Rain Stops Play for Seconds

The Seconds couldn't beat the weather away at Underwood. Skipper Cowlard, already hungover, had more headaches with a squad of just nine available for the trip north of the river. The new bowling machine was asked to travel. And age wasn't on our side either: a glance around the dressing room revealed Tommy as the young pup of the side at 34!!

As usual we bowled first and there were gaps a plenty in the field. However, after last week's shambles in the field all the bowlers had vowed to bowl at the stumps. Both Cowlard and Boss Hogg Leggy bowled much tighter lines and hit the stumps in consecutive overs. Spin twins Murali Burton and Drury were introduced to make a game of it and both found a way through the gate.

In between there was some usual dross and poor Tommy's head was spinning back-pedalling to chase some mis-cued hoiks. Overall we fielded well given the average age of the side was pushing 50. And Top Man Burton put in an early claim for Fielder of the Year, with a terrific direct hit from a straight drive that stopped just short of the boundary, as the outfield began to get wet. Not to be out-done, last year's star fielder John 'The Adonis' Beeton showed plenty of bling stooping to catch a blinder at deep mid off off Drurs.

By now the drizzle was persistent and an early tea was taken at 120-6 off 30 overs. Tea was plain but filling; the highlight jam tarts and over-size cups of tea. The rain showed no signs of easing off so stumps were drawn.