Match Report

Turville Park won the toss and batted first. Their captain opened and was on 89 not out when the rain forced us off for an early tea. And what an astonishing debut tea it was by Marc, Cher and Clementine! Many thanks to all three, who share the champagne moment.

Simon Pettit and Paul Wordsworth had opened the bowling, followed by Mike Simpson and myself, then Tim Riley. There were quite a few LBW appeals, especially by Mike Simpson, one of which removed the other opener. Their number 3 had waited during that century opening partnership but was soon out for 0, hitting me into the stratosphere above mid-on where Tim Riley took a good catch. Given that it was so wet, our other bowlers, Richard Morris keeping wicket and all our fielders did well.

When we went back out, I asked Simon Pettit to start a second spell. It was too wet and he injured himself, slipping in his delivery stride, so we all returned to the pavilion.

After another half hour and plenty of sawdust, we tried to resume the game. By now, they had declared. Tim Riley and Jay Mumtaz strolled to 6 for 0 in the few balls Turville Park managed before the rain returned stronger than ever and umpires Howard Lancaster and Jon Springer brought the players off for the last time.

Mike Simpson sent Turville Park on their way by cheerily announcing to their dressing-room that we had won on Duckworth-Lewis adjusted scores.