What a fantastic way to end the Club's 150th Anniversary Celebrations of 2018. We have been blessed with fantastic weather for all of our big events in this momentous year for the Club and this final jamboree was no exception, despite it taking place on the last day of September.

In the absence of regular Club Captain David Overton, the honour and responsibility for leading the Mill Hill Village Select XI against Cross Arrows, on the Nursery ground at Lords, fell to Daniel Potter. Cross Arrows won the toss and elected to bat first. Things could not have started in worse fashion for the Home team, or indeed better for the Village, as Andrew Potter took a wicket with the first ball of the match, as opener Graeme Overy cut the ball straight into the hands of a grateful Felix Charles. When Charlie Sorenson batting at 3, attempted to hit the first ball of Andy Potter's following over through the covers on the up, he only succeeded in finding the skipper and he also departed for a duck. Cross Arrows were 2 down and Andy Potter had 2 wickets in 2 overs for 2 runs.

There followed a period of batting domination with 3rd and 4th wicket partnerships of 86 and 104 respectively, as Cross Arrows took firm control of the game, reaching 198 for 3 in the 37th over of this 45 over a side contest. Nicholas Schild (72) was scoring at a brisk pace and looking well set for a rapid hundred when he hit one to mid-wicket, where young George Leggett took a sharp catch off the bowling of Anand Kumar. J. Fenn was the rock of the home side innings batting for 38 overs for his 75.

The match swung back in the Village’s favour for a few overs, as 4 wickets fell for just 11 runs. The Cross Arrows middle order had a mini collapse in the hunt for quick runs, as they attempted to build on the solid platform provided. With one of the batting line-up having been carried off injured with a bad muscle tear, the hosts were effectively 8 down with 209 on the board and 5 overs still to bat. Captain Sam Smith provided the necessary late innings impetus, ending 33 not out and carrying Cross Arrows to a very competitive 244 for 9 in 44.3 overs. 3 balls of the innings went unused and, in the end, this proved to be quite crucial.

After a splendid Lords luncheon, the Mill Hill Village batting innings commenced, with Club stalwart Zafar Basit joining Danny Potter, the Club’s most consistent run scorer these days, at the crease. A solid start ensued, with a 70 opening partnership. Thomas Smith, MHVCC Club Junior, guesting for Cross Arrows CC due to a last minute drop out, troubled both openers with his consistent in-swing and occasional away seam movement. Zafar had contributed only 16 of the 70 stand when he fell to S. Martin, on as first change, in what looked like a harsh LBW decision. A duck from the Village number 3, left the score at 70-2 after 15 overs. A cameo from Club President, Pete Jaffe who struck a big six and two fours for an entertaining 16, leaving the visitors at 97-3.

Another Club stalwart and veteran of 25+ years of 1st team cricket, Felix Charles strode to the crease. Not as feline as he once was but still capable of influencing matches on this day….and today was his day. A crucial 4th wicket partnership of 88 took the score to 185 with 9 over to play. Danny Potter looked assured throughout. Timing the over-pitched ball crisply though mid-off and extra cover and working the spinners through mid-wicket, he was enjoying the quality of the surface and trueness of bounce often lacking in league pitches. Every time he looked as if he may be tied down, he found a boundary or scoring shot. Not a single maiden was bowled by the Cross Arrows attack throughout the innings and perhaps this ability of the Village batsman not to be tied down was key to the outcome. Felix’s unorthodox style complemented the elegant style at the other end, but he tried one paddle sweep too many and was well caught at short fine leg by Tommy Smith. 59 runs were needed from 54 balls with 6 wickets remaining.

Sanket Shah joined the skipper at the crease and the runs per over equation remained just above 6 for the next few overs. Wickets in hand meant that the batting side were always just favourites but there have been too many Village collapses to count in recent (and indeed not so recent) years, so the crowd (yes – there was one!) and players alike, remained on the edge of their seats. Sanket’s running between the wickets left a lot to be desired and the nightmare scenario of running out the well set best batsmen loomed large. Instead he opted to run one-short at a crucial time, from one of Danny’s shots, as he edged into the nervous 90s. Would he end up one run short of his century as a result?

The 40th over proved to be decisive as 17 runs were plundered from it, leaving the Village on 221-4, needing a further 24 runs from 30 balls. Extras were chipping in with some valuable contributions and an over throw or two also came in useful, as the Cross Arrows fielding and bowling came under pressure. Sanket departed for a useful 26, accrued at close to a run a ball. Rory MacLeod joined his old friend at the crease and carried on the momentum with some forceful shots into the leg side.

With 3 overs to play, the score was 232-5. 13 needed in 3 overs and Danny Potter on 98 not out. He crept to 99 while the score moved to 234. Everyone held their breath. Several previously engrossed in the Ryder Cup singles matches even wandered out onto the balcony to watch. A classy hundred was brought up with a quality trademark drive through extra cover, all along the ground. Hearty congratulations from team mates, spectators and opposition players was richly deserved. It was an outstanding match winning innings at Lords, the home of cricket and one that will live long in the memory.

The winning runs followed in the next and penultimate over of the innings. Mill Hill Village CC beating Cross Arrows CC by 5 wickets. Cross Arrows were superb hosts and whilst the result, was pleasing, it was really all about the Club and the occasion. A fitting climax to a fabulous 150th year. Let’s hope the Club can continue to be successful in the years to come.