Let the record books show that this was the first momentous win for the SFDWP. And what a fine win it was too with excellent individual batting performances, controlled and aggressive bowling and all played with a spirit befitting the hallowed halls of the MCC itself.

The toss saw the Saddos charged with the task of batting first and setting the target. Captain Phil Spencer was straight out of the blocks with a four off the first ball of the innings but fell to a controversial umpiring decision shortly after (come back Nick - all is forgiven).

Simon Wilson and David Reed both contributed solid batting displays but this was just the prelude to an inspired innings from man-of-the-match Ian Holmes. His hard hitting performance of 44 runs included 5 fours and took all of the Verulam bowlers to task. Even when the variable bounce caused a short pitched ball to hit him on the cheek his response was immediate, smashing the next ball for four to the long on boundary.

Ably supported by Peter Stauvers and Tim Winfield, the run rate increased further when Andrew Robertson reached the crease. His innings of 18 not out included three boundaries and had the leg side field running for cover.

Holmes' innings ended hitting out in the final over but his batting had shaped the match. The total of 135 off 35.2 overs looked like a good tally and was certainly going to be a challenge for the opposition.

The format for the match had been suggested by Verulam at the outset. Bowlers could bowl a maximum of six overs each meaning that not all players had to bowl. Captain Phil Spencer presented the options to the team and it was agreed to go with the strongest bowling attack.

Honorary Saddo for the day, Ross Wiltshire accounted for the first opener who holed out to a fine catch by Andrew Robertson on the long off boundary. Tim Winfield clean bowled the other opener and the momentum began to move the SFDWP way.

A typically intimidating bowling display by Phil Spencer in tandem with the pacy control of Richard Noden led to three quick wickets and at 54 for 5 victory could be tasted.

Wickets six and seven took longer to fall but fine bowling and fielding meant that the pressure was maintained. David "Tight Behind" Reed kept wicket superbly, fearlessly making certain that there was some part of his body in the way of the ball despite the variable bounce.

Not content with sealing the man-of-the-match award with his batting, Ian Holmes then joined the bowling attack and took two wickets, the latter taken by the safe hands of Andrew Robertson from a sliding catch on the boundary.

At the other end, Peter Cook was foxing the Verulam batsmen with his off spin taking an excellent reaction caught and bowled. Eight wickets down...

Captain Phil Spencer then brought himself back into the attack for his last over and beat the batsman for pace scattering the stumps. Nine down...

The last wicket was not without drama though. Ross Wiltshire was brought back into the attack for his closing spell and continued to beat the batsmen for speed. A high full toss beat both the bat and the wicket keeper causing the batsmen to run. The striking batsman tripped halfway down the wicket badly winding himself. Holmes then turned Doctor Watson talking the stricken batsman through the "birth" and back to breathing. At this point it was sportingly agreed that the delivery should be called a no-ball and the batsman could continue despite the fact that the bails could have been removed many times while the batsman was down.

This sporting gesture was not to come back to haunt the Saddos as virtually a carbon copy run out opportunity presented itself within a couple of deliveries. This time the batsman, possibly still suffering the effects of the fall, was slow to make his ground and fine fielding saw the ball thrown to the gloves of Reed who threw down the stumps as if in slow motion.

This was a team performance of the highest order and everyone contributed. However, there have to be special mentions to the superb all round performance of Ian Holmes, the dynamic captaincy of Phil Spencer and the tight aggressive bowling of all the bowlers.

Bring on STAGS...!