Sunday is traditionally a day of rest and reflection, and on this Sunday it was the morning after the 250th-anniversary party.
Brigands batted first and Gerry Northwood and debutant Matt Saben-Clare built a great opening partnership, making the most of the medium-pace bowling on offer until one lept from a length and there was a catch at point. But as the slow loopy bowlers came on the runs dried up and wickets fell. Flewitt was LBW, Jay was stumped and Henderson toe-ended a pull shot then watched the ball spin-back for 4 yards onto his own stumps. Even Hambledon-Aussie David Mann was speechless, it was one of those days.
New boy Mo Ali played himself in, ran well and hit the shot of the day; a reverse sweep into the Monument. Brigands crept up to 170 all out and had much to ponder over Rosie's lovely tea and scones.
Runs flowed from the first over as Hambledon made good use of an attacking field and a fast outfield. Hands caused some trouble, Sargant got two wickets, Ali bowled fast without much luck, and spin twins Bath and Beardall slowed things down in the middle overs but Hambledon were always ahead of the rate.
A comedic run-out was one highlight, a Wood diving catch another, and the Chairman was delighted that sales of raffle tickets exceeded Brigands runs scored on the day. Hambledon win again, it was one of those days.