Dodgers' 2026 fixture against the Ministry of Justice is noteworthy as we now have more MoJ representation in our side than they do- possibly for the first time. More interestingly in a non-cricketing context, this year we had the good fortune to face them on the eclipse evening. While some London locales were packed with special glasses-wearing crowds (or at least squinters) we were lucky to share our view of the special occasion between our two elevens, and the few score of geese populating Pitch A's outfield of course.
Jack opened the bowling with a high-octane over, getting knocked for 14 runs before producing a jaffa with his final ball to take the wicket of the would-be slogger. His second over went similarly- conceding two rapid boundaries and then catching the batter out with a slower ball (suggestion courtesy of Mehboob, who gets the assist). From the other end Will opened his own account in his second over, bowled through the gate with typical flair. He finished his spell with another bowled wicket, sparing the blushes of Charlie's drop, and leaving MoJ 48-4 after six eventful overs. Charlie dropped another catch off of Brendan's first ball, a real dolly at mid-on I'm afraid to say, and a costly one as the lucky batsman would go on to retire within five overs (most of those runs coming off of Brendan). In Charlie's own spell he went wicketless, but rest assured his plaudits are coming... Satya and Rafi came in at second change to great effect: Sat produced two wickets straight out of his textbook of quicker deliveries, conceding only 8 runs in his spell. Rafi took 3-fer in his very impressive debut spell for Dodgers, including a redemptive catch from Charlie, to see us over the line and capping MoJ at a total of 118.
Our innings break ended up perfectly timed to catch the most dramatic amount of coverage (91.5% at Kings House) of the eclipse, which had sufficiently darkened the latter overs of the first innings. Aside from a few glimpses between overs, we had not yet had a proper view of the encroaching moon until this pause and speaking for myself at least, it was incredibly impressive to watch. A very special thanks to Charlie's glasses (ordered in good time by Georgina), which gave us a much clearer perspective than Mike's charming-but-basic cereal box viewer. It may not have been the drama of 100% coverage but it was still a memorable occasion that I'm glad to have shared with Dodgers.
Our chase began with the moon in retreat, but still casting a dull light over our efforts. Mehboob and Mike opened for us, setting a good platform through three overs before Mehboob was caught for 12. Will came to the crease with a mind to put the game to bed, piercing the field (of geese) almost straight away for four. But despite a 14-run over he decided to ramp the last ball and was (probably deservedly) bowled. Rafi came in at four and settled in to build a partnership with Mike- at least until our old stalwart bat mistimed his shot to a full-toss and was well caught at square leg for 16. No problem, Sat will do the damage instead and- hold on, this can't be right, caught for 1? Ok, not to worry, Jack to the crease instead. A good day for a retirement, or so we thought watching him flash to point, out for 14. Luckily Rafi has been batting smartly, and with Charlie as his partner we'll still get over the line with overs to spare; at least until the youngster was bowled for 9. Suddenly Dodgers are 86-6, requiring 34 runs from 34 balls in a match that has become far more exciting than it had any right to be. Tom tried his best to be a serviceable partner to Charlie but was caught after only 3 runs. Still, he fared better than either Ralph (2-ball duck) or Brendan (golden duck). So Dodgers fall short in the end, short of an eleventh batsman and still 18 runs shy.
But wait, what's this? MoJ have kindly offered our lowest scorer to return as number eleven, to their ruin. Back walks Ralph, aka Hoggy, to notch 5 important runs and get Charlie on strike for the final over: 12 needed off six. Dot, 2, dot to start. Hmm. A wide- a chance? Another pair of twos (great running between the wickets) and suddenly Charlie is facing the final ball of the day needing four to win. He positively crunches it to deep backwards square, where it flattens the flag as it skips over the boundary and secures us a thrilling victory in a last-gasp moment of heroics. Dodgers win! And what a win, on a night to remember for a few reasons. Fair play to MoJ for allowing us an 11th (and not realising in the moment that it probably should've been me rather than Ralph...) and reminding us that the spirit of cricket is still sometimes alive and well in some circles.
Man of the match
Charlie 6
Rafi 3
Ralph 1
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