The Mavericks Ease Past Horley in the Surrey Slam

After the narrow loss to Outwood in a game that we know we should have won, The Mavericks were given a tough Surrey Slam ¼ final assignment away at the unbeaten Horley Hackers. Captain Jack lost the toss for the 134th time this season and South were asked to field. Bearing in mind the Thackers had won their last game by 10 wickets, we knew that our bowling and fielding levels had to be at the same level as our performance against Oxted.

A big crowd were in as the action started and with the 2nd ball of the match Wigs gets one to straighten, opener Derham is trapped in front plumb LBW, what a start. Smithy is next in and make a mess of Remfrey’s stump with a full fast one 12-2. Opener Stephenson was starting to find the boundary but Lewy cleaned both him and Razzaq to have the Whackers in serious trouble at 28-4. The other Remfrey & Waddington start to get the Bhackers back on track with a 50 partnership before Wigs gets a bit of extra bounce and take a return catch off a leading edge and Remfrey departs. The dangerous Waddington goes after Wigs who smashes the ball down towards the clubhouse for a certain 6 before Lewy jumps and takes a sensational one handed catch….in the words of the great Richie Beanaud….”I swear it was out of his reach”……catches do win matches.

Sundays centurion Damo then picks up a wicket courtesy of Smithy’s safe hands, Fazzy & Dylan bowl the remaining overs with Fazzy picking up 2 wickets whilst having a plumber LBW turned down. The Chackers close at 122-9 from their allotted 20.

The message in the dressing room was the job was half done, we needed a run a ball so let’s bat properly. We certainly batted deep, Lewy, Marusy, The Colonel, Damo, Mark at 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 represented a strong middle/late order. What followed was bordering on violence. In the first over Smithy pured an extra cover drive hit so hard that it almost took the fielders hand off…..that hurt!! It only set the tone as Smithy & Walker demolished the Qhackers bowling attack, sending the ball to all parts. A hooked six, fours to all parts, 36-0 off 3 became 58-0 off 5 with the travelling South WAGS & friends cheering every shot. It was incredible to watch and I am not sure our hosts knew what hit them. Smithy retired having hit a massive six for 51 off 23 balls, Fazzy dropped first ball made 15, Walks 40 off 31 and it was left to JB & Wigs to get South over the line not before Jack having correctly counted to 5 again tried to do what he has done to so many others and run out Wigs.

Game shot, 123 off 14.4 overs and the game was won. Well played South. Some thank yous………Courtenay for scoring, the twitter feed and drinking lots of lager. A massive thanks to the South supporter who turned up in their numbers WAGS, Parents, Grandparents, Gibbo, the better Bellars, Gouldsboroughs, Paulettes, Campbells, Maruses, Wainscoats – the team really appreciate it (apologies if anyone was missed off)

So…….a home southern semi-final and a date for your diary TUESDAY 24th JULY 6pm against Reigate Priory. The sun will be shining, the bar will be stocked, maybe even a BBQ and definitely Courtenay will have the sounds blaring out. Bring the family, it is going to be a fantastic night. Dare to dream!!