The Moose rolled up to the Kentish Horse, which as per usual was hosting the world renowned Folk Festival, in high spirits. Following a long winter of hibernation, the Moose were looking forward to the season opener against Falconhurst. There were a number of Moose debutants for this one and their nerves were eased by the distant sounds of pan pipes and tambourines, washed down with some local ales.

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After being put into bat in a declaration game, the Moose started shakily with the loss of Jasper Neame to the 2nd ball of the innings after a devil ball from the opening bowler. The Falconhurst pitch lived up to its lively reputation and didn’t take long before balls were turning square, popping up and skidding through on numerous occasions. Barry Heap and Rory O’Dell continued where they left off last year and played some sublime strokes, peppering the boundary on a regular occasion. 50 was reached with relative ease, and once again the pitch cost a few middle order wickets. Tom Voyce came to the crease and started with aggression and ripped apart the Falconhurst bowlers. He was ably supported by Rupert Harris who played with all the guile and craft that you expect from this wily Moose. Tom Voyce continued to batter the bowlers with 6’s and 4’s, and the Falconhurst bowlers were left wondering what they had done to deserve such treatment. Our tail wagged well and on Tom Voyce completing an extraordinary 100 not out, the Moose declared on 219-8.

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After the usual commendable tea the Moose took to field with pride and vigour. Unfortunately Jamo, nursing a nasty knee injury, didn’t take the field and was seen cavorting on the boundary interspersed with the role of Moose photographer. After the first ball Falconhurst were 0 for 1 and 3 balls Falconhurst were 0 for 2…. Rory O’Dell opened up with an extraordinary spell. He was ably assisted by Adam Hunter who bowled with aggression. Every Moose got a bowl and bowled well limiting Falconhurst to 41 for 7. David ‘Oppy’ Oppenheimer kept very well behind the wicket, Matt Lee rolled back the years with a couple of wickets, Barry Heap, Will Gay, Jasper and Rupert Harris all bowled tight spells. The Moose was met with some resistance when David ‘Brock’ Brocklehurst came in and followed each shot with some fabulous commentary. Tom Voyce wrapped up the tail with 2 wickets, Falconhurst all out for 86, and capped off his man of the match performance with a direct hit run out.

 

Special mention must go to Jasper Neame who won the Meat raffle in the pub after the game, a lovely way to end the day.

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Well played Tom, and congratulations to all. A great start to the Moose Season.