Let’s start with tea. Tea was a fabulous feast with meringue nests, coffee cakes and sandwiches of every type. Many thanks indeed to the Hickman’s for their labours. (Well, mostly to Rona, but I’m sure Andrew made himself useful too.)

MSCC won the toss, chose to bat, and after one ball had made their fastest start of the season as it sped to the boundary for 5 wides. Once settled both of the Jester’s seam bowlers looked lively and troubled the openers. Howard Lancaster crunched one wide half volley for 4 through point, but Matt Carpenter chased a wide one to be pouched at first slip. Ben Merritt, making his Middleton Stoney debut, looked assured batting first wicket down. He crunched the ball into the off side and tested the hands of the Jester’s fielders time after time. Howard fell during an impressive spell from the visitor’s own debutant, Wilkinson, who was to complete an 8 over spell of 2 -16. Mark Ford-Langstaff joined Ben. Together they were building a promising third wicket partnership against some accomplished bowling. The ball had lost its shine, the openers had been seen off and batting was about to become easier, but Ben played his first false shot, skewing the ball to cover to depart for 18, a score which did not reflect how well he had been playing.

Mark began to find his stride, playing a series of sweeps to the slow bowling of Short, the Jester’s most venerable player. Neither Max Langdale, nor Stevyn Jackson lasted too long in support, but Stevyn did manage to play one thumping straight drive, only to see the umpire inadvertently prevent a certain boundary. The in-form Jamie Lumb announced his arrival at the crease with a series of boundaries, interspersed with studious defensive caution to the good ball. Mark fell to a catch at extra cover which never looked like been taken until a snake like arm stretched out. His 29 included four 4s and a six, a six which picked out his own car on the mid-wicket boundary.

Tim Riley joined Jamie with 40 mins remaining. Together they added a rapid fifty which took the score towards a respectable declaration target. Jamie was caught on the boundary as the clock clicked towards tea, giving just enough time for Michael Simpson to boost his average with 1*.

Adnan has been a thorn in Middleton’s side most years. Usually with the ball. This year he was carrying an injury and needed to bat with a runner. For the second week running MSCC made a poor start. 20 had been posted in the first two overs as Adnan ran riot, driving back past the bowler or pulling square. It is fair to say that Adnan rode his luck. Three times in three Robin Cumming’s overs he mis- hit the ball to square leg, the first an easy chance, the second and third a little tougher and perhaps out of the sun. The cards delivered by fate to Adnan had been “get out of jail free” whilst the unfortunate fielder had picked “three swords”.

Sam Norley picked up the first wicket, a leading edge easily taken by Ben at extra cover. Adnan continued to dominate the scoring, as Jesters raced along at 8 an over. Matt Carpenter slowed the flow, replacing Robin, while the wiles of Simmo drew a rare defensive shot from the blade of Adnan. Adnan sailed past his half century and seemed destined for three figures when the captain came on to bowl. Jamie Lumb behind the stumps was alert to the chance and Adnan departed for 81 from a total not yet past 120. A third and fourth wicket quickly followed allowing Middleton spirits to rise. Jester’s middle order batsmen were not fazed, as Tim forgot how to bowl and gifted a series of long hops and full tosses. The Jester’s won with time to spare adjourning to bar and barbeque.

Many thanks as usual to Richard Lumb and Chris Greer for umpiring and scoring and to Seril and Andrew for running the bar. Next week sees the return of Simon Lee with the Heaven Help us XI. It will also be the day of the fifty club draw.  Places remain available for the Players Dinner on September 24, they are going fast so please confirm your attendance as soon as you can to ensure a seat.