...and they managed it with only 9 players!

After winning the toss Saddoes elected to field.

The scorecard makes for grim reading. After 10 overs Fishers were on 65-1, but things got worse. Like cannon fodder, Saddoes put on an utter horror show of extras and pies (plus a dropped catch) as Fishers plundered a further 63 runs off 6 overs; so that for those of us fielding on the 'road' side, it meant regular trips into the rhododendrons to retrieve the ball. We lost count of how many they lost, but it was a wonderful horticultural experience.

The final four overs only went for another 28 with a consolation LBW decision, but it was too little too late. By then the damage was done.

With Fishers fielding only 9 players, there would be gaps galore and so recognising an opportunity to inflict a humiliating defeat, Captain Jones, ably assisted by Cmdr Peel, despatched Evershed and Simmonds to the crease. One ball later, Evershed takes a might swipe and top edges to the keeper. To be fair, the first ball was a shocker and deserved to be spanked.

Williams and Simmonds steadies the ship, Simmonds eventually falling to a catch at backward square for 10. Williams continued to accumulate runs to retire on 27, well supported by Roberts (21) and Peel (27). Roberts aggressive innings came to an end with a good catch somewhere in mid-wicket & Peel to an LBW decision that was still being discussed the following morning.

The Fishers bowling was on the money and facing an increasing required run rate, Saddoes were starting to take a few risks. A spot of confusion between Jones and Peel ended with Jones being run out by a direct hit from Bungle, Bondy came and went without troubling the scoring. Pointer smashed a brief 7 and McKinnon departed for nought.

Needing 15/over from the last 4, Curtis and WG put up a valiant rearguard action with a smattering of odds and sods from the returning Williams.

Thankfully the whole grisly saga came to end in the 19th over.

Thanks to Fishers for hosting and putting up with us.

Jan Diprose

Match Manager (in absentia)