“Special mention goes to Mihir Mogre for traveling from another continent to make his Allstars debut – he was to impress both with the bat and in the outfield,” read the St Anne’s Allstars release. Well, they were certainly correct in their mention as Mr. Mogre put up a stunning show on debut for the team against Barbarian Weasels.
Allstars’ skipper James Morgan won the toss and elected to bat first at Barnes. Morgan’s decision to go in first turned out to be a disappointing one as they lost two wickets without any score on the board.
Mihir joined the skipper at number four and steadied the ship for his side. The two stitched a stand of 51 runs in 8 overs before the captain was sent back in the hut. Mihir was then joined by Sam Perera who came into the bat at number 5. Perera had some different plans as he struck 10 runs off the first three balls that he faced including a four and a maximum.
The two batsmen out might have had a distinguished style of play but it complemented each other. Mihir and Perera compiled a partnership of 166 runs for the fourth with the debutant (Mihir) smashing a ton for his side. Perera too chipped in with 74.
Mihir was eventually trapped in the front for 107 by Tom while Perera was stumped off the same bowler. Allstars put 246/5 in 35 overs.
Weasels in reply had a promising start to the chase but a mix-up in the middle and some good work in the field by Allstars gave them a breakthrough. Despite the fall of a wicket, Weasels kept scoring runs at a brisk pace and were 106/2 when the drinks were called.
The break helped Allstars rejig their plans. The bowlers did come to the rescue and picked some wickets in quick succession to leave Weasels struggling at 155/6. However, Omar and Iain Wilson took charge of the situation.
Weasels needed 36 off the last 4 overs with two wickets in hands but they failed to go over the line as Allstars won by 14 runs.
Brief Scores
St Anne’s Allstars 246-5 (35 overs: Mihir Mogre 107, Sam Perera 74) beat New Barbarian Weasels 232-9 (35 overs: Amjad 43, Wilson 41*, Perera 2-27, Jimmy Scott 2-41, Tony Grant 2-47) by 14 runs.
Allstars debutants: Mihir Mogre, Ibrar Hussain, Max Bascombe.
