The MCC won the toss, batted and immediately found value for money from the fast matting pitch and short cropped outfield. The captain opened the batting with Kevin Barratt. Idle opened with a wicket maiden, Kevin making the long walk back having nudged one gently to first slip. But the 50 came up in the 9th over, the hundred in the 24th and 200 in the 39th. Nick Curran put together a very well worked 69, and Russell Lane came in down the order and hit a quick fire 49, to give the club 217 off 40 overs.
Lunch was a splendid spread of local food and wine, and was much appreciated by both sides.
Ashley Metcalfe took the new ball for the first time in his long and distinguished career, and George Brooksbank opened from the Farm End. George, relishing the opportunity to use an English ball for the first time on tour, took two wickets in his first over and put the home side on the back foot - where they stayed for their entire innings. But some spirited hitting - taking advantage of some gentle spin - gave the local crowd something to cheer.
A third win on tour was recorded, but more importantly we had given another local club side an excellent day's cricket.
Presentations were made and gifts exchanged. Once again we were made very welcome and received outstanding hospitality. The post-match spread of local cheese and wine was really appreciated too.
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