3rd team home v Cumnor 3rd

TCC 3s were given a large dose of reality at the HCG today after a Thame-like batting collapse left them grateful for the afternoon rain to save them from a self-inflicted defeat to Cumnor 3.

On a track that played true, and with good carry, the senior Cocks seemed to be competing for the honour of the worst way to throw away their own wicket. Cashman & Warren got us off to a flier, though Miyagi was in danger of needing oxygen as early as the fourth over having been made to run three twos and a three.

From 44/1, Warren and debutant Brian Shipley found ways to mis-hit to square leg, and though the skipper and his ginger Padawan formed a brief resistance, the wheels fell off at 80/4 when I managed to hit a long hop straight to the only fielder within 30 yards. I can’t do that when I’m trying to take catching practice.

As the rain began to fall, wickets tumbled, with only TCC Academy product Jake sticking around and looking increasingly unruffled despite the chaos unfolding around him. Isaac was tremendously unlucky, being caught by a fielder in the wrong place whilst putting his jumper on (yes, really) and Woody may or may not still be plotting revenge / rescinding wedding invitations having been given LBW by former best mate Cashman.

It was 94/9 when the rain became too heavy to continue, and the spotlight turned from one Mackay to the next as Alex and co served up a stunning spread that quickly took everyone’s mind off the batting collapse and impending deluge. Intriguingly, Martin Blackburn chose the moment the heavens opened to turn up and “watch the cricket”… i.e. treat himself to the smorgasbord of samosas, sandwiches, tarts, focaccias, fruit skewers, salads, madeleines, brownies, hummus…

I shall be vehemently opposing any future efforts to get Jake into the 2s. Unless I have James in the side by then.

MOM: Mackay family