Played at Millfield

The game saw the ten men of the Old Fallopians take on the eleven of Shakespeare and another close finish saw the Fallopians beat Shakespeare for the second time this season.

Electing to bat first, the Fallopians put on a good total with contributions from almost everyone. The total of 222 hinged around two good partnerships, the opening one of 80ish between Rafe and Matt setting a good platform, and a brisk 60ish in the middle of the innings between Will and Mark ensured we were able to post a good total on what must be one of the best batting pitches in London.

The only setback was the loss of four wickets to runouts, a recurring theme these days, the most comical of them being Peter's; lessons from Ricky Ponting we think!

Following a delicious tea it was the Fallopians turn to bowl, with the intention being to pitch it up. It turned out to be a slightly difficult pitch to bowl on, and with the light making it difficult to see the ball for the fielders Shakespeare were able to amass runs at the required rate.

It took two run outs from Mark to change the course of the game, the first of the captain on 48, the second of their big hitting number five for persisting to back up too far. This second decision was not taken well by the batting team (possibly with some sympathy from the fielders) and meant that the finish was slightly acrimonious.

However, a win by 1 run is not to be sniffed at, and in fact the match situation was not quite as close as the final score might suggest.

-- Rafe Smallman