We had a slightly disrupted start to this game, as shortly after having won the toss and deciding to field, we found out that our expected captain of the day, Patrick, was pumping iron in the gym as opposed to being involved in the usual midweek fixture conundrum of stuck in traffic. Henry gamely stepped in and would do an admirable job.

An untidy first over was followed by a blitz of wickets from an inspired Adi. His first ball he produced the perfect inswinging leg stump yorker to castle their opener, the same guy who had flayed us to all parts in the corresponding home game a couple of weeks back. That ball couldn’t be eclipsed, it was magnificent, however next ball he did their number 3 for pace knocking back his off stump in the process, two in two! Adi, whilst not adding to his victims tally bowled well for the remainder of the innings finishing with figures of 2-15 from his three overs. The pitch was ideal for batting and with the scorched outfield it was a real bowlers graveyard, particularly if you strayed in line or length. Runs came at a pace, in between though, Ben bowled an excellent spell finishing with identical figures to Adi (3-0-15-2), he was rewarded with wickets, assisted by a fine catch from Dylan J at mid off to dismiss their well set opener, and Issa taking a skier with the gloves. Lucas (1-22) picked up a deserved wicket with a conventional corridor of uncertainty prod to Issa behind. 173-5 the eventual total. Substantial, but in the conditions perfectly gettable.

When ‘special teams’ Patrick did eventually arrive to have his bowl and bat, it was lucky he did really, as he batted very nicely, controlling the chase with some good running between the wickets and working the gaps in the field expertly. Harry and Patrick (36*) had made an excellent start, with the right attitude and intent for the chase ahead. When we lost Harry, Luke S (21) joined Patrick, again the chemistry was there with their communication, and both cashed in on any bad balls. Unfortunately, the threatened rain did arrive and after a brief break to allow for a shower to pass, time was called, as whilst the rain had virtually abated, the heavily darkened skies were the new issue in hand. With the clock having ticked past 8.30 and still the potential of half the innings to complete, handshakes, with honours fairly even, was the sensible decision. We finished 90-2 after 10 overs. A shame given it could have been the proverbial nailbiter.

M.O.M. Some good stuff from Ben, Pat and Luke S, but Adi has his mojo back, he is today’s MOM.