OCCC win big in Malta

The OCCC made light work of their Maltese opposition on the cricket leg of the tri-sport tour of island. On Friday, Marsa Sports Club were thrashed by 168 runs and on Sunday a much stronger Malta national XI were beaten by 31 runs.

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The first 30-over game was played the morning after we arrived, and one or two of those involved had not had much sleep. But OCs are seasoned professionals and after a shambolic warm-up were ready to go. Seren Waters’ pre-game chat was ignored, although his controversial decision to play in the wrong kit was not.

It was apparent from the start that Marsa were not the strongest XI, and on an artificial track and in pleasant sunshine, Waters (69) and Phil Roper (60) got us off to a flier, Roper playing the dominant role in an opening stand of 94 which ended in controversy. Shortly after reaching his fifty, Roper was led to believe by Waters they should both get out to give others a go. He duly did so and then watched Waters stay out in the middle. Sam Langmead also wished Roper had not followed instructions as he proceeded to chip the first ball he faced to mid off.

Will Howard (47) then came in and played what might have been described as a curate’s egg of an innings were it not for the fact that the aforementioned egg was at least good in parts. After they had taken the score to 167 Waters had seen enough and got himself out, and Alan Cope, due in at No.3 but marooned in the loo was the first two wickets fell,  instantly started hitting out, making 43 from 16 deliveries including three sixes. Howard fell just short of his fifty and Dave Wilson (13*) helped see us to a formidable score of 249 for 4, 81 of those coming from the last six overs.

Marsa were never in the hunt and Ed Henderson made the most of a weak top order to take 3 for 23 with Henry Watkinson joining in the rabbit hunt with 2 for 11 to leave the home side 33 for 5. Andy Goudie (2 for 13) bowled well and even Rob Merry (1 for 7) took a rare wicket. By the end two of the Marsa side had headed home early so they ended on 81.

A much stronger Malta national side was expected on the Sunday and chat about an early finish was soon shown to be overly optimistic. Batting first again, Rory Kennedy (30) and Will Langmead (19) got us off to a solid start, the latter becoming the only OC to be bowled on tour and then brother Sam following soon after, leg-before for 7 as he hurled his bat into the leg side.

Most other batsmen got starts but none went on to play the anchor role. Olloe Davies (15) and Waters (20) both holed out, Alan Cope hit 36 off 19 deliveries before a mistimed shot, Howard was again filthy for 20 before being triggered (revenge for stealing the scorer’s walkie talkie and winding up the bewildered and unamused umpire by feigning deafness), while Ross Kingsnorth chipped in with a breezy and unexpected 22. Henderson was run out for 2, another victim the kind of woefully late calling from Watkinson that had resulted in Jock Vickers being poleaxed by Henry's drilled approach to the green on the golf day the previous month.  Further comment on that is not allowed as it is sub judice.

That we failed to use our 30 overs was disappointing, as was our score of 186, although we got off to a good start in the field when Sam Langmead struck in the second over. But Aquilina(43), Byrne (24) and Arora (33) batted well and at 98 for 2 in the 18th over the levels of chat had fallen away and Waters was having to think hard. Leading by example, he struck twice in an over (finishing with 3 for 16) and when Goudie surprised Arora with a rare straight one in the next over, we were back in charge. The Malta XI kept going but a real challenge fell away, allowing Will Langmead to pick up a late 3 for 20.

Two games which were thoroughly enjoyed by players and spectators. The hockey side also won both their matches, with the only blot being Mike Roper’s squash side who lost their opening match before levelling on the next day.

As for the rest of the tour, Eds did a good job. The food was excellent, the Maltese polite and forgiving and there were a few rather late nights.