Despite appearing short of players, in the run up to this game, eventually 13 Dads plus a spectating Richard Noden showed up. All well and good but match manager Nigel has 'history' with the STAGS that was patently obvious from the start.
Dads batted first with Shaun and Harsha opening.
Shaun hit 4 off the first ball, but experience has taught us that the STAGS bowling is unnervingly accurate in both line and length, which proved to be the case. They are difficult to get away, but good running from the guys kept the scoreboard turning.
A sweet straight 6 from Shaun, then he was down the wicket to slow spin but was stumped.
Harsha gets going with a stroked 4 past the bowler, followed by a hooked 4, then a driven 4, followed by another hook. Harsha retires with Peter Church in.
Peter hits a 'trademark' 4 past the bowler.
Good running this time from Simon and Peter managing to force good balls away.
Simon is caught in the covers, Tim in.
Tim and Peter opening up, but unluckily pick out the fielders on the boundary.
Peter bowled off good one. Graham in who immediately tips a fast ball for 4.
Graham pulls for 4. Then, as the good running continues, Tim is run out off a good direct throw.
Stauvers in but and trying to force accurate bowling can't penetrate the fielding ring.
Michael in, but he suffers also trying to force away the extremely tight bowling. Roger, almost dislocating his shoulder, suffers the same fate. Graham, limping by now, leg glances a 4 at the death.
Dads scored 106, which was creditable in the face of good bowling, however some of the STAGS had bowled three overs, although they had told us in advance that they might.

Nigel opened the bowling and was accurate eventually trapping his man LBW who resented being dismissed by Nigel and said a few things he later regretted. Was he David Warner in disguise?
Colin bowled a spell and then Shaun, keeping the batters relatively quite. Jonno,also getting his eye in, was unlucky after bowling a couple of snorters. Shaun was also unlucky inducing a hard, difficult chance to Peter C, but at least 4 was saved.
The STAGS batters, as per usual, were dangerous and sought the short boundary.
Michael on then Jonno and a limping Graham all recovering well to try and becalm the STAGS.
Tim joined the fray and cleaned bowled his man with a fast off-cutter.
Ironically, the ominous dark clouds blew over to be replaced by the sun making it difficult to see from the pavilion end, the usual problem at Sandridge.
Harsha came on and sending down impressive wrist spinning kickers was unlucky as Michael came close to a catch with a valiant diving attempt.
Stauvers on, clean bowling his man with a straight one, but by this time STAGS were closing in on our score. Peter C, rotating the bowling, came on and was accurate as was Tim. Colin was faced with the task of taking a wicket per ball for us to win.
All the while Simon had done another great job behind the stumps
It wasn't to be, at least the Dads had put up a better fight than usual against these guys.
However, more 'fun & games' on the way off, this match was starting to resemble a David Haye, Dereck Chisora weigh-in!

STAGS 107 after 17.1 overs - they win on a unanimous points decision.

At least the sausages were tasty, according to Jonno.