And Capel CC did not disappoint - a huge shout out to Sarah from the club, we’re talking quiche, we’re talking homemade brownie cake, sausage rolls, bananas, scones - pretty sure I saw some homemade basil in a pot for the more herbally inclined. Simply outstanding, the death of tea cricket isn’t quite nailed on I’m here to confirm. It would be negligent of me not to also mention our pre-travel away day team breakfast - organised by Skipper Bush of course, a number of us met up in Balham to enjoy some breakfast burritos and tater tots to fuel us for the day ahead. A delightful way to start the day, or for McGurn to simply continue the night straight from the Wandle. I think he has tour fomo.

Anyway there was also cricket, Skipper Bush flipped the coin and we were into bat on what looked a green softy with short straight boundaries and an undulating outfield. Face up city boys. McGurn and Hanzi opened proceedings, both falling cheaply to some very accurate bowling from the Capel young guns, who after 10 overs had reduced the Plough to 34-4. Not what doctor merch ordered. Stanley and Elmo joined each other at the crease, the former blasting the ball to all parts with superb timing and power - including a Ponting-esque pull shot for six, his knock of 45 dragging us out of a big hole. This guy can play. Stanley and the mole stabilised things with a partnership of 47 before some excellent catching saw the pair off, bringing Yanni ‘Hulk Bogan’ Baveas to the crease. After some lusty blows from Skipper bush (#bushball), resident Swede Carlos Vibes entered the fray. Together Carl and Yanni took the plough to our final score of 174 thanks to some gorgeous boundary hitting and smart running between the wickets - the pair ending on 21* and 24* respectively, a career high score for the increasingly impressive Baveas.

Post-epic tea, the Plough opened up with the inevitable combination of Bush and Gray who set about teaching the young lads a lesson in a very positive and developmental way. Virtually no runs and 3 wickets down after 10, like McGurn at the Wandle they were going nowhere - featuring a sharp take in the gully by Hector on his return for the Plough. It was then time for Carl and Ish who both bowled with excellent control, Ish in particular proving difficult to play - the pair building on the good work with 3 wickets between them. Some spin twin action from Elmo and Hector took us into the middle overs, but it was that returning dynamic duo of Bushball and Gray that sealed Capel’s fate - putting it in the right areas, drawing the errors - there’s a lesson for you. Capel all out for 107, Bolshaw the pick of the bowlers with a ridiculous 3-7 off 7. Sledge of the day, possibly the month, goes to McGurn who asked one of the Capel youngsters how their GCSEs were going this summer, only to then shell one at at slip a few balls later. Poetry.

A bloody excellent all round Plough performance, everyone putting in and contributing with strong vibes throughout the day. A word for our hosts Capel CC who were outstanding all day - inviting us back to their home ground bar for some beers on top of a world class tea - we’ll be sure to see them again soon.

Elmo

Match report produced by Tom Elmslie