Dogs Stop Newington's Tail From Wagging

Only two weeks after our last game the Dogs were back in business at the Jubilee Oval for our last game before the Christmas break. This time against what is rapidly emerging as our most enduring rivalry next to the Ashes saga: Newington Fathers. With several regular Dogs serving amongst their ranks, not least of which of course is the Captain Marcus Timpson, this is always a fixture with an edgy air of banter about it.

Batting first, the Dogs off to a cracking start with Billy cutler retiring on 25 after only a couple of overs! Bang, Bang, Bang and already we felt well on our way to victory. Sadly the momentum was never sustainable and our run rate floundered soon after with a series of regrettable scalps through before Sean Garvey and Captain Keith Saunders restored balance. In fact, with a six off his final ball before retiring, Keith established a Mad Dogs record - a 30 run innings (mathematically very hard given mandatory retirement on 25). After the first 20 overs the Dogs cantered into the pavilion on a very respectable 141.

The Dogs' bowling kept the Newington run rate reasonably under control but their top order were very proficient, with the 4 openers getting almost all Newington's first innings runs. But while young Eddie Timpson defended his wicket solidly, he wasn't able to accrue runs as quickly as he had in his previous appearance for the Mad Dogs. Meanwhile at the other end the Newington tail yielded their wickets easily - two of them to me I'm happy to say! They came in short on 116 gifting the Dogs a 25 run buffer - comfortable but not luxurious.

In our reply, the Dogs' performance suffered a tad from the impact of the half time beers and snags.

We all got a little lethargic. (This is perhaps best exemplified by my own innings, which ended somewhat before time when I played onto the stumps, via my foot!) However, JP and Mark Harvey as openers caused plenty of trouble with 25 between them, while Jez Boyse also gave it a good thwack . Nevertheless, our buffer had been wittered away and the scene was set for a very realistic chase in the fourth innings.

However, with the order now reversed, the Newington tail was again exposed and the Mad Dogs made early in-roads. An interesting innovation of bowling by Mr Boyse (relieved from wicket keeping by Mr Cutler) - which simulated hand grenade throwing - brought increased nervousness to the Newington batsmen. The other bowlers enjoyed more coventional dominance over those with the bat and wickets fell with too regular a cadence and for two cheap a reward.

Mad Dogs fixtures are often a family affair. Last match we had two Collins brothers in partnership at the crease; this week it was the Timpsons senior and junior (although only briefly). This made the Captain of the Newington Fathers the only member of his team to actually fulfil the role on the pitch.

Another surprising development was a complete turn around in the Dogs' efforts in the field. While previous catching efforts in the first innings had gone to ground, suddenly our fortunes changed. In particular Keith Saunders (our third Wicket keeper of the day) set what we think must be another Dogs' record - three catches in one innings.

By the time the more successful end of the Newington order arrived at the crease the task was beginning to look too great. With a tight field and a still potent attack, the much needed runs were too hard to come by. An imposing target of 30 off the last over was too much for them and the Mad Dogs were able to carry the day.

More pictures of a great day's cricket available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ojiupt1vsflbksa/AAAOUBg_mpY6QpjMQJY1CP-Pa?dl=0