Played at Parliament Hill

By Rafe Smallman (skipper)

Some days cricket can be an easy game, and some days it can be difficult. So how was it for the Fallopians on Sunday? Well, both in fact - twice.

On a hot, muggy, overcast day we lost the toss, again, and were put into the field. With our two opening bowlers somewhere between the pitch and their homes, it looked like we might struggle.

But what's that they say about opening bowlers - two a penny? - well in this case they were, as Steve Ward and Kit Wright bowled with beautiful line and length, using the pitch and swinging condtions perfectly to conquer all batsmen before them.

John Shaw and Steve Hamilton continued the fine display and it looked like we may not need the original opening bowlers as London Fields collapsed to 80-8. It was one of those starts where fielders were in the right places, bowlers didn't bowl a bad ball and all catches were taken, including a brilliant diving effort on the boundary from Kit.

And then suddenly it turned, the batting didn't get much better, but suddenly fielders were not in the correct places. The bowling didn't get worse - in fact Matt Asquith bowled at least three great balls an over, but a mixture of good shots and streaky fours saw the Fields take their total to a respectable 160 as the menacing, circling crows looked on.

A delicious tea ensued, and it was our turn to bat. While the London Fields bowled well, Will H-H and Rafe looked like they could bat all day. Each bowler came and were unable to make the breakthrough, and at drinks the Fallopians had moved serenely to 102 without the loss of a wicket, with Will already having passed his fifty.

But then it was the turn of the flying ants to arrive, and with it the first wicket. And with that fell the first wicket, and then another, and another. It wasn't that the batting got worse, just harder. Runs dried up, and suddenly it seemed that the Fallopians weren't going to reach the total in time. Nerves were jangling on the boundary, although there was more calmness on the pitch. London Fields were bowling less bad balls and with 2 overs to go 10 runs were needed.

And who won? Well, it was never in doubt. Matt Asquith hit a six, was dropped, before Steve Ward dribbled the ball through the boundary fielders legs to win the game with time to spare. Cue much celebration, if it hadn't been so muggy, although the hot weather meant for a longer drink in the pub after the game to reflect on what is turning out to be quite a season for the Old Fallopians.