The Ducks didn't have to try too hard to beat us, and they didn't. But Rafe Smallman was undefeated on 45 and we survived our 16 overs with batsmen to spare and a tally of 93-5.

Captain Jonathan Stebbins was dismissed facing his second over for 1, and then when fielding succumbed to a mysterious ailment that laid him out for the rest of the game.

The Ducks used virtually all their players, including their 9-year-old scorer, in their bowling line up. After some early quick stuff that saw off AK Southey and Stebbins, much of their later attack was bowled off a couple of paces, but effective despite that.

Steve Ward found it hard to latch on to anything slow, but instinctively batted away the rare fast delivery, to make the second-top score of 11.

Peter Frisby batted with abandon in the closing overs, but could only reach 9, while John Shaw, unused at number eight, bowled two economic overs but failed to penetrate the Ducks' defence.

Mike Haycock gave us another high wire display of his fast bowling, complete with a balletic leap before release (see picture below).

Paul Hosking, playing his first game of the season, took the only wicket, clean bowling Zia Hussain. Otherwise the Ducks batsmen knocked us around the wide expanses of pitch 3, more than reaching their target in 11.1 overs.

Tim Castle subbed for the ailing Stebbins, who lay down by the boundary, closed his eyes and prayed for victory (not sure about the last bit).

Refreshments were taken at the Royal Inn afterwards.

Light-footed: Mike Haycock takes off (more pix here...)              Photo: Tim Castle