It was a dank, late afternoon as we gathered once more at Verulamium Lower Pitch, full of hope. The cathedral loomed majestically above us and the brooding skies weighed heavily on the task ahead. Returning to reality, there was some dog-mess administration to be dealt with first, but with this unsavoury task out of the way, Saddos were able to take strike, with Tim W and Simon opening the batting. Early disaster! Mr Winfield, usually so reliable was undone by a fast straight one, before he could really get going - in the pavilion for one.

Roger strode to the wicket and was soon joined by Ian after Simon had 'spooned' a catch high in the air. Ian began in his usual swashbuckling fashion and, in truth, there were some pretty agricultural shots being played all round - come here you pesky ball! Both batsmen rode their luck with a succession of edged shots that fell agonisingly close to the fielders; including one to Colin, who was fielding for the oppo' - did I see you pause, Sir? Ian was eventually caught for a useful and committed 14 and Mike W sauntered to the crease, looking swarthy and assured as ever. Up to this point the run rate had been painfully slow with only 33 runs posted for 10 overs gone. Things weren't helped by the conditions and a number of hits that would normally have sailed over the boundary were held up in the outfield. Mike 'upped' the pace and some good running twixt the wickets saw a succession of 2's that must have kept the blood racing. Mike dived around so much that when he was bowled for 9 he came in looking as though he'd been playing a spot of rugger! Roger was eventually bowled for a battling 19 and the sweating and panting as he returned to the fold told the story of a really good effort.

This brought Sean Cooper and Peter Church (skipper for the day) together and, to middle-aged eyes at least, they really looked the part - tall, commanding and with a steely look. We'll see about that run rate! Sean went all too cheaply trying to hurry things along, caught for 2. But Peter had started as brightly as ever taking no time in getting off the mark. Jonathan joined him at the crease and quickly set off for a quick run, but some sharp work in the field brought a run-out. Disaster - Jonno back in the clubhouse for a duck. Quack quack!

Pip strode out to the middle and there was a knowing, but good-humoured exchange between the batsmen about respecting calls, looking for the run and backing up! There was nearly a moment of splendid irony when Steeples hit one firmly back to the bowler who gathered quickly and whipped the bails off as Pip, still to face a ball, was backing up....just in, phew! Some good running between the wickets and fine stroke play from the skipper finally got the scoreboard ticking over at a decent rate. Finally bowled for an essential 24 to one that kept low, Peter was replaced by Andy KJ for the final 3 balls. Not a bad effort to post 99 in the circumstances and poor conditions...was there a chance?

First up, Ian bowled a superb opener, with only one run coming from it. The energy in the field was palpable and Saddos set about their task well. Simon bowled a similarly splendid second over and hopes were high. However, after a cautious start the Skyswood openers began to score pretty freely.
After 42 steady runs Saddos finally created a breakthrough as the batsmen set off for a quick single; the ball was brilliantly picked-up on the run by Andy KJ, who threw a perfect throw to Pip who gathered and ran out their #2 opener.

Jonathan came on as first change bowler, bristling with intent and set about his task well. This intensity was rewarded as the batsman took a large stride forward and was rapped sharply on the pad - "Howzat?" shouted bowler and keeper. Out, mn ,L! "A brave decision" remarked Pip, "Absolutely plum!" retorted Johnno; quite right. Mr Hook's excellent three-over spell also brought a nice caught-and-bowled, always a pleasure! "I should get out for a duck more often", he remarked.

Meanwhile, Tim W bowled a typically tight spell, restricting the batsman so well that a victory was starting to look a possibility. Andy KJ supported the cause well with some tidy stuff; but then came the bowling find of the season - Sean. Fizz! "Too good" remarked the batsman as it zipped through to the keeper, just outside leg-stump. So too the next one; and again; and again; smash - clean bowled! A master class with 5 runs off a three over spell. Mike had started well at the other end with some slow, but accurate stuff. However, their wicket-keeper had been in some time, looking assured and as we moved into the last couple of overs he went on the attack. This was bad luck on Mike who was otherwise bowling well. This left Mr Church with the last over, with Skyswood needing only 2 for victory, which they got with the first ball.

Another nearly match, there was plenty of commitment with bat and ball and there was some really good stuff in the field, with everyone playing their part. But particular credit has to go to Roger on the deep boundary. He gathered many a-ball then brandished it in a fashion that told the batsmen in no uncertain terms that should they attempt another run, the pill would be despatched with all haste to the relevant wicket - a brilliant tactic that worked a treat!

And so to the Six Bells for the best chips and boobs in town, it's not all bad this cricket lark!.