There was to be no reward for the 1s at a soggy Brooklands as yet another pretty dismal day put paid to what was shaping up into an interesting contest.

Having already seen the game reduced to a 40 overs per side contest with a 2.30 start, Nick lost the toss and was predictably invited to bat on a typically lush (and rather damp in places) Brooklands surface. Stevie G was pressed into service as a makeshift opener but neither he nor Joe had much luck, both out within the first four overs and just one on the board.

It could have been even worse. Ed was almost caught at extra cover sixth ball and was then dropped at backward point in the next over. Rob survived a strong lbw shout first ball, then slashed just over backward point for a couple which saw Ed almost run out….it was tough going. Thankfully both dug in and Ed took 9 off the over before the first rain break, 23-2 off 10.

By the time of the next (and, as it turned out, terminal) rain intervention, the board showed 122-4 off 24, or 99-2 off 14, if you like. It was quite a transformation, Ed and Rob adding 83 off 79 balls for the 3rd wkt as both found the boundary repeatedly, 10 fours and a massive six from Rob in 7 overs after that restart really turning the tables on the hosts. Rob’s 10th four in the next over took him past 50 (35 balls) for the second week in a row, and he added another six – as did Sam – in their enterprising four over stand worth 26 when the rain just got too heavy, and didn’t relent. The sides waited some two hours before the game was officially abandoned.

It was a shame because a score of 160 would have given Dids an extra point and was clearly well within range – and the maximum 25 very much there for the taking. But it’s as you were (effectively) for the 1s with 6 games to go, 10 points clear at the top of the Premier Division. A situation everyone would have taken before the season started!