Captain Rainbird won the toss for the 2nd week in a row and elected to bat in sunny conditions.  The skipper has already won more tosses than his predecessor did last year.  The captain elevated himself to open in the absence of Gatesy who was unavailable due to the birth of his little palindrome (he had a daughter Hannah on Wenesday).

Brokie , who was batting at 5, showed that he was an astute judge of his teammates batting prowess by padding up immediately.  He either had no confidence in the top order or it was an elaborate way to avoid square leg or scoring.

Skip and Mobby started cautiously and Mobby was relieved when the keeper spilled an early chance. The boys took the score to 84 before Rainbird skied a catch and was out for 30.  Bear joined Mobby and the boys soon exhibited their special skill – the ability to turn 3s into 2s and 2s into 1s.

Mobby reached his 50 and then unleashed, dispatching the ball to all parts of the ground, Bear came along for the ride and the boys added an unbroken 149 for the second wicket and the Sharks were well placed at 1-233 at the end of the 50 overs. The most popular man in the club, Mobby, struck his maiden club hundred and finished on 118 not out with Berry making 60. It was a great innings by Mob that was enjoyed by all and he was well supported by the veteran Bear – although there were rumours that Bear may have died in the 45th over as his supreme fitness levels were severely tested.

Brokie the pessimist spent the entire 50 overs padded up waiting to bat, as did Miffy.

In reply the Rams started slowly and didn’t score a run until the 5th over.  The tension threatened to boil over when Brokie shirt-fronted a 14 year old kid before throwing down his stumps and running him out.  Perhaps the Channel Saints should play in an under 14 comp but I still reckon they would struggle there.  

The Rams dug in and although not going for the runs were going to make victory hard for the Sharks.  The bowlers were keeping it tight and the fielding was excellent including the still dead Berry who was propped at mid-off in ‘Weekend at Bernies’ style.

The run rate was snails pace and there was nearly a mutiny as the team fatboys threatened to walk off after smelling steak cooking on a nearby barbecue. 

Josh Smith and Clyders each snagged 2 wickets and Rainbird used the occasion to give everyone a trundle except for Berry who turned down the opportunity of a posthumous bowl.  This helped to quash the rumours that Rainbird was only batting and bowling those in his fantasy side. Eventually the 50 overs were up and the Rams had made a dogged 7-140.