TMG chances of enacting some kind of revenge after a series of heavy defeats at Poynings looked highly unlikely when the team convened at the Constant at midday on Sunday. Well that’s 10 of the team anyway as Richard “I’ve got this virus, had it all week anyway we are not going to be playing in this weather” Partridge who unlike his team mates had decided we would not be playing. A swift call from skip saw Cheery Bollocks arrive as we were about to depart. On arrival no sign of Poynings could be seen but we were met by a wet and soggy pitch.

But like the weather things slowly improved so much as the game started only 20 minutes late. Skip won a vital toss and asked our hosts if they would like to bat. The greys were lead out by the Shadoooow on his 2500^th game for the club. The overlord (D. Day) and the undertaker (Robbie who works in a funeral home) took the new ball and as has become customary bowled with tightness akin to Jerry at the bar.

Rob found good bounce and had both openers struggling on a pudding of a pitch. Dave Day (1-6 off 6) was replaced by a revitalised and well fed Ib’ and Rob “I’ll bury ya” Hoare taking a brace for only 11 runs. Poynings were going at a run an over and finding it tough to score. Relief came in the form of Ian “real value” Sewell. I’m not sure if Ian had been watching the world athletic championships from Daegu but his impression of Phillip Iduwu was uncanny….long hop after long hop. Luckily Ibu was bowling with good control. A mistimed sweep brought Ib the first of a 4 wicket haul, which must wrap up the leading wicket taker for the season. A full length dive from double D when a step to his right would have sufficed and a cob from Ib meant Poyings were in deep trouble. Only a decent rearguard action from the Poynings skipper who had taken it upon himself to try to wrestle the initiative back with some lusty blows. Ian after a pep talk from Biffo sorted out his act and cleaned up a couple of lower order bats. When Ibu finally bowled the skipper for 50, Poynings had posted a very gettable 82. After a marvellous tea which the highlight for me were the quite supurb Eccles cakes the Greys set about the chase. Biff and Jerry walked to the crease with a look of determination. After Jerry had clipped a ball straight to mid wicket, he returned to the pavilion with what can only be described as a grin on his face. He was told by his team mates that was no way to react after a dismissal and he should watch skip to see how it’s supposed to be done. The Greys never really looked like losing on a drying wicket as skip and Aussie Scum Del batted watchfully although Del did wear a couple of lifters. Highlights included a beautiful cover drive up the hill for four from Del and skips nonchalant straight 6 into the bushes.

Biff finally succumbed to leave a fairytale finish with Terry seeing us home for the loss of only two wickets gave us ample time for a “beer” at the Royal Oak at £3.90 while Tarquin and Fifi played in the garden and still be back to a proper pub HQ Constant Service by 6.30pm.

PSM winner Dave Day for his beaut of a slower ball which straightened (from left arm around the wicket) to clip the top of off stump.