Nine-a-side game
Report by Philip Barrass

A cultured 50 from Rafe Smallman and an incandescent undefeated 48 from Justin Roy propelled the OFs to a seemingly safe 165 for 2.

When New Boys batted, Peters Frisby and Henry tied one end down, whilst the other was less secure, as ageing groins and lack of experience gave the batsmen a chance.

New Boys ran and called like dervishes on amphetamines (anlogy only, not an accusation), and despite losing wickets entered the last over with just 21 to win.

Captain Barrass had reserved one canny over of Fahim Chowdhury's leg spin for just this eventuality, but now, unaccountably, turned to the largely untried bowling of Justin Roy.

He at least showed the moral courage lacking in his captain to take on the challenge.

A couple of wides at the start gave hope to New Boys, who took everything on offer and scampered noisily home with 2 balls to spare.

The garden of the Royal Inn was not the place to remember Fahim's remaining over.

Surely, now, it is again time for the captain to step aside.
 

Beyond a boundary: Rafe Smallman cracks one over the line