By Philip Barrass

So, to general surprise, the second week of cup games saw the Fallopians still going strong. After a thrilling and exhausting encounter that went right to the wire in the last round, the OFs felt they could raise their game and take 2nd seeds Tower Ravens out of the tournament.

Expert analyst Bert Vandermark agreed: "You've got a real chance against this lot - you'll only need 350 to make a game of it."

The Ravens weren't listening, and pounded down deliveries from both ends with fearsome pace, accuracy and disguise. Early promise and some big hitting was snuffed out by loose stroke play and line calls based more on confusion than clarity of vision - no hawkeye here to change decisions for the unlucky player.

The Fallopians served up a decent enough series of balls themselves, and two Ravens were neatly plucked and drawn. But in vain. The Ravens put such top spin on their drives that they sped past lunging and diving Fallopians too often - "Ridiculous!", they were heard to cry.

No fervour from the crowd, just silent resignation, predictable departure. Not even children left at the end to clamour for autographs, but the barman in the Royal remembered my name, which is something.

Contortionist: AK faces the boot                                        Photo: Philip Barrass