Rickmansworth & Isambard Cricket Club

A sunny day at Sawbridgeworth started with a small moment of history: a presentation to Dave Malin on the occasion of his hundredth match for Isambard, made by son Adam. Malin senior is only the second player to reach this landmark (Adam being the first). An important tribute to a player who only rediscovered the game at fifty when the club started up. Disco’s contributions to Isambard over the years, both on and off the field, have been immense.

After the presentation came the cricket. Roxy won the toss – something he has had markedly more success in than winning matches – and chose to bat. With Kim-Meg and the returning Sir Rich at the crease, the spectators looked forward to a quiet afternoon. Richie was soon dismissed for 1, but Kim-Meg and Roxy put on a useful partnership for the second wicket.

Wembridge’s dozen runs were accrued in his usual state of Zen-like calmness, with the exception of a huge six, akin to a Tibetan monk deciding to have a single night on the lash in

Following Wembridge’s dismissal, John Chance tagged his usual spot in the middle order, and ankled down with a good innings. Mat Lindsay, promoted to No.5, enjoyed an innings in which he scored runs like a hyperactive child let loose on

After an excellent tea, Isambard took to the field. Herein lay the problem: with the exceptions of Lindsay and Bywater, the visiting attack had all the depth of a shallow puddle on a particularly hot day. The likes of Dean, Gardiner and Kallmann had more slap than a group of shoplifting teenage girls on the loose in Boots. Opener Jackson scored runs like his namesake Michael swallowed painkillers, reaching an unbeaten 114 with little difficulty.

Nevertheless, everyone had time to have a shower before the football, during which the visitors made their usual generous donations to their hosts’ bar income, and the home side set about trying to recruit Mat to play for them, and otherwise dissecting the game in great detail. A splendid end to a good day out.