MICKEY TAKES A DRAW

18/08/03: The OLCC celebrated Andrew Moss' 60th birthday with an entertaining draw against a team of star guests.

Winning the toss and opting to bat on an uneven pitch that would pose problems for batsmen all day, Moss opened for his Select XI and scored a majestic 56 before becoming one of three victims for legendary leg spinner Paul Chalmers, back in the UK for his second appearance of the season.

There were also wickets for Phil Samuels, Julian Shackel and Chris Straw while wicket-keeper Tom Gillmor claimed an impressive four dismissals (two catches, two stumpings) before the visitors declared on 163-7 from 59.4 overs.

The OLCC reply began positively with Paul Newell Price (29) and Samuels (34) putting on 57 for the first wicket, but despite further contributions from Straw (26) and Richard Newell Price (39), plus a late flurry from Tom Gillmor (14), the hosts fell just short on 153-7 from 40 overs.

Lunchtime consisted of an excellent sit-down feast, which had been kindly prepared by Susan Moss and her catering team, and was concluded by a number of speeches.

President Graham Carter relayed the good wishes of those unable to attend before playing a pre-recorded message from Robert Stein in which the City gent conferred Life Vice Presidency of the OLCC on the birthday boy. There then followed a visit from Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who had flown in from Disneyland for the day to present two gifts to Moss, who then gave a brief speech of thanks.

At tea, Moss was then presented with a gift from his old club Linton Park in Kent, while Tim Newell Price presented Moss with the inaugural "Peter May Gaffer Award".

After the game Tom Gillmor ran an excellent barbeque while drinks were served by Peter Straw and Tom Carter in a fitting conclusion to a memorable day.

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