Well I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later. Perhaps it was over-confidence, perhaps it was feeling a little tired after Saturdays partakings, or perhaps we were just not good enough (heaven forbid it was the last!) So for those of you with a frail disposition, read no further…..suffice to say that extras was our second top scorer!

Of course there were some high spots in our innings of 123. Giles G got us off to a wonderful start with one of the best crafted 0’s of the season, taking a full 5 overs before being caught. Ralph G finally got going this season, and for a wonderful few overs we thought we may have a vintage innings, but it was not to be and he perished on 22. Thereafter, there was a progression of single figure scores, apart from Chris Ayers who was eventually and sadly retired hurt, having been hit with a full toss on the thumb. Another excellent and entertaining knock from Rupert T, who has rolled back the years this season, grabbing another 51 runs.

Having only used 28 of our allotted 35 overs, we were always going to be up against it, but the bowling at least showed a spirited fightback. Max M and Giles H, both left armers, bowled beautifully and kept the opposition to 27 off the first 10 overs. The old guard of Tozer and Crace then took over, and also bowled tidily and economically, both taking a wicket, although there may have been some question marks over Tozer’s lbw, having hit the young lad in the stomach half way down the wicket! So after 20 overs, a mere 69 scored, and a remote chance still stood. Sadly, only 2 overs later the score had moved onto 100 and thereafter the mighty Bures rather crumbled. The end, somewhat mercifully, coming only 4 overs after that.

And so to the Bells, where we licked our wounds, drowned our sorrows and looked forward to better days (which we knew would not be far away).