The enigma that is the Tabard Pilgrims continued to tap out its own peculiar code on Sunday as they eclipsed a strengthened Polytechnic side but still managed only a draw.

Batting first on a very green wicket the ’Grims moved smoothly to 166 for 5, sportingly declaring shortly before tea to allow the Poly keeper to minister to his bloodied nose – the inevitable result of standing up to the stumps on a wicket of hugely variable bounce. The outstanding innings came courtesy of the flashing strokeplay of Sir Betty (66 not out and still hung-over!), with cameos from the returning Pilco (43) and OPEC (20).

The egg sandwiches at tea were splendid.

As the storm clouds loomed, Xero, bowling beautifully for no return and Cus Cus (2 for a few) formed a highly effective strike force allowing Captain Inzy to meddle with the field to his heart’s content. In fact the only players who were spared deployment to every corner of the playing surface were ‘Clang’ aka Pilco (keeper) and Babe (Sequoia). With the exception of a few yippy moments all the bowlers acquitted themselves admirably and would have rolled up the opposition had it not been for the standard five dropped catches. It would seem that you really can’t teach an old dog new tricks and as such the Poly progressed to 122 for 5 at the close. Nice game shame about the result!

Retiring to the Tabard for a few wets the main topic of discussion was not so much Hansie’s stunt antics at mid-on or Betty’s refusal at the last but rather the sad, self-inflicted absence of our talismanic club captain. The author cannot remember a time when the match or personal on-field performances were rendered so impotent and it can only be hoped that the implorations of the members do not fall on deaf ears. It is often said that a team is much more than one man. In this instance that commonly held belief has been put to the sword. (well said – ed).