However, during the week leading up to the match, the weather gods seemed indecisive, casting a cloud of uncertainty over the game's fate. Heavy rains and high winds the night before left the DSG looking rather disheveled early on Saturday morning, sight screens blown over and bits of tree branch strewn across the outfields. Thankfully Jake had rolled and covered the pitch early on Friday, so the Hollies was in good order.

As the morning of the match dawned, the weather showed signs of improvement. Despite the groundsman's best efforts, the wind remained a prominent concern as it blew fiercely across the ground, creating unpredictable and swirling conditions.

Ploughmans won the toss and elected to field first. Mitcham CC only had 7 players present at 1pm and with 2 league umpires overseeing proceedings, Mithcam were duly penalised 2 of their batting overs. In the face of challenging conditions, Mitcham went about their task well with their captain coming in at 4 and showing some good determination and skill. While the other batsmen struggled to come to terms with the conditions, he stood tall, piling on the runs and ultimately falling for 109.

We bowled well and fielded tightly, having Mitcham 85/3 at drinks. at no point in that first innings did it feel as though the game was getting away from us, our bowlers bowled tight and the energy was up. The batter piling on the runs however, wasn't giving any chances. Mitcham posted a par score on the day of 226, courtesy of the skippers 109.

We knew going out to bat that the score was perfectly attainable but one of our top order was going to have to go big, unfortunately none of us did. Suri looked imperious opening the batting, smashing their quick bowler for a huge 6 over mid wicket. But ultimately other than a couple of 20s from the engine room in trying conditions, We fell 74 runs short. Lessons to take from this game for sure, we are not going to roll every team we play and we are going to have to stand up and be counted. Overall the energy, camaraderie and spirit was great on Saturday, we reflected on the days events with a few beers in the clubhouse afterwards. Onward and upwards Plough, we learn, we move, we grow and we F@&*ing Plough ON.

Match report produced by Sean McGurn