Things started well for the Sunday 2's at home this week when Ash won the toss, but rather than showing elation the skipper's face suggested something else was on his mind. At first we thought the recent "doormat" slur was still playing on his mind but the real cause for his concern became clear when he looked to the sky and solemnly declared "the rains come at 3". With this in mind, it was decided to bat first to make the most of the prevailing and relatively pleasant conditions.

On his return from holiday a refreshed Doug Shaw opened the batting with the young Max Sugden and both of them looked comfortable at the crease against KPMG's opening bowlers despite them finding a good line and length. A few overs into the game, a big appeal went up for LBW against Doug (on 5) but the umpire shook his head. Two balls later, a second big appeal was made and this time the umpires finger went up. LBW Dan had struck again! Shortly after this, Max went for a thin edge to the keeper but managed a respectable 14 off of some decent bowling. The next few wickets fell in short order until Brett Woudstra (46 not out) and Nick Bridgeman (16) managed to dig in and steady the ship with some classy, solid stroke play. The runs were ticking up nicely until Nick was clean bowled and KPMG kept the pressure on the tailenders with only a few more runs being scored before Ash's prediction came true and the rain began to fall. It was precisely 3pm when Doug (now upiring) looked up at the black skies and took the decision that we should all run for cover. No sooner were we all inside the shed when the heavens opened and and Putney's first ever monsoon rains began to fall.

We took tea early and by the time we came back out the sun was shining brightly with hardly any clouds in the sky but a soggy pitch delayed things furthers until play was resumed at around half past four. Putney were held to 125 all out and after a quick turnaround went out to field.

Devon Ebersohn and Stephen Wilcock opened the bowling attack and three wickets fell during their spell with a further four taken between Sammy Tendeter and Simon Taylor. Unfortunately though, there were not enough runs on the board to put any pressure on the opposition and with wickets still to spare, a capable batsman opened fire and began to smash the ball all over the park until it was just a matter of time until KPMG crossed the line.

Despite actually coming second, the Sunday 2's were winners again this week for playing with a real determination and in the proper spirit of the game when others might simply have prayed for more rain! Another bonus this week was the bank holiday Monday, which meant we could enjoy a few beers in the club house without needing to worry about school. Happy days!!