Firsts Slip to Third

First's missed the chance to push on for promotion with a poor show at home to Nottingham.

Rocket lost the toss and we batted on a typical August wicket: green, low and slow. The Nottingham attack had clearly been studying the videotapes, exposing Golden Graham's current weakness to juicy half volleys on off stump, bowled for the third time running for just 2. Councillor Harris arrived in the nick of time to assess the damage to the changing room wall.

DJ Sammy joined Vat Man Ladd in an untroubled 2nd wicket stand of nearly 50. Then a poor call from Sam saw Laddy run out for 17.5%. A slow walk round the boundary with the future Mrs Ladd ironed out the problem: "She says I'm just too slow". Few disagreed. Sam soon followed LBW for 19.

Tinpot looked scruffier than Jack Russell, with all manner of borrowed kit, but batted very steadily. Dessy was seeing treble after a Leo Sayer at the Test, and had the county leave in great order. A decent partnership ended with Dess caught behind for 21. Then a collapse. Meeky went for 9, Rocket was run out without facing, and Drury played round a stright one for 2. Bobby steadied the ship with a breezy 20 and Tinribs was finally out for a good 41. It was left to the Duke twins to scrape us up to 155 all out at tea, well below par.

Tea on debut by Vicky had class written all over it. Flapjack, wraps and peaches were the pick of the highlights.

Rocket steamed in after the break and soon made the breakthrough. Fireman Sam under the lid was making no friends trying to run out the batters after every ball. We couldn't make any more progress until Daisy Hiller was brought on. A rank long hop was soon skied straight up in the air. Bluey Dessaur did what any sensible keeper would do and backed off to fine leg, leaving Golden to charge from backward point to take full responsibility.

We struggled from then on. The opposition middle order thumped some lusty blows into the Church Drive gardens. Nelly made a late breakthrough, but too little too late as Nottingham cruised to victory for the loss of just 3 wickets.