pictured: Sunday XI Vice Captain Tim Freeman back in the runs

On a weekend of unprecedented success for the club’s various senior and junior teams, the gentlemen of the Sunday XI decided to share the love by losing. Fernhurst CC was delighted to welcome back the BBC Bushmen for their annual trip to the village and the friendly match was played out in beautiful spring sunshine.

FCC skipper Matt Westley made an early claim for catch of the season with a Stokesian one hander in the covers. Bowler Simon Vigar was at his erratic worst, successfully proving that bad balls do get wickets. 2016 MVP Mark Langridge delivered many good balls and claimed a wicket and three maidens among his miserly 11 overs. New boys Rupert Raymond and Ian Brockwell were also in the wickets. W Jones was in fine form for the Bushmen with a half century and they posted a score of 181.

Among many compliments by the visitors for the, by now, legendary tea, Fernhurst’s top order started out on the chase. Tim Freeman scored 13 and Jon Meier 17 but, leading from the front with three sixes, Captain Westley scored 41. A classic Sunday XI collapse then ensued as they literally limped to 107.

In many ways, cricket was the winner.

Along with the BBC Bushmen.