Report by John Moore:
After the heady heights of the finale of the Ashes at the Oval and strict orders from Andy Owen that there be "no swapping of bails", tonight's game was not going to disappoint. This sentiment came to light immediately before 6pm when a number of unnamed turncoats arrived looking very much like "they batted for the wrong team".
Captain Joe White won the toss (I think?) and we went out to field, and without any instructions (to the skipper's amazement), we all assumed our natural fielding positions, like a drilled gridiron team. Joe (1/28) bowled very well from the start and at the other end we saw the return of Ben Stone (0/25) who has been away on "family duties" for most of the season and looked very happy to be back on the cricket field. Both had excellent low scores off their first two overs of three overs [Their third overs, costing 15 and 13 runs, respectively, were as expensive as implied. - ed.]. First change was John Moore (0/23) who so nearly bowled their number two out with his first ball after which it went downhill. On comes our secret weapon Faruk Kara (2/39), whose first over bamboozled and who then bowled out their very accomplished number three bat (who could only look at the sky presumably to find an answer from his god) followed shortly by another scalp bowled - excellent stuff. The young Young (0/7) was very effective in his single over - good work too. CJ Barrie (0/12) and Juluis Rix (0/34) then concluded the innings.
Bassingbourn then (I think) asked for a new ball, which they specified to be pink - unfortunately the evenings are drawing in. Remnants went straight into Bazball mode with Seb Hammersley and CJ Barrie going into overdrive, retiring on 43* (off 23 balls) and 42* (off 20 balls), respectively. At this point the scoreboard looked very impressive - after 7 eight-ball overs we were 101/0 - but then before our eyes it slowed down, looking more like the Millennium Falcon coming out of hyperspace into a universe where a planet has just disappeared! Gurav Patil (5 off 5 balls) hit a few before being caught and unfortunately Juluis Rix (6 off 6 balls) was run out - both off Anand's bowling. Captain White's accomplished stroke play added 23 (off 25 balls). The finale was led by Neil Grover (13* off 26 balls) with a majestic reverse ramp and Ben Stone (6* off 7 balls) to try and run down the scoreboard before the light completely ran out. But it wasn't to be - close but no cigar!
A very pleasant evening's cricket played in good spirit with some fine play on both sides.
I'll leave you with my favourite moment: Two overs left, you could feel the tension from the spectators. Neil Grover at the crease, stroke played, the batters set off down the wicket, to the gentle voice "just the one".