WHAT THEY SAID

30/06/02: Reaction from the OLCC's stunning one-wicket victory over the Old Edmundians in the Brewers Cup.

Mike Thomas: "It's fantastic. It was a good knock and I enjoyed it. I thought we could win it the moment they dropped that first chance off me. The captain's words when I went out were 'just listen to Shingo', which I did, until he was out."

... on building his record-breaking innings: "I counted up to 50, but then I can't count past that."

OLCC captain Paul Newell Price: "I'm proud of my men. We were struggling slightly at 163 for nine, but when it came to the point that where we needed eight an over from the last six overs and Mike cracked two fours, I said to Shingo that we'd do it with overs to spare. He tried to throttle me. Then as we got closer Shingo said to me that we'd be having a few beers tonight, and I nearly throttled him!"

Richard Newell Price: "I was very glad to make way for Shack. I knew it was going to be his day."

Julian Shackel (as the OLCC wickets were tumbling): "I hope I'm not going to have to bat today."

Graham Carter: "Having had 251 scored against us and with 74 for five on the board at tea, I spoke to some of the team and questioned whether their journeys had been worthwhile because I thought the situation was a foregone conclusion. Indeed, when we were 94 for seven it certainly looked like curtains. What followed was a true privilege to witness."

Tom Gillmor: "It was the best comeback since Elvis."

Paul 'Judith' Chalmers: "It was well worth the petrol."

Jonny Shingles : "I was pleasantly surprised. I was telling Mike not to rush it and that he didn't have to hit every ball for four or six., just play the bad ball. As we went on I was pleased to see his running between the wickets improve significantly. Having been on the receiving end of many a Mickey lecture for not running on the right side of the pitch, I felt I was well placed to counsel him."

Mickey Moss: "I had a look at the score on the website in the afternoon and I didn't like the look of what I saw."

Charles Allan: "I reckon when Mickey looked on the website at the end of the day he would have said 'well, I'm buggered'."

... on the value of friendship: "It's so nice to win with all your mates around."

Alastair Thomas: "Sorry I can't make the game skip, you might want to ask my brother instead."

Chris 'Jack' Straw: "We don't want to face the Old Cranleighans in the next round.... oh."

Various opposition players: "I don't think I've ever played in a cricket match like that."

Robert Stein, on being asked why the selectors did not pick Michael Thomas initially: "I can only put that down to incompetence."

... on being told the outcome of the match: "You're b*ll-sh***ing me."

Phil Samuels: "Both teams were quite evenly matched, but the fire in the belly of the OLs burned brightest. As I walked off after being dismissed the oppo thought they'd won it. I was delighted to see us do it."

... while watching the thrilling 10th-wicket stand: "We'll be OK so long as we don't lose a wicket."

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