Someone won the toss (what an excellent, accurate, hard-nosed newsman start! ed) (but unfortunately, innacurate – Webmaster) and we fielded first.

They had some handy batsmen who decided to knock us about for bit. Noteworthy figures included our two ringers: Pinder (72/0) and Hamish (58/0) (that’d be Frodo – ed). Hansie fared a little better, taking a wicket. Bowler of the day was the Petrol Baron with 16 for one – but he had to retire from the bowling after a dropped catch broke his finger. Fielding really wasn’t too bad – in particular an energetic Tipple on the uphill boundary. The home side reached an impressive 233 for two.

The coronation chicken sandwiches and a superb brew were the highlights of the tea.

Daisy and TAR opened the batting and TAR managed 13 before falling to straight one. Tipple came in and knocked it around for a quick 19. Daisy remained for half the 40 overs for the same number of runs.

There was then a collapse – the notable event being that RIP A scored a personal best and his first six runs for the ’Grims. Skipper Bully was obviously feeling the pressures of captaincy as he was caught behind for eight. The ‘winged’ Petrol Baron managed to add another 21 before falling to a fine catch from the keeper. He was briefly joined by Hansie who was later asked by his son: “Dad, why don’t you always smack it around the ground like you did today”. Out of the mouths...

We were all out for 168 off 32.5 overs, which would normally have secured us a victory against our usual fodder. But highest scorer of the day was extras and byes: a total of 57 added to our total. The short boundary behind the far wicket meant that a few byes went for four. Particularly off of one bowler henceforth dubbed “Wide Boy”. Daisy at one point suggested that he actually attracted wide balls?!

Fortunately the home side were very sporting, amiable types who didn’t play their more able bowlers. That may well have been a different story.

Man of the match was Tipple for fielding so well and his 19 runs.