Hero Mel writes perfect ending

Photo: Gareth Lowe

MAGIC MEL’S 100 REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL . . . Mel Whittle celebrates taking 100 wickets in a season

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

CRICKET: MEL Whittle could hardly have written a more appropriate script as he brought down the curtain on a remarkable 49-year cricketing career.

In his final appearance in a competitive match and at the age of 63, Oldham CC's greatest amateur bowler, current cricket chairman and groundsman, took his 11th "five-for" of the Lake Garage season to reach 100 wickets in his farewell campaign.

And, not content in taking the bowling plaudits as Oldham defeated Middleton by five wickets at the Pollards, the veteran was there in the middle with his skipper Chris McDonnell as victory and the gathering of four points was completed in style.

It simply could not have ended any better for a player who commands respect and affection from all those who have played with and against him.

Yesterday's match would have been nothing more than a routine end-of-season fixture had it not been for the Whittle factor.

Needing five wickets to make it three figures for the season – the first time he or any Oldham amateur has achieved the feat in the CLL – Whittle's chances looked bleak when he woke up to early-morning gloom.

"I was down at the ground at 7 o'clock to sort things out and back home for breakfast at 8, but I have to admit I didn't think the game was going to be on at that stage," he admitted.

The Pollards pitch was green and damp, but the umpires ruled that a 37-over game would take place, starting an hour and a half late at 2pm and, when Oldham won the toss, it was no surprise that McDonnell elected to bowl and give Whittle every chance of glory while the weather was set fair.

Four of the five wickets Whittle needed arrived with only 18 on the board, despite a couple of dropped catches off his bowling.

But it was the fifth - and hundredth for the season - which proved the most elusive as Danny Royle and Dale Highton attempted to repair the Middleton innings and deny Whittle his landmark achievement.

For seven overs, he toiled in vain and his tactic of switching around the wicket looked misguided.

But with, just two overs to spare, he struck the decisive blow, enticing the dogged Royle into an attempted drive which he only succeeded in squirting up in the air to point.

Even then, there was a twist to the tale. As Craig Taylor waited for what seemed an eternity for the ball to land in his hands, onlookers gasped as it jumped from his grasp and hit him on the chin before he grabbed it at the second attempt.

Cue the celebrations. Mel had taken five for 41 from 18 overs on his farewell appearance and the Oldham CC faithful were delighted. Middleton had been restricted to 102 for five from their 37 overs and their man had done the business.

But – and perhaps we should have known – Whittle was not done.

After Oldham had looked to be cruising to victory, a mid-innings wobble left them on 84 for five.

The situation cried out for a calming influence and Whittle was the man designated for the job.

Admittedly, he did try in vain to smash spinner Highton over mid-wicket for a match-winning six, but even though he failed to connect, he had a staunch ally in McDonnell.

Despite suffering with a heavy cold, the Oldham skipper hit the winning runs, his unbeaten 37 completing a fine season with the bat.

Whittle had begun the match with a guard of honour from both teams and he ended it raising his bat as he was applauded off the field, a winner to the very end.

He said: “I told the lads before the game that it was not about me taking five wickets, it was about us winning the game.

“I knew if we kept the runs down there was a good chance of picking up the wickets and that is what happened.

“I don’t think there is anyone in the CLL who expected me to take 100 wickets this season so it’s a great way to finish, especially with it being my 11th five-for in the 27 matches which have not been affected by the weather.

“I might celebrate with the odd glass of red wine when I get home tonight!”