleborough, some by car, some by Über taxi and six of us by train from Victoria station.

This is where the bomb killing all those young people was set off recently so was cause for a little reflection before boarding the train. Once again the Saffir accents came out remarking that we wondered how long it would be to Old Trafford. One fellow passenger finally pointed out that this particular train did not go there.

It was a short 15 minute walk from the station to the ground which is situated in a park frequented by Springer dogs it seems, as we passed three of them on the way there.

We also admired a notice on the station building pointing out that there was no lead on the roof so please don`t attempt to steal it. There was also a cute little lingerie shop with the amusing name of Knickerice Allsorts. We were looking forward to playing a club who have had a fair number of celebrated cricket players in their ranks over the year – Joel Garner and Gary Sobers for example – and some of their photographs are hung in the club room.

Once at the ground we agreed with the opposition that we should start as early as possible and play 25 over innings as rain was not only forecast but an absolute certainty in these parts.

MCC were allowed to bat without a toss as “it would be sad if you came all the way here for nowt”. MCC opened with Giles and Ayub, thereby removing any chance of another 168 partnership between Giles and Carr. Giles left after four balls to admire the pictures in the club room and was replaced by Arunachalam who clearly likes playing in England on grass wickets.

He tonked 16 before Ayub joined Giles in the art gallery and was replaced by Fudge who faced five balls before departing so missed out on a double gold. Wembridge replaced him and there was a 21 run partnership until Arunachalam fell with the score on 41 of which he had scored 35. Deverill and Wembridge put on 23 for the 5^th wicket and Wembo made way for Khanna. Thirteen runs later Colling replaced Deverill and ten runs later he made way for Finch, MCC now 87 for 7 after 19.3 overs. This changed to 93 for 9 when Carr replaced Khanna and stayed at 93 when Finchy was bowled to give Gattinger a bat. Five runs later Veith departed so MCC were 98 for 10. Captain Barrett tried to improve his average and came in as the 12th batsman but was out for a duck on the second ball faced – serves him right too. Carr had defended his second 0 not out of the tour but doesn`t see that this does not improve his average.

After some splendid teas – the really look after you up north – MCC opened the attack with Colling and Ayub. In his second over Mudi got two off consecutive balls and after four overs Littleborough were 12 for two down. A partnership of 35 for the third wicket was broken when Deverill bowled their opener and highest scorer for 35. Two runs later Deverill got his second bowled with the score on 49 for 4 after 12.2 overs. In the next over Barrett struck making them 54 for 5 down and he got a second two overs later with Littleborough 58 for 6 down after 16 overs.

By now the promised rain had set in and conditions were very bad but the brass band in the park continued to play manfully, was it Handel`s water music I heard? Had we not been a touring side the game would have been abandoned long ago. The 7<sup>th</sup> wicket partnership of 19 was broken when Arunachalum took his second catch of the day this time off Carr´s bowling making it 75 for 7 down after 19.4 overs. The splendidly named Sandford-Mitchell and Khan Z knocked off the required runs in just under four overs allowing us to retire to the club house. Many jugs of ale and lager were passed around, one young lady wouldn`t believe I was German so made a fuss of Veith.

Several of us enjoyed fish & chips with mushy peas although Carr wouldn`t touch the peas as they smelt funny.

A taxi to the station, the night train to Victoria station and then to a superb pub just around the corner from the hostel.

The demands of being tour manager was clearly too much for captain Barrett. As the night wore on he became increasingly puggled and extremely loud but, it was a great tour and he deserved all the pleasure he was getting.

Giles, 0, bowled

Ayub, 0, caught, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 6 runs, 2 wickets,

Arunachalam, 35, LBW, 1 over, 0 mdns, 10 runs, 0 wkts, 2 catches

Fudge, 0, caught, 2 overs, 0 mdns, 7 runs, 0 wkts

Wembridge, 15, caught, 1.1 overs, 0 mdns, 7 runs, 0 wkts

Deverill, 23, stumped, 4 overs, 0 mdns, 11 runs, 2 wickets

+Khanna, 8, caught, 1 catch

Colling, 7, caught, 2 overs, 0 mdns, 11 runs, 0 wkts

Finch, 4, bowled, 2 overs, 0 mdns, 18 runs, 0 wkts

Carr, 0*, 3 overs, 0 mdns, 6 runs, 1 wkt

Gattinger, 4, bowled, 2 overs, 0 mdns, 15 runs, 0 wkts

*Barrett, 0, caught, 3 overs, 1 mdn, 3 runs, 2 wkts

MCC, 98 – 11 in 23.5 overs lost to Littleborough, 99 – 7 in 23.1 overs by 3 wickets.

MCC MOM: Arunachalam