For the second successive week, it all came down to the final ball. This time VICTORY as Charlie, needing four for victory, whacked an 11-year old’s final ball into the next parish.

Outfields around the country have suffered from the drought, and Knotty Green’s hard, sandy desert was no different. On an afternoon that promised to be baking hot, stand-in Skipper Adam lost the toss and we were condemned to field.

With the Skipper still crocked, Pelis opened with the pacey pair of Charlie and Josh. But the Knotty openers stood resolute and it wasn’t until Raheel replaced Josh at the top end that number 2 was pinned LBW. The other opener, a biggish chap, got into his stride, including one massive six from Nic that landed on the roof of the adjacent care home. Clearly he had not been intimidated by Nic’s first ball follow-through pitch roll. With good support from number 3, the hundred was raised with just one wicket down. Another bowling change at the top end brought an end to the opener, bowled by Asad for 73. 117-2.

Asad continued to do what Asad does, 4 wickets, 3 bowled and one LBW. Charlie, returning for his second spell, removed number 3, caught behind. From there, resistance came mainly from the Knotty keeper, eventually bowled by Josh, following up with his trademark roar.

The final over saw two eleven-year-old colts at the wicket, bowled considerately by avuncular Adam. The first ball went to the shorter of the two, whose pull shot was so early that the ball caught the back of his bat as he came around in his follow-through. One run was taken as the ball squirted out through gully, to general hilarity and cheers from the pavilion. Off the final ball, the cocky whippersnappers took a single from a ball straight to Raheel in the covers; reluctantly he threw the ball in, and with no reluctance whatsoever, Tony removed the bails. “Life’s lesson, don’t take silly runs” was Tony’s verdict.

207 off 35 overs, fewer than had looked likely at one stage. Only only one regulation catch was offered – and taken – and Pelis had stuck to the task well in the dusty outfield. A couple of fielding notes. First, to call out the stand-in Skipper at mid-on, who clearly didn’t fancy a ball fired at him and managed only a flap as it raced past. Much more credit to Waz, who performed a number of stops with a style that might be described as a marionette controlled by a puppeteer in the throes of a seizure. Handsome is as handsome does though, every run counted in the final analysis.

Tea. No comment. No tea.

Six an over needed, with Asad and Raheel marching out to start the chase. 76 for the first wicket at roughly five an over. These days, batsmen’s strike rates tend to be expressed as runs per ball. Raheel’s 25 came in just 15 – overs, that is.

With Yusuf now at the wicket, and Asad accelerating, Knotty heads noticeably started to drop. Amit and Iceman, in at 4 and 5, watched on wondering if they would get a go. Until Asad, with another ton beckoning, was stumped for 84. 160-2, 50 needed off 10 overs, Pelis still in the driving seat.

Out strode Amit. His batting record, 70 off 5 innings, top score 53, tells us to expect a whirlwind 50 or not many. Today it was not many, his first ball hit like a rocket and caught miraculously. Very unfortunate. 160-3.

In strolled Iceman, greeted by Yusuf who said he wouldn’t be calling him for singles. “I’m not that decrepit” opined Iceman, “but go easy on the twos”. A stand of 24 in which Iceman played third fiddle to Yusuf and Extras. The 11 year old opening bowler came back for his second spell and removed Icey’s off stump. 184-4.

Scoreboard pressure did for Yusuf a few runs later, run out in a mix-up with Tony for an excellent 52. 190-5, 18 needed off 15 balls. Trouble was, Pelis had dealt almost exclusively in singles since Asad’s departure, Knotty Green fielding with enthusiasm and local knowledge and some help from the umpire. Tony’s certain four to square leg had been cut off by Nic’s ankle. Yusuf, too, had been denied in unusual style, firing a missile straight into the backside of the 11 year old bowler.

Who would make the big hits?

Josh, of course. Well, yes, one four and then played all around a full toss from the 11 year old. 201 for 6, two balls remaining, 7 needed. Fielding team notably chirpier.

Next, the 11 year old pushed a ball down the leg side. Unlikely to be deliberate given his hitherto erratic control, but Adam called the wide. Polite enquiries from the fielding team, but Adam remained adamant – “you can’t shove one down the leg side with just two balls remaining”. Another life’s lesson for the young tyro. Two balls, six needed. Charlie hits a couple, four needed. Final ball full toss from the 11 year old, met with full power by Charlie, striking one of the mature trees beyond the boundary, about 20 metres up.

Adam reports that suddenly all that could be heard was the ball tumbling to earth and otherwise silence…

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Reports are intended to convey an entertaining picture of the day’s play. No disrespect is meant, but if on occasion we misjudge matters, please take it in the friendly and humorous spirit in which it is intended.