Seconds Slowed by Storms

Thunderstorms came to Clifton's rescue after the Stiffs made a swift start on Saturday. Leggy had taken the role of Michael Fish, predicting any storms wouldn't arrive until at least 7.00 pm, however his forecast was more like Billy the Fish as rain ruined play after only 23 overs.

The pitch was more dry and barren than a Royal Hoylake fairway. But miracles do happen as skipper Cowlard first won the toss, and then, to the amazement of all, decided to bat. With Butch away with the Firsts, evergreen Ernie didn't need to be asked twice to open up with Drurs in tropical temperature.

Drurs was the latest Miller to be hamstrung, and quick singles were even less likely than normal. But this was the most feathered of beds, and boundaries were in abundance as the openers raced along at six an over.

Drurs made a case for an unlikely starting spot in the 20/20 with fourteen 4's in his 69, before a dreadful slog at a spinner saw him stumped by a country mile. Star nudger Ball had the coveted no.3 jacket, but was confused to be told that it was doing nothing, only to find his first ball turn square.

The arrival of Mr and Mrs London Branch was greeted with a thunderous reception, sadly it was louder from the skies than from the pavilion. Ernie announced to Bally that it would be like batting in Evening League, before darting to the pavilion as the first flash of lightning was seen over mid wicket. Ball had never before gone off for rain that hadn't yet started. Ernie had made a fine 38 and Ball a single dab. 121-1 off 23 overs was a great start.

Early tea was taken, which was a monster affair courtesy of Jude. Flapjack and the fastest cakes in the world were the highlights. Dimples was asked to pay double match tax, helping himself to fourth's. Duncan Disorderly did his best to explain the scientific reasoning behind percentage humidity, something to do with moisture content in the atmosphere, but the Faraday Lecture was lost on most, with more attention being shown to the rapidly diminishing supplies of chocolate brownie cake.

Sadly we had a month's rain in an hour and the only further play possible was at the card table, where not for the first time Boss Hog was the first to leave.