A disastrous few overs robbed us of a victory we always looked likely to claim once our batting innings had begun brightly. Sunday cricket can change very quickly though, and we managed to lose 5 wickets for 7 runs in 5 five overs which left us hanging on for the draw, and only a cool head from Captain Riz averted complete disaster.

We took to the field in the searing heat, heads down but chests pumped, knowing that a good couple of hours would put us in a very strong position to claim the MEIL League title.

The pitch looked like a belter, but we knew there would be some demons. Ali (who left Guildford CC award ceremony empty handed) bowled tidily and picked up 2 early wickets (one in the first over which is now standard procedure), both caught by TLG from indifferent cut shots. We lacked consistency though and therefore failed to take full advantage of the uneven bounce with the new ball.

They then embarked on a 115 run partnership which turned the match and meant it would be a long old day of cricket. Sha started steadily but became progressively more aggressive, especially through the legside. Raj chipped in from the other end but looked much less fluent, especially early on.

After a patchy start, Mohan (who didn’t leave Guildford CC award ceremony empty handed) won a couple of LBW’s (he was on a hattrick) and added one more to his onion bag. Jatin (mixing it up) and Riz (line and Length) bowled well, took wickets and suddenly we had a sniff of bowling them out for under 200. A couple of lower order hitters appeared though, and they made sure they batted out their full 45 and posted a score (237) which looked about par, but also looked a fair way off at tea.

It wasn’t our most slick effort in the field, but it was bloody hot n humid, and we did stick with it. Special mention to Tristan who took the gloves, did a very solid job, and snaffled three catches – jug!

Skips then made a play for clubman of the year by providing chicken biryani for us all. He didn’t make it himself but who cares, he knew someone that would. Fair play that man!

Korgy in his white England rugby top, and Manav in his black tennis gear arrived on cue.

BOC & MM strolled out, took a couple of blows, hit a few boundaries (Mark late cutting and BOC targeting the shorter boundary), and generally looked unfazed until MM skied one to curtail the opening stand. Jatin and BOC kept the scoreboard ticking over at 5s/6s but both fell in close succession. BOC had at least posted his 2nd fifty of the season for PCC – a landmark moment indeed.

The middle order powerhouse of Sid, Tris and Mo all got starts (as did all our top 7), all scored at a run a ball or better, but none could kick on and Siddharth’s well-crafted 31 was the top score of the trio. He used his feet well to the spinners and smacked a lovely six over long on, and it was a shame to see him trudge off after being given the finger.

We were still in a reasonable position due to our high run rate and skips was mulling over his options, but wickets carried on falling. Shivan (from the far end) returned to cause most of the carnage, and as the shadows lengthen, the sun was still strong enough to make out his dodgy action easily enough.

Dark comedy turned to farce as Riz had to leave the field to make sure the AA man fixed the correct tyre. This left Ali and A-Bomb to hold out for as long as possible, which turned out to be 2 balls, and just like that, Riz was back – 9 down and we were wobbling like something very wobbly.

This old dog has seen it all before though. 35 balls left, Ali only faced 4 of them, and only 1 out of the last 18. He made a tricky operation look anything but as the draw was secured.

30 minutes earlier we were 189-4 and needing only 49 from 9 and sitting pretty, but that’s how it goes, sometimes.

7 Pacificos sloped off to the Princess of Wales for the debrief where beer, juice, and burgers of the classic, hot, and veggie variety were consumed.