Genuine thanks to Younger the younger (Emma) for making up the numbers. She even managed to bat four times longer than Cuscus... though on reflection, a trivial point.

OPEC lost the toss and Warfield elected to bat. The combination of pace and accuracy from OPEC and Whisper contained them and wickets began to fall. The sun was shining, Pilgrim fielding was keen and at one stage Warfield were 47-3.

Then came the clouds and rain and with them a dampening in performance on the field. Elvis’s throwing was as accurate as Penthouse’s (aka Tantra) latter comment about the critical turning point and with Robin Cousins bowling things looked bleak. (Huh? – ed). The sun reappeared and Penthouse awoke, scampering from cover to nearer extra to bag a much needed wicket. The lethal Hansie and Starfish combo then proved its value, reducing them to 120-odd for 9. “Hansie’s back!” we cried – not referring to the brown stain on the back of his whites!

A cunning bit of captaincy then saw the return of OPEC and with it Warfield’s final wicket: 130 all out.

Cornflakes for tea!

More guile from OPEC brought about the maiden opening pairing of Betty and Daisy. Betty looked in good nick, ’til he nicked one – for 11. Daisy was set for the day, still flaunting it in front of his folks. Penthouse joined Betty in the 11 Club, as did Elvis soon after. Cuscus might not have bothered... it was a golden moment.

Backs to the wall, Starfish and OPEC set about acquiring the remaining 84 required with some dismissive batting. But, with hopes rising, OPEC was dismissed, skying one to short mid-off. Whisper was admitted to the 11 Club, Starfish was plum, on a highest score of 31. With Younger the younger and Younger the elder at the crease the Pilgrims plight seemed desperate. Despite their valiant efforts, Emma’s rapier-like straight drive was too straight – caught and bowled: 114 all out.

With more sunshine and less drizzle surely our first win of the season is less than a week away.