It is 150 million km form the Earth to the Sun. However it is half this amount when measured from Stapleford, as reflected in the intense heat that was taking the paint of our cars as we arrived for the 1300 KO. We arrived to see a gaggle of the opposition loitering in the outfield, some already drinking beer (admirable in some circumstances but perhaps not before a league game). After a brief discussion between the Captains it was agreed Southwell would bat and Stapleford would endure apocalyptic heat for up to 45 overs.

The lowest point on Earth is the Dead Sea which is 42O metres below sea level and Shemika Charles is the current world record holder for the lowest limbo (21.59cm since you asked). However the Stapleford wicket puts these in the shade as it easily performed as the lowest playing facility in modern times. Lower than the pitch on a sub woofer, lower than Beelzebub's conduct at a 'Whose The Naughtiest Person' Competition. The ball was not for bouncing and the back foot drive was left in the locker.

Southwell started well with Oggy (22)and Gelly (13) taking the shine of the ball and getting us to 21 off 13 overs. Gelly then drilled one to a fielder and Toby S (5) then unfortunately fell LBW quite quickly after. Matt W (36) entered play and, after Oggy was bolwed, put on a 50 partnership with Abin (23). Southwell were looking good at 92 for 4 off 23 overs. Unfortunately matters took a turn for the worst and despite best efforts by Sam B (0), Rahul (0), Kev (1), John S (2)and Rich M (not out), Southwell collapsed to 107 all out off 36 overs. Stapleford, to give credit, bowled well with only 5 extras and a good line in witty banter.

Time for stirring speeches and 'going over the top together'. Kev made some excellent observations on getting early wickets and this is exactly what happened. Determined work by Toby (6-1-17-0) and Abin (6-2-28-3) got us the breakthrough we needed and applied early pressure to the now red faced opposition. This was then followed by further pressure from Rich M (5-1-12-2) , Rahul (3-0-16-0) and Oggy (2.2-0-30-0), but alas Stapleford reached the required amount with 5 wickets to spare.

Man of the Match Award goes to Abin for his bowling and batting, Champagne Fielding Award goes to Gelly for his leg side catch (much to the amusing annoyance of the septuagenarian batsman, he wasn't going to walk). Special mention to John and Toby for three good catches. Lastly a huge thank you to Rawks aka 'The Wolf Man' (Pulp Fiction) for all the organising.