The weather, which had looked so ominous the previous week, smiled on us as we returned to the peaceful delights of Laxfield village, and the unspoilt delights of the Low House pub, which saw some pre-match Gascoigne-scale refueling on the Friday night before.

Skip won the toss under a sky that promised some movement for the ball and Laxfield were duly put in to bat. Stephen and Nick bowled extremely well - Nick revealing a whole new step up since his and Jonner's legendary last combined appearance here - and at 124 for 6 Laxfield were tottering. Jonners was less economical than bro., but still bagged two vital upper order scalps. Our splendid new Wanderer, Will Viney, nephew of Wandering legend James 'Big Nose' Gooden and great grandson of General Wolfe, uncorked a bowling action of classical style.

But then, in one of those moments in which destiny is made or undone, Skip decided that a spell of welsh wizardry was now required, only for the full shattering of our beloved wizard's staff (having struggled with dark forces jealous of his great powers all season) to be revealed as a massive 46 was conceded off two overs, two overs which completely changed the balance of the game. The chief feaster on this was David Cockerell whose batting has stepped up into another level since the last encounter. He was finally dispatched by Wuff - once again finding Laxfield a great bowling stage and again dismissing their danger man. The tail then largely subsided, especially after the important run out of T. Payne for 15, and the final total of 217 was still a getable target.
Unfortunately, Laxfield rather unsportingly proceeded to make that very hard to achieve by bowling exceptionally well and making full use of the assistance from the pitch and what swing was present. Our top order was sunk, before Lars and Andy put some spine back in the middle order and at 5 for 112 with both well set, there was still a chance for us. But hopes were dashed as both departed in succession with the score stuck on 112 and the remaining cricket fighters crumbled away like overcooked biscuits, Will enjoying the traditional Laxfield delight of death-by-run out.
So a frustrating performance in the end, but in part mitigation, the absence of both Lars and Margaret's bowling through injuries has been felt all season and Laxfield put out their strongest side we've yet faced, bowling beautifully and enjoying a top knock courtesy of David C.

A great fixture, against a delightful team, that is always a highlight of the year.

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