S.T.A.R.T (home) - Match Won*****

* Ineistas' 94th min strike
** Drogba TV sweary rant
*** Ballacks to the lot of you
**** Essien wonder goal
***** 4-1 at the Arsenal helps ease the pain

"Drop back for this bat" isn't something I ever thought I'd hear whilst yours truly was at the crease but it happened on Saturday after I'd hit Will Beagles, S.T.A.R.T.s skipper, for a huge six over long on and having crushed an off drive for 4 from the previous ball. Easy game batting when you get the hang of it. And there's another 3 runs glanced down to fine leg... 20-odd runs from 13 balls going in to bat with 3 and a bit overs to go? Most reasonable...

Twa's sunny and calm on Saturday as we welcomed the remants of Stapleford Tawney And Red Triangle (work out the acronym for yourselves) to The Park, skippered as ever by the genial Will Beagles. I won the toss and handed back the decision to bat or bowl to Will. Such a sporting chap am I. But Will is equally sporting and insisted we bat first on a good wicket. So we did. And made 242 in 40 overs and EVERYONE got runs; Gaz (who hasn't played for Canfield for 10 years and was visiting from France) guested and got 43 as an opener, ably assited by Ali with 32. Gus went in at 3 and got 43. Then Lee, one of three youngsters playing, got into double fugures, followed by Harry and Patrick all making a solid contribution. It was nice to see. Their opener was a bit lively but after that, we got quick runs and, at 6 an over, batting 2nd was always going to be tough.

Post tea JW and Paul opened the bowling and did very well with Paul clean bowling one of the openers (bowling from the right end Angus - take heed) and then JW getting the mightily dangerous Del out for a duck, caught at point by Harry. Then on came the Skipper with a first ball wicket (sorry Tim for playing on - but he did get me out last year with a ball that bounced about 4 times I seem to recall), then a 2nd ball wicket with Will skying one to Ali at mid off who took a ballet-like one handed catch. Both their main batters out for ducks. And the skipper's on a hat-trick, which he then fluffed by bowling a horrendous wide. Finished with 4-25 though, and with young Alfie bowling very well for his 3 wickets, we skittled them out for 90-odd. Sounds an easy win, but if Del and Will had got in, it would have been a diferent story.

And well done young Willie Beagles for making his debut, playing with a stright bat, and surviving 20 balls more than his Dad. Well played youngster.

Man of the Match: Now come on be fair, when have I EVER elected myself for this? But I did get some runs, and a six, and changed the bowling at a crucial time, and got a 4-fer, and was on a hat-trick and and (oh alright then Nipples - just don't go on about it).

Champagne Moment: Now come on be fair, when have I EVER.... that 6 was worth it. Or for bowling Will for a golden duck! Take your pic chaps.

Mug of the Match: Panther - that's you mate and don't get cross. Playing for S.T.A.R.T he dropped Angus, missed running out Ali and was bowled by Alfie (aged 7). And there we were thinking he wasn't going to play again this season. Unless we're short. Just call me okay. If you're short....

Thanks to The Lucas Clan for, as ever, a great tea (but lose a point for no scones). Just sayin.

Right, I'm back in a month or so for the Sat XI but will be turning out for Andy Silksone's Sun XI in between. From what I hear he needs a bowling all rounder. God I am so heading for a fall.

With the disappointment of Chelsea failing to progress to Rome in the Champions League final, I shall bask in the quiet knowledge that actually, sort of, I played, err, okay really. And enjoyed it. Well done to one and all. See you in June. Unless you are playing on Sunday when I shall see you next week.