The weather report was gloomy, but we were not. It began to rain half an hour before the start of the game, lesser teams would have called it off, but this is Sunday and we are Elstead. The Uplands team arrived, minus their usual silver-haired, grey-trousered talisman. Both sides agreed to a limited overs game with the opposition to bat first. Our openers, Ryman and Witherby were consistent but their opening pair proved hard to dismiss. Some great footballing skills from some of the more senior players halted a few boundaries, and with bruised shins and hands we played on through the drizzle. They rode their luck, a couple of nicks to the slips, possibly a missed catch (anon), and it fell to Disney to break the deadlock. He clean bowled the Uplands player who seemed confused by the change of pace (and sometimes direction) of the bowling. Williamson, as accurate as ever, took the next wicket. The run rate had been steady but their No. 3 smashed the ball around the park to make a quick 50. There then followed a glorious period of cricket, through the misty haze the Elstead team seemed to shine. Lee confounded their left hander with an off cutter that whisked off the bails. Baz 'The Hands' Young then took 3 superb catches, 2 off his own bowling to finish them off.

So, it was our turn to bat. On a sticky wicket Williams and Witherby started well with some distinctly classy shots, however in these slow conditions boundaries were elusive and our run rate tailed off. Unable to resist the slog (which applied to most of our batsmen) we were caught or bowled too soon. Disney batted well despite having a 'heavy cold' to make 25. Ryman showed his class to get a quick 27, with Bird and Fishburn not out 25. Despite Mrs Young's call to, "Come in, it's spitting", we batted bravely, only losing by 48 runs. A superb tea from Rachel and Ellie with hot drinks rounded off a good game.

Last game of the season next Sunday 10th 1pm v Woodstreet HOME