The day itself, despite a rather sunless start, proved to be not a bad one if all things weather interest you (which to be fair if you follow cricket means the lot of us).

A visit to Middleton Stoney is always a pleasure, particularly for Messrs Greenwood and Fairweather given it’s the one fixture a year with travel time sub 45 minutes, but also because of their beautiful ground and the good folk Middleton Stoney 1st XI are excellent hosts.

Winning a tight game of “which hand is the stone in” was the skip du jour’s only real contribution and gave us the honour of the decision. He then followed his strategy of “What would Toobes not do?” so the Pelis strode out for a bat. Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam would have be proud too, as father and son were our 1&2 with James and Dave looking to open our account. A brief affair sadly with James looking to leave the USO* which pitched on a length on middle-stump which proved fatal, so out came Ajmal to get us motoring. He made a start and got to 12, before being called for a suicidal single by “Pappa Doc” Bailey, and being run out. The opposition sportingly suggested this was a tight call but in such circumstances I am always reminded the view of our clumpire NVDP that the two outcomes are “in” or “out” there is no “nearly out” or “nearly in.” Finger raised and be off with you!

A tight period followed with wickets and a steady dribble of runs, the ground and Middleton Stoney is gorgeous but a lush recently rained on outfield, and pitch size on the generous was always going to result in a reduced run volume. Dr B continued to move on steadily, with one appeal for caught behind declined by the umpire despite some protestations (I’ve checked and the book says not out) partners coming and going, with Josh and JG adding some valuable additions towards the end. Waz ended the innings facing one ball too many, which as it happens was ONLY one ball, so tea was taken.

During this period something of a drama unfolded. Mr Arif failed to notice the wasp taking up temporary residence in his drinks can, and was promptly stung on the top lip. During the break fair to say Ajmal’s lip reached epic proportion and far great than anything a Kardashian might consider. He therefore departed early – for the second time in a day! Thankfully the oppo kindly sported us a fielder however, so our thanks.

Conversation was then had about the fact that 138 may be enough (it wasn’t) and that we had plenty of bowling to give us a chance (we did). Opening was Waz and Nixon who both bowled well, and in Nixon’s case darn quickly if Dr Bailey’s face when he collected the first few into his gloves were to be observed. Dr B had his work cut out for him and manly dove both sides of the stumps for a number of the bowlers. Replacing our openers was Josh and Juelz who both bowled really well with a couple of overs from Josh delivering some absolute seeds. An echoing trickle of runs and wickets to our own effort but sadly runs were achieved whilst wickets remained, which is often the case with three dropped catches. Never mind. Game over.

A bbq and beer after the game with some thoroughly lovely opposition. Onwards.

*Unexpected Straight One

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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.