The forecast was for rain but thankfully it never materialized as the Pilgrims put on a commanding performance to record back-to-back victories against an under-strength Poly side that lacked penetration and never seemed in the game.

Penthouse managed a hat-trick of lost tosses and the Poly put us in to bat. Cus Cus and new find Luke Munro started well, putting on 25 for the first wicket when the former was caught behind. Munro kept the scoreboard ticking over while Penthouse scratched around for five before falling to a dreadful shot. This brought Tickle (Price B) to the crease who savaged the bowling in a 24-ball 27 before being given out plumb LBW.

Wobble

There followed a slight wobble as the Kommander, Sven TPC and Pammers all fell cheaply. 114-3 became 116-7 in six overs and it fell to Chris Hill to steady the ship with the assistance of The Farmer, Omelette and a re-juvenated Hansie, enabling the Grims to post a score of 196-nine declared.

A major highlight was Younger Jnr – guesting for the hosts – bowling to his father. The assembled masses cheered his every ball hoping to see the elder fall to his protege.

Reeling

The Poly’s innings never really got going and 196 was always going to be a difficult chase on a pitch playing slow and low. Omelette and Farmer opened the bowling, the latter taking the off stump out twice in fairly quick time. Hansie and Kommander were then brought into the attack and between them decimated the middle order. Hansie bowled with his usual style and guile whilst Kommander was always threatening with a devilish change of pace. The Poly were reeling at 63-7.

There followed a superb rearguard action from Ashton and Younger Jnr who both batted very well attempting to see out the draw. Younger jnr played with patience that belied his youth – a Pilgrim in the making for sure. He has come on in leaps and bounds this year. We hope that he will assist us sometime this year rather than frustrate!! Hard as his father tried he could not be removed. In the end he fell to Sven’s faster ball.

Rude

Following this, the end was inevitable and Sven and Tickle ended the game with seven overs to spare. An excellent effort by a Pilgrims side in rude health.

… Xero

Cameron judged well assisted by some heckling from the supporting Xero who had certainly made a day of it.

Man of the Match: Kommander

Fines levied: £15