Match Report

The exact make-up of the team was a closely guarded secret until 2pm, Mike suggesting that it should be conditional upon who turned up on time. In the event, he decided to rest himself. Hetairoi were inserted - I think - and made steady, if slow progress against a tight opening attack. Clive was unfortunate enough to be caught half forward to one that nipped back, bringing Pablo to the crease. He immediately announced his intentions by launching a huge six over mid off, the boundary, the boundary fence and into a local swimming pool. This was repeated against the other opener. In the meanwhile, David F was replaced by Tim G. A swift partnership ensued, though never entirely easy on a pitch that was lively - Guy made several caustic remarks until he was reminded that his opening-batsman days were past and that he was now a spin bowler. Tim G played and missed at least four times to the left arm change. Pablo then hoisted once too often and was caught at long off for 47. Our former Bulgarian correspondent now arrived and tucked into some youthful bowling, hitting three sixes and a four in one over - a Hetairoi record? His elegance was somewhat blighted by the incongruous manner of his dismissal, turning 360 degrees and collapsing in a heap as the ball gently spun onto the middle stump. Nevertheless Martin made 47, remarkable since these are his only fixtures of the season. In brief, Hetairoi reached 197 for 4, with Tim G 71 n.o. at the close. Halesworth began confidently, but the introduction of Olly and Guy turned the whole match. Extracting turn from a worn pitch - Guy maintained that he could not work out which strip we were due to play on 30 mins before the game - both took 4 as Halesworth were reduced from 63 for 1 to 83 for 9. Olly's faster delivery accounted for at least two - both bowled - and saved David F from imminent decapitation. The last pair however batted with some flair, striking both for six. With ten overs remaining, Clive, the acting captain, wisely turned to Steven M. for that killer blow,
which duly arrived. Only one dropped catch in the outfield - and Stuart made it five catches in three games.

Champagne Moments: Pablo's six and Olly's quicker delivery.