Following a disappointing defeat to the British Library, the Pilgrims trooped down to the grounds of Kingston Grammar School with high hopes of defeating the Richmond Legbreakers – the side from which, a little more than ten years ago, we sprang (Athena-like? – ed.)

A strong Pilgrims side led by Penthouse expected to win and, despite the usual wobbles, succeeded in posting their first victory of the season.

Strange

Penthouse lost the toss again and was asked to field. Considering the greenness of the pitch, this seemed a strange decision and so it proved, Xero taking the wicket of the opener, Uppal, with his first ball in the second over of the day – a well-taken catch by The Kommander at square leg off a long-hop. However, the Legbreakers then steadied themselves and it was ten overs before another wicket fell with the introduction of new-boy offspinner, Chris Hill, into the attack, Penthouse taking a sharp catch.

This seemed to be something of a turning point and the partnership of Hill and The Farmer brought about a middle order collapse as six wickets tumbled at regular intervals. Coupled with a stunning run out by Brett Price this left the Legbreakers reeling on 110-9. The tail wagged a little until Cus Cus (whose dreadful bowling provided a good deal of amusement) took the wicket of the number 11 batswoman.

Legbreakers all out for 139.

Diamond

And so the chase began. Martin Garrett, fresh from a debut 50 the previous week, and new boy David Haines were asked to open. Misreading the pitch terribly, Garrett was out to the first ball of the innings – a diamond duck! Penthouse then joined Haines at the crease and the two of them grafted through 13 overs for 32 runs before Penthouse was caught-and-bowled off a rash shot. Haines was still looking steady and saw both the Kommander and Cus Cus fall cheaply before Brett Price joined him.

But 45 runs in seven overs and the game was effectively won. These included two huge consecutive sixes from Price that really unsettled the hosts. Haines batted very well, combining patience with an ability to punish the bad ball.

Sensible

It seemed the game was in the bag but... a flurry of wickets and suddenly the Pilgrims looked to have made a real meal of things. Four wickets fell for not many more runs and it took sensible innings from The Farmer and Xero to see us home with only two wickets to spare as the rain fell.

Looking back, we should have won this game very easily but the Legbreakers never gave up and in the end it was a great game of cricket for so early in the season.

Xero presided admirably over the assizes and the Pilgrims made their way back to the Tabard to discuss the victory until closing time.

Man of the Match: not awarded

Fines levied: £15.80