On the back of two league wins, the Plough were rumoured to be closing out DSG, hootenanny's and any other establishment that evening (morning) that would help them quench their thirst.

My journey back to enthusiasm was aided by a Greggs coffee and considerable volumes of volvic.

I arrived at the ground fashionably late after battling a train or two to a magnificent sight of Max Gumpert, Olli Lonsdale and many other Plough prepping for the field for what was to be a gripping game.

Plough vs Southbank is almost always a blockbuster affair and after our win the previous year, the caveated half jug trophy was back on the line.

I whipped on my whites and slapped on some sunny to the sight of Oli winning the toss. Batting it was and in a flash the luscious locks of Max Gumpert and safety lats of Will Curtis were out in the middle.

The first ball reared off a length right into the face (shoulder) of Curtis, causing a few glances over at Oli with his decision to bat.

Both openers were out soon after, Curtis bowled for 4 and Max, triggered for 15 whilst he was half way down the track.

Tobin tickled one down the leg side without troubling the scorers and in a flash I was in with Dr Merch at 25-3.

The goal: get to drinks together, and that we did. Dr Merch and I went on to score a 50 run partnership to steady the ship.

Southbank had a few exceptional spinners that were causing mayhem and eventually Merch was out LBW. Big shout out to Merch who steadied a very wobbly ship with me and I thoroughly enjoyed our partnership together.

His absence brought Azza (Rule of Thumb) to the crease. His first 3 balls, he played carefully trying to see what all the fuss was about before not wasting any more time and clearing him for 6 large ones. This was to be the partnership that really set us on course. Azza and I hit a destructive 92 run partnership with boundaries flowing. I unfortunately went at one too many and was caught at long on 7 runs premature for a ton.

Bakery didn't trouble the scorers bringing Ellie to the crease. She batted sensibly, giving the strike to Azza who eventually finished on 77 red. Plough finished their innings for 225 which we thought was a very dependable total.

Lucky was tied up and tea was lovely as always (Thanks Jackie)

Back to the field the Plough march on and the first breakthrough followed with John 'Disney' Walton producing one of the balls of the season with an inswinging yorker that looked just imperious.

The 2nd wicket however, wouldn't quite land for us. Ollie rotated his bowlers well, Azza was probably the pick of the bowlers without reward and it was a pleasure standing at slip to Ellie who had their batters in all sorts of trouble. But credit where credit is due, the Southbank batters went about their business with precision.

We never let our heads drop and supported one another till the end with Giordie (late call up - thanks) and Disney Walton taking another 2 wickets but in the end Southbank strolled over the line by 7 wickets with 2 overs to spare.

A thoroughly enjoyable game of cricket was followed by many a jug and a friendly face at the DSG. We sat amongst Southbank all evening until the songs got too much for them.

I am so proud to play for this exceptional club. We will dust ourselves off, pick ourselves up and PLOUGH ON!!

Love,
Dooza

Match report produced by Duray Pretorius