The Dads first full team of the season saw them return to Sandridge, in the outer reaches of St Albans. Could the Dads banish their away form blues? No, is the answer. The Dads, whose exemplary performances this season in all three phases of the game: bowling; fielding; batting, deserted them. There is no ducking the fact that Stags, batting first, scored 174 for 6. In reply, Dads scored 96 for 9.
Stags targeted the shortest boundary in the league with their batting. Then proceeded to bowl good length spin with a plan to negate the threat of the Dads hitting this boundary. The Dads twigged this strategy, but their ability to be able to bowl to one specific side of the wicket is relatively alien to them (back to the nets we go). The Dads' batted boundaries were all straight, to the longer ropes, with many of their on-drives only garnering two runs. The wicket and outfield were a 'glue pots'.

On paper this looks poor, but there were standout moments:
The Dad's foraging skills improved due to numerous searches for lost balls.
An honourable mention must go to the thicket beyond the short leg boundary for stopping numerous balls from flying into the farmer's field.
Wicket keeper, Richard Williams, like a stork with attitude, effected three stumpings, two while in possession of the ball, one off Colin McKinnon, one off Stauvers.
Throwing practice for the Dads after retrieving balls from beyond the boundary rope.
David Nightingale, improving with the bat off every ball he faces.
Diving practice, as balls fell agonizingly close to Dads fielders, particularly Andy Kincaid and Captain Tim Winfield, diving, full stretch, with athletic fingertip attempts.
Umpiring practice for injured Jonno and son. Jonno blatantly providing coaching tips to the Dads bowlers during the game.
Simon Wilson elegantly fielding, batting and collecting the subs.
Mike Jones, irrepressibly belligerent with ball, bat and in the field.
Richard Noden, scoring a run a ball and taking a great catch off his own bowling, demolishing the stumps in his determination not to miss it.
Andy Kincaid's wristy spin cracking the stumps off a straight one. Plus, his text book, batting style.
Stauvers breaking the lead in his pencil, triggering a frantic search for a replacement stylus.
Tim, bowling with pace then taking a middle stump wicket with the worst ball of his two overs.
Roger Barton's enigmatic performance with the ball, whilst suffering from severe hay fever, never giving his wicket up easily.
Ian Holmes, arriving in the dark, putting in a red shift with both bat and ball.
Colin, high on cortisone in his right arm, bowling medium paced cutters with his left arm.

Another learning opportunity for the Dads but in the words of Winston Churchill: 'This wasn't their finest hour' (is this right? Ed.)