So, the match against FCC, or indeed was it their younger brethren that we were pitted against this time. Certainly not the octogenarians we had been used to.

Proceedings didn't start well for the Saddos. Only 3 players had turned up by kick off, and not including the match manager. So not only was the batting order sorted in order of arrival, we were clueless as to the many finer details of the game that should have been sorted out with the oppo prior to the match. One of these included the '2 overs max per bowler' rule.

Yips and Arnd (making his long awaited season debut) strode out to the crease, with Trev-E-Shed and Gazza making a formidable although untested top 4. Who would have guessed, that even with their 4 best bowlers ALL bowling 3 (THREE) overs each, we managed to hit a nose bleeding 68 (SIXTY EIGHT) runs for the loss of only 1 (ONE) wicket after 11 (ELEVEN) overs! Unfortunately, Arnds batting debut was short lived, and he was out in the first over for a shiny colour laden duck, but Yips continued with LBGT abandon and smoshed it like never before. He was supported admirably by Trev (24) who's batting arc was so large the oppo couldn't figure it out....and Gazza, who muscled his way to 16.

From 68-1, normal service was soon resumed. We soon lost Gazza, Bondy & Robbo and were 76-4 after 13. A cameo from Churchy with 4 of the slowest singles you will witness was followed by Dippers & Winners hitting a few at the death to get us to 125-6. At least 20 short we felt, or was it......

The Saddos opening spell of bowling was a beauty to behold. The first 4 overs yielded only 21 runs. Winners bowled fantastically, bagging 2fer10, supported by Robbo who was 0fer11.

4 overs gone. 21-2. We're in the game boys!

After a tight start, the next 3 went for 31. After conceding 17 (SEVENTEEN) runs in his first over, Corporal J was heard muttering, "should have been 17-1" after Trev missed a steepler, fell over, and denied any knowledge by trying to hide in the grass cuttings.

8 overs gone. 60-2. Could have been 60-3.....

During the next 4 overs, we tightened the ship. Churchy proved that although there was no apparent life in his ankles, there was some in the old dog. He bowled a master class. 2fer9. Wilsers was equally frugal and only leaked 7 runs for his 1 wicket.

12 overs. 78-5. Back in the game!

In the next set, Bondy also bowled a blinder. 1fer9 off his 2. His wicket came off a remarkable 'double bounced' bowl - one benefit of a tardy Match Mgr not agreeing the 'no ball' rules beforehand!

16 overs. 107-6. 19 needed off 4. Still in it.

Dippers & Trev looked to close the innings down. With only 4 (FOUR) runs conceded off the next 2 overs, we thought we were in there. 15 required off 2 overs turned to 7 off 1. We held out to the penultimate ball, but the 'not so FCC' prevailed.

It was a game of 4 halves. "Emotional rollercoaster" doesn't do it justice. The one that got away. And if I wasnt mistaken, the one where all 11 Saddos were slightly pissed off at the missed opportunity. Is that a competitive streak I see.....?!