Arriving in good time and with the sun on our backs, the Pilgrims felt it was time to seal their first victory since June 19.

With at least six bowlers at his disposal, Penthouse decided to put the opposition in, thinking we would turn them over in swift time, knock the runs off and be back in the Tabs for teatime... mmm.

Tipple and Xero opened the bowling and were fairly economical, Tipple taking two early wickets in consecutive balls. Hughie was first change but disappointed as he was unable to control the fearful swing his action imparts and was called for six wides in his first over. He was replaced by Kommander who started well but was then carted for a couple of maximums as the Northchurch opener decided it was time to push the score along.

With the introduction of the Colonel, it seemed as if they might reach 300, such was the ferocity of hitting seen. Some likened it to the great English player of the 1900s, Gilbert Jessop, and the heads went down. Catches were dropped and the captain was losing it. Things were not helped when, after a scathing attack on his fielders from Penthouse, he himself proceeded to drop a dolly. However, Hughie, Hansie and the returning Tipple managed to stem the flow and Northchurch ended their 40 overs on 230 for five.

If batsmen got in, there was a chance. They didn’t. So there wasn’t. Hansie and Daisy opened with Daisy being bowled early on. Hansie looked very steady but unfortunately hit his own wicket (a first for the ’Grims) just as he was looking to cut loose. Penthouse looked out of touch compared to his previous innings, being trapped lbw and Moggie missed a straight one.

Kommander looked in fairly good nick, racing to 19 before dollying a catch to gully of the bowling of a 12-year-old attempting to farm the strike. Trish and Pammers were dismissive until they were both bowled and the Colonel played the worst shot of his life to be caught. It was left to the gallant Xero to record his highest Pilgrims score of 17 and steer us through the 100 before Hughie was given out LBW by his brother.

The game was lost because we couldn’t catch, pure and simple. Eight catches were put down, five of which would be considered very easy on any cricket pitch. The Pilgrims are always going to be in trouble chasing over 200 but could easily have made 150.

It has been said on numerous occasions but it needs to be said again: we need to be on the field 15 minutes before the start of play to warm up and throw the ball around. It gives you a feel of the ball and a feel of your surroundings. Enough said.

Man of the Match: Hansie (another first!)

Presiding: His Vindictiveness, Recorder Moggie