I’m no longer convinced that this is still one of the best fixtures of the season.

Yes, they’ve got a good bar and the surroundings are pleasant enough to attract supporters. Plus, the showers work and a Devon cream tea always attracts bonus points.

On the flipside, we supplied three of their players, the pitch was right on the edge of the table, it’s bloody expensive and they don’t quite play in the spirit that we do.

Just thought this was worth a mention.

Anyway, they batted first and carried on and on until they’d racked up 262 for seven. Farmer and Tickle were the only Pilgrims to take wickets or even look like taking wickets, whereas Hansie, Bumpy and Frodo were hammered out of existence. On the fielding front, Curly gave an exhibition reminiscent of Lampard in front of goal earlier in the summer whilst Bumpy helped himself to three regulation catches. At half time most of the team were miserable – including the skipper, who was more angry than pissed off.

Thankfully, the day ended on a better note after Penthouse took his feelings out on the opposition and scored an excellent unbeaten century. Tickle’s 40 and Bumpy’s 25 helped keep us alive in spite of the efforts of the traitor Xero who took two catches that he’d never have got near had he been wearing Pilgrim colours. At the last, we were saved from defeat by our Captain – and Hansie Jnr who negotiated several overs in a way that promises big things to come.