After leaving the league at the end of last season, the Village made their first appearance of 2009 at London Fields. Both teams turned up to be greeted by a lovely green field - unfortunately this included the square. Luckily for both teams, last week's markings were still visible and the track was flattish.

Dave Hickey, skippering in the absence of Club Skipper and Vice, won the toss and elected to insert the visitors. Ben Davis opened the bowling with Simon Lee. They provided some tight stuff interlaced with some lovely off drives from opener Harty. Davis picked up the opening wicket of Pontin, who was soon followed back to the trees by no 3 Morgans who was done by a Lee jaffer.

Marcus, a mate of Bombs, joined Harty at the crease and started to form a partnership of some promise. In fact both batsmen went on to register 50's. With the score looking like it could well finish over 200 captain Hickey turned to Devil Ball bowler Rob Harries to offer some much needed magic.

Harries did not disappoint. Magic Ball was bowled, stumps were parted, Harty left the crease. New Fields 'member' Dan McAllister was bowling for the first time in 11 years and it showed. His first 3 balls triggered an emergency response from NATO. The next 3 overs progressively improved. He first found the pitch, then the length of the hardened Harries Magic Ball and then, whack, a wicket! MAGIC!

With Hickey tying up one end and finishing with three wickets, it was left to Steve Fernbank and Matt Cowie to pick up a wicket apiece. The Village innings that had promised so much (like a lot of Village innings against the Fields) fell away to leave the Fields needing 169 in 35 overs.

Robin Friend and Fernbank opened the batting for the Fields. The Village opening bowlers, Bowman and White, immediately produced some testing deliveries. They were so testing poor old Fernbank fell to Bowman, LBW for zilch.

Troy Utz was next up and settled in nicely. He partnered the fluent and faultless Friend putting on a partnership of around about 100. I can't be sure as I haven't seen the scorebook in 4 months (written Dec 09).

The runs were flowing and so were the Village misfields. Sleepless nights... enough said...

Friend went on to make 76 not out - impressive considering the "Jethro" beard he was sporting. Troy fell for 32 and was then quickly joined in the trees by Jason Lord who departed for 7. Simon Lee took up the mantle and guided the Fields over the line with something to spare. He finished up 34 not out.

Many beers were consumed by both teams, who enjoyed a good night in the park and then the pub. Socialising with the oppo is all too neglected, but not this time.

Thanks to the Village website for supplying the figures below. Our figures will follow when I next see the scorebook.

Here's the scorecard: