Duffield entered this beautiful Sunday with a team good enough to beat their opponents, however, were rocked when not one but two of their players failed to show up for the match. Adam Short, Sunday XI skipper, showed his powers of persuasion and the balcony ridden Dave Stevenson was drafted in at the last minute.

Shortie, who was anticipating not being available for this match asked Kris Elliot to skipper for the day, and although Adam Short managed to recruit a side which included debutant Kieron Atkinson, and himself, Kris was allowed to keep the captaincy.

Talk of late night shananigans filtered back to the camp, though on arrival, albeit half an hour too early, not anticipating a 2.30pm start, spirits were high. Then disaster, debutant Atkinson split his webbing in the warm up. However, a bit of first aid, and he would be back into the fray.

Duffield won the toss and elected to field first on what was a beautiful day. Despite having only ten men, Duffield took the attack to the Darley Abbey openers. Short and Carrazedo took the opening overs, with Short bowling big booming away swingers and the now infamous inswinging toe-cruncher, which the batsmen did tremendously well with to keep out.

In fact the umpire, did ask Dave Stevenson if Short was indeed Duffields overseas player!!!

Mike Williams bowled with good consistency, and deserved more than his one wicket. Then "Harold" Bishop enetered the proceedings. His flight and guile was too much for the Darley Abbey batsman and his 3-24 was the pick of the bowling performances.

Kris Elliot was heard to mutter the words, "just you wait till I am batting", oh how these would come back to haunt him later. In the meantime, quite a congregation was gathering round the lush Eyes Meadow outfield. Shorties hareem, in full glory sending the totty meter wild. Never before had such an array been present. They had travelled from far and wide to be present, places such as Kent, London and Leicester. Tremendous support for the Duffield lads. It didnt go unnoticed when Darley Abbey brought some of their own eye candy to peruse the match.

So with Wood also picking up 1-14, and the entertaining bowling spectacle that was offered by Atkinson, Darley Abbey reached 183-6 from their 40 overs.

Another Antill tea was demolished in no time, as Duffield were looking to start positively. They were further troubled when Dave Stevenson injured himself whilst fielding and would be unable to take the field to bat. So Duffield were down to 9.

Carrazedo survived an LBW appeal somehow, although umpire Wood maybe having a few sleepless nights over that one. However he was out a few balls later, bringing Short to the crease, watched by his adoring fans from the sideline. Their enjoyment was brought spectacularly to an end however, when Elliot, still sulking from his dismissal, sensationally triggered Short....LBW. The fans will be writing to the Australian High Commission demanded that this fool be ejected from the country with immediate effect.

Jordan then took to the crease, but Mills was looking good still, when unbelievably, he too was given out by Harold. So Duffield in deep trouble at 40-4 from 13 overs. Enter Atkinson. On debut, with slipt webbing????? Some well placed strokes, demonstrating power and precision, saw him amass 39 n.o. However, he was running out of partners. Darley Abbey had a secret weapon, who went by the name of Wayne.

Despite a circumspect start, he took the wickets of Williams and Wood, prompting joyous scenes from him. The last man Bishop, strolled to the crease to take up a partnership with Atkinson, and talk of recreating the famous Botham, Dilley partnership of 1981 was heard.

No such joy though, as Bish holed out to the man at mid off. Duffield all out for 126. So the Hareem and some select few carried on their merry way, and a night of debauchery and lager was to be enjoyed at the White Hart, followed by the now customary jaunt to the Viceroy, for some nosh and naan slaps.

Drinking games were of the order during the night time proceedings, and lets just say our Australian friend was made to pay. For once, the boot was on the other foot, all shall be revealed, very soon!!!!

Related Links:
Sunday XI
Duffield Squad Members