The Elusive 10

Lee Mason as pictured in
today's Oxford Mail

Lee Mason's great performance in taking 9-20 at Shipton under Wychwood on Saturday provided him with the third best figures ever recorded in the Cherwell League, and almost certainly the best ever figures recorded by a Horspath player. Ironically they would have been even better if he had not conceded 12 wides in his spell.

Nine wicket hauls have been recorded by three other Horspath players.

The first was by Gordon Hamilton in a Village Cup match against local rivals Garsington in 1984 who claimed the last nine wickets to fall, whilst taking 9 – 34.

Following that Steve Shorter, probably the quickest bowler ever to play for Horspath, took the first nine wickets to fall against Oadby, and despite bowling for another eight overs could not take the final wicket as Oadby’s last pair held out for the final hour.

The last person to take 9 was Andy Cummings, who as recently as 2011 took 9-29 in a league match against Challow & Childrey II. He also suffered the misfortune of having the last man dropped that would have given him the full house.

So the challenge to take the first all 10 for the Club remains alive.