Most Pilgrims arrived early for the first real game of the season and optimism was in the air (personally, I felt we could have done with him at square leg!). The weather was certainly colder than expected but we were all keen to get going and avenge last year’s narrow draw which we should have won.

Moggie was chomping at the bit knowing he was going to take a little detour to see his Pro(fessional Pilates instructor) with whom he’d had managed to secure ‘mates rates.’

On arrival we were told that the Nomads didn’t have much bowling – which was wonderful news, as we didn’t have much batting!

Pilgrims fielded first and despite an opening maiden (the only one of the innings) things pretty much went downhill from there. The fielding was shocking from just about everyone as the basics seemed to desert the entire team. The ball was being pinged to all parts of the ground and none of the bowlers could really get going. Before too long Nomads were about 150 for one after 1.5 hours!

Thankfully Hansie managed to turn the screw a little and picked up four valuable wickets, but Edgar’s Doosra/flipper was unable to contain them at the other end.

Nomads’ 280 seemed like a big target, but not unobtainable – seven an over has always been the Tabard mark!

Tea was a simple affair – cake and sandwiches and a check on the footie scores (Chelsea looked to have it in the bag at half time.) Moggie did mention that his cup of tea tasted ‘uninspiring!’

The Pilgrims innings started perfectly, with Edgar pulling the first ball for a magnificent four. Bishop, however, didn’t last long and his departure was the top of the slippery slope! I think Nomads may have bowled five maidens in a row! Two ducks, one golden and another two not really troubling the scorers.

We slipped to 35 for five after about 15 overs. We needed to survive at least another 25 to see out the draw and all we had left were the four strike bowlers. Juggs picked up the new Tabard bat (sorry Kommander, it was the Gray-Nicolls not the pink-handled Gunn & Moore!) and managed to hang around for the rest of the innings ably supported by Clarence, putting on what we believe to be a Tabard record eighth wicket stand of around 116.

The Tabard stood firm and secured a memorable draw, ending just 92 runs shy! At the start of the day the cricket was looking village! But in the end, the game of cricket itself shone like a new star.

We also christened Simon with his Pilgrim name. Sometimes it takes months, sometimes it takes seconds. Welcome to the club Spooner!