On a very dry wicket, both teams struggled to cope with the bounce. Risinghurst Firsts put in an England-esque start being 43-4 before middle order partnerships featuring top scorer Sandeep (53) got the total to 168-9 with a couple of useful contributions at the back end from Duncan and Satish who both made 22. Tim Jarvis had the best figures (3-23) for Minster as sixth bowler, but it was 6 foot 5, Chris 'Big Bird' Morgan who was hardest to play exploiting the bounce in the wicket.

Minster got off to a good start until the introduction of spin that broke the opening partnership as Martin intrpduced himself to the bowling, despite what he was to later discover, were two broken ribs. With the asking rate rising, when risks were taken batsmen usually perished. Justin Samuller in his second game showed his potential with a well judged catch, and then 4 wickets, as Minster collapsed from 85-4 to 90-9. This could have been 90-odd all out but for a simple dropped catch by skipper Martin. Given this reprieve the last pair of 'Birdy' and 14-year old Ollie Mersch played some very sensible cricket to get Minster within 30 of winning with 4 overs to go, before Martin (4-25) made up for his lapse by claiming Ollie's wicket to a fine snick behind snaffled with glee by Satish.

What was the best part of the day though was seeing James Elsmore, former player and captain at both clubs at the game after a serious health scare a few months ago. It was great to see him looking so fit and well.