There was some debate over whether we had won or lost the toss. Skipper-for-the-day JG confused his team mates with his sophistry: “no, I didn’t win the toss – the oppos lost”. I think he meant that the opposition skipper called, but wrongly.

The important thing is that the Pelis got to bat first, on one of the hottest days of the year, fortunately moderated by a slight breeze.

Asad and Amit opened. It was quite apparent from the off that this wouldn’t be a belter of a pitch. Too much uneven bounce, and not even Asad could find his timing. Iceman, who has form with Middleton Stoney on LBWs, turned down a confident appeal by the opening bowler against Amit. Just as well, since the Pelis innings had to be built around Amit’s vigil – 54 in 35 overs.

It wasn’t long before JG was exercising his finger, in favour of occasional midweek Pelican Ollie Ross and against Asad. Josh then batted fearlessly for 34 runs. However, immediately after striking his first 6 over the pavilion, he appeared transfixed by a ball from the elderly spinner.

Ali came and went quickly, sportingly walking having gloved to leg slip. Like Josh, Hasan looked to be getting going, but again like Josh, followed a fiercely struck 4 off a 13-year-old spinner by then bottom edging onto his stumps.

Little to say about the other batsmen, with the exception of Alex Hill’s 34, mixing striking out and shepherding the tail. Though it’s questionable whether 13-year-old Vrishab felt shepherded as Alex insisted that he set off on a suicide mission. Thanks to Alex’s efforts, the Pelicans posted a still sub-par 159, rather than a pathetic 130-odd.

It was still hot when the Pelis went out to field. Lacking a regular keeper, the gloves were taken by Josh (whose shoulder was crocked anyway). Being permanently in the centre of the action allowed Josh to exercise one of his favourite pastimes – chatting. In between he did take two catches.

The Middleton Stoney openers did a professional job of taking the game away from the Pelis, with a stand of 100-odd. Try as we might, Vrishab’s economy, JG’s swing, Amol’s pace and Hasan’s guile came to naught. It was only when spin was adopted that we started to make inroads. After taking an over to find his line and rhythm, third-change Alex bowled impeccably for 3-25 off 8 overs. The season’s surprise bowling package Ali also picked up a wicket. Sumit distinguished himself in the field, with 3 catches at mid/long on, including a huge steepler. And if we’re looking for Champagne moments at the end of the season, ct Sumit Khanna b Vrishab Khanna must surely be a candidate.

Eventually, Ollie Ross performed the last rites, with a 6 into the sightscreen. But it must be said that the Pelis persevered admirably in the heat, defending a sub par total and eking the match out into the last 4 overs.

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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.