SCORECARD

Some games of cricket make you glad to be alive.

With near perfect conditions of 20 degrees, cloudless skies and a wonderful batting track in the picturesque village of Feckenham even losing the toss (again) couldn't dent morale.

Inserted to bat first, Simon and Jack took full advantage of a flat, true track to race the score to 30 off 4 overs before Jack missed a straight one.

Mark Butcher (very talented left hander) making his first appearance of the season after changing his mobile provider, then somehow managed to accelerate the run rate even further, and yet again Simon was particularly savage to anything bowled on his legs before departing for an excellent 22.

Part time junior assistant captain Martin carrying the 'railway sleeper' bat (very unkind Syd!) made 16 off 8 balls before being bowled, but with Uncle Fester look a like Darren Pickering introduced at 5 any thought of a mid order collapse was quashed.

As befitting a game played in the heart of rural England, Darren's 'agricultural' style was perfectly suited to the T20 game. Even when the opposing captain placed 3 fielders at cow corner, they could do nothing to stop the mowing and scything of good length balls for four.

When he switch hit his final ball to the boundary to retire on 28 AMS looked shell shocked. Butcher also retired on an excellent 28, and the toughest job of the day was pouring ice water on the score board to stop it exploding into flame.

100 up after 13 overs, Tom, Syd and Tony Lowe all chipped in at the death to leave the Old Mo on a satisfying 153 for 4.

Facing a daunting chase, AMS stuttered early on with Syd excellent 0-4 off 2, and Jon Ashton claiming 2 scalps despite a tight hamstring.

All 11 Fitmen then contributed in the field, with notable feet first stops by Brett Casey (I have never seen such strangely placed grass and mustard stains on a pair of whites!), 2 stumpings by Tom Caesar, 2 out of 3 catches by Jon Ashton claiming his first fantasy 50 point haul, wickets from Ian Nutt, Pickering, Tony Lowe, Martin, Butcher and even the ever impressive Jack Caesar getting in on the act with his first wicket of the season.

To be fair, AMS continued to score well throughout, and finished on a creditable 110 for 8, 43 runs short.

Sandwiches, Sausage and Chips and a pint of Becks Vier later, a memorable evening was capped by watching the wretched French team being routed out of the world cup by the Mexicans.

Happy Days!