Gazeley

Gazeley CC, otherwise known as the Allen Family, make their home in a delightfully gladed Suffolk village, with a kind of scout hut for a pavilion, no loo facilities but with great rustic charm and bonhomie.

Electing to bat in a timed game, Gazeley set off at a leisurely pace, giving little to alarm us as they reached 100 in 26 overs, then 200 in 44, finally topping off at 225. The father-son pairing of J and T Allen which contributed 71 in the final seven overs was annoying, but we still felt we were in with a shout.

Our innings was thwarted by missed opportunities. Sam Taylor was unlucky to be caught, Don Joyce and Andy Sharples were even more unfortunate to be run out, while David Nicholson was just getting into his stride when he too was caught in the deep. It was left once more to Brian Mack and Steve McCormack to shoulder the burden of run-making. And for a breathtaking 18 overs, they did so in spades, adding 100 runs and taking us to within touching distance of the total. Sadly, with no tail to speak of, we were unable to wag. Four wickets fell for one run and it was all over.