The ground was wet, the skies were grey (so we played on the astroturf), we had more scorers and scoreboard attendants than most Test matches, Capt. Woody won the toss and yes you've guessed it decided to bat!

Freeman and Herd opened the batting, with Freeman playing well and Herd using his proven formula of hit one miss one, put on 61 before Herd was out to an 'orrible hoik across the line.

Hill joined Freeman but missed a straight one after a few lusty blows, Savory then played round a straight one, it looked like the Tatsfield Hillians had found out our weakness, straight balls bowled at the stumps!

Freeman (26) was then unlucky to be out to a very high full toss caught at midwicket after the neutral umpire, who otherwise did an excellent job, lost his voice and ability to shout "no-ball"!

We were in trouble at 86 for 4, but help was at hand with an excellent partnership from out 2 guests Hamish McGooner and Scott 'Alf' Garnett with Hamish dominating and Scott supporting, saw us through to a respectable 126 before Scott departed.

Kelly joined Hamish and an enterprising partnership saw the score rise to 161 before Hamish (46) was run-out attempting a quick single. Kelly was then bowled off an inside edge, before Robinson and Morton in an unorthodox (what else?) partnership, took the score to 170 before Morton was out and Capt. Woody declared. Tea was brightened up by the appearance (against all odds knowing his navigation skills) of Adrian Warner and Colin's enjoyment of the Prawn sandwiches and rice wraps that were on offer.

Woody and Hill opened the bowling , Woody after an unlucky but short spell was replaced by 'Alf' Garnett when Tatsfield were one down after a good catch by Robinson from a Hill long hop.

Hill (3-47) then found his line and length for one of his best, if not longest spells of season and was well supported by Garnett (1-33) , with Tatsfield Hillians 70 odd for 5 with 20 overs left we sniffed an opportunity.

It wasn't to be as an enterprising 6 th wicket stand where the solid Heasman (75) carried his bat to see Tatsfield Hillians to a well deserved draw at 160-5. There was a time when we were at risk of losing but Woody (perhaps belatedly in this correspondents humble view) brought on some spin in the shape of Savory who stemmed the run flow.

We then retired to the surprisingly excellent club bar to talk over an enjoyable game played in an excellent spirit by both teams. It was here that we suffered our first drop of the game when Robinson spilled his pint all over the floor and my wife (he is either mad or brave?). Woody senior after several pints of the black stuff, reckoned Capt. Woody dropped one in the field and should be fined too, Capt. Woody in true Beechwood tradition played a dead bat to this suggestion.

Well done to Director of Cricket Steve, for arranging the fixture at short notice and to Chris for getting our 2 guests in, he has now learnt the old adage, the more players you bring in, the less you bowl!

Oh and the Guinness was good.

Team: Cooksley, Freeman, Garnett, Herd, Hill, Kelly, McLachlan, Morton (w), Robinson, Savory, Woodward (c)