The Philanderers v Gentlemen of Suffolk, Sunday 3rd August at Exning Park

After the events of a few weeks ago the first question was: would we be able to access the ground this time? Thankfully the answer was in the affirmative.

The second question was: what format would we be playing? With the forecast somewhat mixed we settled on 70 overs, timed, beginning at 1130. Rob seemed pleased at the prospect of finishing about 1630 all being well.

Having won the toss and decided to bat, we sent Mihir and Rob out to a fairly green strip with one boundary about 2.5 times the distance of the other. They proceeded to put together a relatively untroubled 100 partnership before Rob decided enough was enough and departed for 51 (from, by his standards, a pedestrian 47 balls).

Mihir has a more unquenchable thirst for runs and he put together partnerships with first the returning Tom Sherwin (21) and then skipper Ed Pearson (26), before finally departing for a superb 110. Some on the side were heard to ask whether Mihir is now "too good for the Philanderers". And with Phil deciding that we will carry on for another year, one does wonder whether Mihir needs to be pinned down to a new long-term contract.

After ruthlessly sending the Gents of Suffolk back out for 2 overs after a short rain delay, which they did not enjoy but which did allow their spinner to pick up a 5-er, Ed called us back in at 241-7 from 33 overs.

After lunch where George Dean revealed himself to be a vocal advocate for the British cherry, we headed out to see whether we could defend 242 from 37 overs.

The Gents of Suffolk looked in a strong position passing 100 for the loss of only 1 wicket in the 15th over. However, George lured one of the set batsmen into hitting out to one of the 4 men stationed on the short legside boundary. And after that wickets fell at regular intervals - crucially Gerald removing the excellent opener caught and bowled for 75.

The wickets were shared round - Dean 3-54, Rutt 3-28, Radley 1-8, Coteman 1-20 and Barnard 2-2. We eventually won by 66 runs finishing about 15 mins before the heavens truly opened.

Jamie Rutt

The final reckoning

Homage!