After the trashing of Firle TMG’s ventured to Burpham which, on the strength of the previous year’s fixture, would be a considerably more combative game :an understatement.

With the withdrawal of Ricky “oh my thighs ” Southern and Richie “Myra Hindley ” Partridge the team welcomed two debutants in Darren a hard working/drinking postman and Max joining the Grey’s honour board of father and son combos.

On winning the toss and with a hint of moisture int the pitch Burpham were asked to bat and with Dave (31-1) and Rob continuing their impressive form the Burpham batsmen were made to work for their runs but with a mixture of edged fours and the help of the short boundaries runs, and a few wickets, came fairly regularly .
Rob bowled right through taking 2-38 with an lbw and a proper edge and catch by Ben behind the stumps. Dave came off after 5 but soon had to be brought back on due to the carnage being wrought by their number 3. Ah yes,  on 0 Rob at gully got a finger to a sharp chance that flew off for 4 and a few balls later Darren spilled a difficult chance at point ; he finished the innings on 165 not out hitting the ball hard and straight but if we’d got him early ………..who knows?

Max bowling with great flight and admirable control took the brunt of the hitting ( 75-1, a great delivery and, again, good work from Ben to complete he stumping) along with Jerry (70-1, a one handed, well 2 fingers and a thumb,  caught and bowled off another hard hit ball)  with the final over bowled by Biff (51-1) going for 30. Burpham ended on 305 for 7 off their 40 overs. Although there were a few misfields TMG’s kept going and with the ball being hit hard coupled with an uneven outfield mistakes were bound to happen. A personal highlight was a piece of synchronised hat throwing after skip missed one on the boundary.

A nice tea ( highlight a homemade sponge)  enlivened by the knowledge that they had nicknamed our glourious leader Hitler :that’s no Hitler we replied that’s our Mussolini”line”o……….

In reply we were always going to struggle, the asking rate of 7.5 an over being to much despite Burpham not utilising all their bowling options. Jerry was runout for 15 and with no Greysman really imposing themselves on the bowling wickets tumbled. Biff top scored with 30 followed by Ben with 29 including a lovely 6 down the ground .A total of 132 all out meant we were on the receiving end of a thrashing not to dissimilar to that which we had dished out the week before.

We licked our wounds at the George and Dragon enjoying pints of Arundel Gold which was really rather nice………..