Perfect weather and The Willows batted. The Bradley Nuttall captain distributed his players about the field like a balanced portfolio but within half an hour two of them had retired to the pavilion with buggered hamstrings, and within two hours Dave Kelly had joined them with 101 runs to his name. He hit it here and he hit it there and nothing the financial boys could do made any impact on his revenue stream. Everyone else got a few and after their 40 overs The Willows had 198 for the loss of 6, plus Hamish Wright who retired hurt with a buggered calf.

Mr Wright insisted on fielding nevertheless, and stationed himself at slip where he was perfectly positioned to watch Bob Masefield suck the marrow from the Bradley Nuttall innings. His first three variety-pack overs yielded a wicket each, including that of the threatening Brad Doody, who edged a quicker ball past the keeper only to see the hopalong at first slip stick out a mitt and pouch it. Brad Doody expressed surprise. Hamish Wright expressed astonishment. Thereafter the Bradley Nuttalls went down like a slow puncture, unable to cope with the subtleties of Tony Gray’s off-spin. His figures, 8 overs, 5 maidens, 2 for 6.

After which there was nothing for it but beer, lies and sausages, and thanks to all those who made such a wonderful day possible.

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