Once the band of merry golfers had put away their clubs and focused their thoughts on the upcoming cricket, they realised the day was not going to be an easy one. First of all Ricketts was elevated to the rank of captain for this game. Secondly, we had failed to bring down enough bowlers (Dipak - wedding, Ronnie - work, Stubbins - down, but injured). Thirdly, the previous evening's Courvoisier was having an effect.

Aldenham went in to bat, facing the prospect of a few overs from Thomas and Cassidy. Or so they thought. After 36 overs (yes, really) the first (and only) change bowlers eventually came on. But by that time 8 wickets had fallen, with 168 runs on the board. Notable incidents were a classic Joyce slip catch off Cassidy, and another fine one by Dyson, reactions as fast as ever, to secure this bowler's 5th wicket. The captain was also intent on being a part of the catching action, so much so that half way through, after a sky high ball was hit off Thomas, he departed his usual position and strode towards mid-on shouting with all the authority he could muster  "Ricketts' ball" as the leathery orb made its parabolic descent - still about 5 yards away from him. A handful of other players in the area wondered why they hadn't bothered to stick their hands out and let it fall in. Such is the power that captaincy confers on an individual...

After the fine tea, Charlatans came in to bat. Hall looked uncomfortable at the crease and was soon out. Joyce and Daw were less perturbed by the youthful bowling, but their partnership was not to find real glory until the next day. Baz Letts, a promising loan player from Aldenham, is to be commended on a great 47, while the captain and others never really got in to their strides, admittedly against some determined and skilful bowling. Perhaps we needed Aldenham's approach, with an ardent group of spectators beting on 4s and 6s and balls in the stream and screaming encouragement from the stands. But it was a fine day, and a very friendly pint at the Cleave Inn was enjoyed by all afterwards.


Result: lost by 60 runs.

Opposition Total: 208 for 9

Champagne moment: a deft catch at slip by Tony Dyson

Flat beer moment: "Ricketts' ball!"

Man of the match: ........

Batting: Joyce ct Shah b Bala 10; Hall b Bala 1; Daw b Bala 21; Letts ct Munroe C b Hale T 47; Garrett lbw Morgan 23; Ricketts ct Bala b Munroe C 10; Stephens b Munroe C 0; Hicks K ct Barot b Hale T 1; Hicks D b Munroe C 0; Dyson lbw Munroe C 4; Thomas not out 9; Cassidy c Russell b Munroe C 5; extras 18 Total 149 for 11.

Bowling: Thomas 18-2-89-3; Cassidy 18-2-68-5; Dyson 2-0-16-1; Garrett 2-0-26-0; catches: Hicks (off Thomas); Joyce, Letts, Dyson (off Cassidy)  stumping: Ricketts 1