Hatfield escape with another dull draw

The troops were gathered at Winters pub by our revered leader Mike "Smiler" Herlihy, to travel to Hatfield for the season's first encounter. As usual the scouse contingent were late, no doubt blaming respective spouses, kids etc.

We duly arrived as the sun shone through, a rare treat for the first weekend of May. Smiler won the toss, and seemed to have a memory loss over last year's game; the opposition were instructed to bowl.

From here on I could probably ditto the 2004 report as the games are remarkable similar, but I guess you want a little more detail.

Your correspondent and Andy V were given the opening berths, and we got the innings ticking along nicely with 50 stand.

V fell stumped for 17 and I made 38, holing out to midwicket. Smiler was joined by Paulo at the crease and their partnership lasted just the one ball. Paulo contributing a, now regular, "golden blob" in Hatfield.

Mike McGowan joined Smiler and our total progressed nicely. Mick deposited a couple of sixes over square leg before he to holed out for 22. The steady Jewell claiming his fourth Sundowners wicket.

Our new find, former foe from Railway Taveners, Cedric DeSilva then showed why Smiler had spent money in the transfer market during the winter break. He struck the ball cleanly to register an impressive 29.

Clive Moore, hopefully a more regular Sundowner this season, also contributed well with a well made 27 not out before Smiler called a halt to the proceedings with our total on 179 for 8.

After a pleasant tea, although a cup of tea was sadly missed by all, we took to the field to defend our total.

As with last year's game Hatfield set off at a reasonable pace, and with the dangerous Moran surviving a couple of dropped chances at the hands of Cedric (neither easy) the game was in the balance.

Then inexplicably with 120 needed from the last 20 overs Hatfield seemed to lose the will to at least try to win. We ended up bowling out the remaining overs picking up the odd wicket but never looking like we were going to run through the Hatfield batsmen who were, by now, in defensive mode.

All the bowlers bowled well, and the match served as a good workout for the more strenuous rigours that are sure to face us as the season progresses. A quick mention for PF who bowled six useful overs after major surgery last year… there is life after 40 as all but myself and Paulo are able to justify from today's' line up.

An opening bowling partnership totalling 108 years young will need some serious thought by the management as the season progresses.

A quick drink with the oppo, after all Hatfield is a long way away, and we all retired to Winters to listen to Gareth regale us with stories of his rugby comeback.

The Winners:
All those who had an early season workout

The Losers:
Anyone watching Hatfield's innings

Tune in next week as we travel to Walthamstow for a clash with old rivals "Horizontals"