The curious will be interested to learn that Trinity Oxley has no connection with the notorious Whitgift organisation; the Oxley part is an impressive commemoration of a club founder.

In any event Trinity Oxley proved worthy opponents in a closely contested game, which started in blazing Dulwich sunshine.
The Ploughman's skipper confirmed his reputation (among the more subversive Ploughmen) as a useless tosser by losing the toss, and Trinity Oxley inevitably elected to bat. Perhaps the Ploughmen were feeling the effects of the week's selection and planning meeting.

This had (I understand from anonymous sources) concluded after a couple of nights of booze and be-bop at 3:30 AM , in Ronnie Scott's. The process involved the enthusiastic consumption of beer, whisky, wine and gin and tonics, and featured a friendly interview with an accommodating bouncer, who recommended the consumption of food. This proved to be sound advice, as no fatalities were reported.

In any event, early wickets proved elusive, as the track was an old-fashioned feather bed, providing no deviation whatsoever, and no hint of swing was seen to aid the Ploughmen's opening attack. The outfield was ludicrously fast, and it took a suicidal attempted run to yield the first wicket through a competently executed run out.

The Ploughmen laboured on in the searing heat, and Trinity Oxley steadily accumulated runs. Satpal scored 83 before being bowled by Walton for 83, and Dilip was bowled by Paul for 51. Trinity Oxley eventually reached 271 for 4 from their 40 overs, and an exhausted Ploughman's team staggered into the pavilion to be revived by tea and sandwiches. It would have been sadistic to offer anyone a scotch.

The Ploughman's chase was intelligently pursued. Sean McGurn built his innings with patience, and increasing power, smashing the bowling down the ground to the confusion of the fielding side. McGurn (139) was well supported by Keogh (26) and Edmonds (59). The aggressive but well-judged running between the wickets was an important factor in the Ploughmen's run chase.

The Ploughmen seemed to be cruising to victory, when McGurn top-edged a pull and was caught. It was generous of him to make a game out of the contest, or was he basically knackered? The Ploughman's XI were now perfectly placed to snatch defeat from the jaws of the victory. In the event the side were steered home by the 6th wicket partnership between Paul & Walton, who carried the team to 272 for 5, continuing the accurate and aggressive running between the wickets which was arguably the distinguishing feature of the Ploughman's performance.

Trinity Oxley deserves much credit for a sporting and very competitive game.

It was a most entertaining match, and I'm sure Baz will take note of the Ploughmen's innovative planning and preparation methodology.
Adopted, it would certainly broaden the appeal of Test Cricket.

Match report from Kelvin Walton, father of John Walton