Last report of what has proven to be a highly creditable season following our return to Division 2.

Facing a Haxey team in need of securing maximum points as they try to avoid the drop, Graham was able finally work out the secret of winning the coin toss.  Throw it once, lose it and convince his opposite number to agree for a re-toss and win - masterstroke.

We batted on a very good track, with Gary and Miami Bevis giving us a steady, confident start.  Miami took control of the partnership and following some sumptuous drives, neared a third successive 50.  Meanwhile, Gary held firm against a spirited Haxey opening attack and had the good fortune of being dropped in his 20's. Unfortunately Miami, fell for a fine 45, who clearly disappointed must surely be cursing the end of the season after a very fruitful 2nd half of the summer. Matty, returning from injury, didn't last long, but last week's batting star, Jaime, sporting a new duck like hairdo (clearly he's not superstitious) joined Gary at the crease and the pair began to move the score on.  Jaime was followed by Sanjay, who also maintained an increase in the run rate, with an innings characterised by a couple of lovely lofted on drives.  Gary was now starting to see the ball well and quickly moved past his 50 and looking at getting a big total. Graham followed Sanjay and the skipper was able to be the first to congratulate Gary, as he made up for the near miss, 99, earlier in the season against Caistor, with a well deserved maiden 100. Tiger Phillips and Rick provided a few late runs as we closed on 213, with Gary having carried his bat.

Haxey's reply was stifled by the new ball attack of Rick and Tiger.  Tiger was the first to strike following a good spell of tight, aggressive bowling. Next up, in the act was Rick - not as a bowler, but fielder. A rare wide delivery from Tiger was cut hard to backward point where Rick held a cracking catch low to his right.  We were well on top and this was then followed by another collectors item as Graham, grabbed a full length ( 2ft 6") catch at cover to give Rick a deserved wicket.  Pace was replaced by spin of Picnic Cook and Paul, and after a bit of a lull in proceedings, Paul was able to collect 3 more wickets with a sharp c&b, nice stumping and agricultural bowled.  Skippy meanwhile in an outfield role, was able to perform a cool run out as Haxey began to try and move the score on in a forlorn hope of chasing down our total.Late bowling changes, saw Graham grab a couple of wickets with mock spin, with the Bevis brothers closing the innings as Miami saw his 4th delivery snicked to Matty.Great end to the season, with us securing win 7 out of the last 8 matches played!!

That's it.. the presentation night awaits and we can look forward to a good night and then a winter wishing for it all to start again.  Special thanks to Statto for providing us with the book work and the excellent subsequent stats work on the homepage..well done Matthew (make sure you maintain the standards though as lucky mascot Statto junior has got his eye on your job!) 

By Paul Fytche