MCC Triumphs Over Oxford CC in Spectacular Cricket Match Sponsored by RioMed.

In what can only be described as a splendid day of cricket, both the men’s and women’s MCC teams emerged victorious against their Oxford CC counterparts. The spectators had a treat of entertainment with the pleasing setting and high-quality performances. 

The shadows had hardly begun to outrun their objects by the time the MCC women had rounded off a great session of bowling to leave the Oxford ladies reeling at 94-9 off their 20 overs, 28 runs short of the target.  

The Oxford women had suffered a shaky start in their chase against some tight opening spells by Gemma Porter and Davis. Oxford’s talismanic stalwart Genevieve Porter fell to Davis while Gemma Porter accounted for Trishan Holder. Izzy Kirby,  joined the doughty Eleanor Bath to restore some credibility to the Oxford total. Their stand of 29 was Oxford’s highest but then Bath fell to a well-taken run-out from Amanda “Steamer” Potgeiter, and Kirby was removed by Danielle Warren.  

The innings continued to be entertaining and kept Joe Ward, their dedicated scorer, busy. Emilia Bartram struck some lusty blows and was on the verge of bringing the Oxford innings back on track before aggravating an injury and hobbling to a run-out. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as MCC turned the screw although Numa Shah and Ridhi Kashyap shared an entertaining stand of 21. Gemma Porter creased with Issy Routledge to construct a match-winning stand.  

The men’s game had also been an entertaining affair as the MCC opened up on a cloudless morning at Jordan Hill. The weather had decided to bless this great gathering of the old and the new, players and spectators, young and old.  

After the loss of an early wicket, MCC had set about their task with a gusto, tucking into anything too short or too full. MCC were helped by a number of dropped catches in the rough and tumble nature of a T20 game, this one being played in whites. 
Oxford captain Dylan Swanepoel switched his bowlers around to stem the flow of runs but there were good partnerships between Chowdury and Puri and then Toor and Shroff capitalising on the dropped chances. Oxford youngsters Appleton and Newbury were happy to have bagged a brace each. The MCC total of 196 was at once a tall order but also seemingly within reach, on a good deck and fast outfield.  

The Oxford openers made their way to the middle to begin the task of overhauling 196 in 120 balls. William Ashton and his opening partner Swanepoel looked the more aggressive, helping himself to a classic straight six on the way to 29 runs at a good lick. Harry Way continued the good work after his captain’s departure but once Ashton had been bowled by Simeons, the middle order struggled against an ever-rising asking rate and ever-dwindling number of balls left. Despite some late big hits, the MCC bowlers held firm, eventually leading their team to victory. 

There was a sense of quiet efficiency about the ground as the Oxford CC players and staff went about their roles, calmly overseen by their chief choreographer, Ros Porter. Aside from making sure that the players and guests were welcomed and looked after, the lunch well organised by Molly Muir. She was aided by another club legend and personality, Ross Buchanan, who nearly stole the show with endless, unstinting rounds of ice-cold watermelon slices throughout the day.  

The event was proudly sponsored by RioMed. Players and guests enjoyed a great lunch and a word from the sponsors. It was a pleasant change for them to see such passionate sponsors.  

Ali Shah from Oxford CC stated, “I had the pleasure of catching up with RioMed founder and MD, Mario Mohammed during the interval, resplendent in his MCC regalia, to talk about our playing days at Headington as it then was. He was the most fearless batter I had seen and passionate about his cricket. And to top it all, he is still the same humble and approachable person that we knew and loved back in the day. I am glad to say that the same fearlessness and passion shines through in the great work that his company is doing.” 

Shafeda Mohammed, highlighted the importance of equality, diversity and inclusivity within the world of cricket. Shafeda also announced that RioMed would continue their sponsorship of Oxford CC for a further five years.    

This day went beyond cricket as the 44 players, the officials, and spectators gathered for the closing presentations. There was still a happy energy and generous applause as the match officials received the recognition they deserved, and Oxford CC players Will Ashton and Emilia Bartram took the Mike Nurton trophies. The day had promised much and had delivered on a grand scale.