Losing the toss we were asked to bat on a slow but even wicket. Within an hour we found ourselves in deep trouble at 30-5! Opening bowler, Walker ripped out the top order with 3-6 in his first 5 overs backed up with some fine fielding from the opposition.

‘Colgate’ Soda fell first to a smart catch by Murray, then Elvis Hussain chopped one on for 6. VC Stevens then played around a straight one going for 4, then ‘Veteran’ fast bowler Murray struck with his first ball taking out number six Jasbir for a duck.

The Captain, despite having being with 82,000 ‘paddy’s the day before at the Heineken Cup final at Twickers was in remarkably good shape. Lanky and Bull then set about trying to rescue the match and slowly edged their way to a score that may give the home side something to bowl at.

Lanky, regained some form after struggling with early poor performances, striking 8 fours in an unbeaten 64.

Skipper Bull found himself at the crease for the first time in the season relished the chance of taking on his ‘old mate’ Murray (who was not bowling with pound notes coming out of his pockets).

Murray still a ‘handful’ in the conditions found himself getting smashed in to the nets from a trademark Bull slog and ended up with a respectable 9 overs for 28.

Captain finished on 54 not out completing a 6th wicket stand of 117 so we totalled 147 -5.

Fellow ‘old fart’ keeper/batsman McGuiness opened up with Sri Lankan ‘Rhino’. Not messing about they were 20 – 0 after two overs, ‘Rhino’ smashing ‘Elvis’ in to the bowling green via a deflection from the top of ‘kells’ 4 x 4,the new ball never to be seen again!

The openers strolled to 55 then ‘Elvis’ Hussain pushed one down the leg side and Bully swooped ‘rolling back the years’ and took a smart leg side stumping removing the Sri Lankan for 33.

Olicanians Captain Jamie Hudson, along with Mcguiness made steady progress against some good bowling from Jasbir. Tom Jackson despite going for 11 in his first over then bowled an economical next 8 overs ending up with 30-0.

Mcguiness(obviously not in the wicket keepers union) clearly snicked one to the Captain but only to be given not out, his conscience got the better of him chipping back to a good catch by Jackson to be given the send off he deserved!

At 97 – 3 we were still struggling however two run outs helped a final push for victory but it was all in vein as the visitors completed the job easily with 7 overs to spare.

Special mention due to last minute changes to Liam who fielded admirably, to Johnny Taylor who scored for us and Marcel for stepping in and providing teas!

So off to Collingham next Saturday, weather set to get a bit warmer however the ‘two’s’ will have to be on their game against the fellow table toppers?

That’s all folk’s !

Captain.