It was indeed a privilege for me to captain the the Willows in this important match. We were due to play the Diplomatic XI, but the “Dips” defaulted so we played a HSOB Golden Oldies XI.

I did wonder momentarily as to why I had been so honoured. Perhaps the HSOB star fast bowler was playing and they knew how well I played fast bowling. No, he was safely away commentating in South Africa – but to make absolutely sure, I wrote out the Willows batting order with myself as ‘Closing Batsman’.

It was a perfect day for cricket – sunny and windless. The wicket was in excellent nick and I was sorry to lose the toss. Peter Joyce, for HSOB, was in belligerent mood (when is he not?) and we were relieved when Innes took an absolute blinder at mid-wicket off Guthrey to get rid of him. Our bowling was steady if unspectacular with Boyle, Burdon, Innes and the two Burrells doing an excellent job to restrain all but McHerron (44).

Our batting really was shared between Boyle (34), Innes (75 not out) and Wade Burrell (51). The rest of us basked in sunshine and reflected glory, enjoying the impeccable hospitality and environment that the Dormers have consistently provided.

...And I was immensely relieved to avoid filling the dreaded ‘gap’ for the first losing Willows captain!