The long, mid and short term weather forecasts were proved all correct when Wednesday mid morning the rain started at Ryde and did not stop and the game with the Western Counties, who included the fine young Gloucester keeper from the 17s who had boosted Joe Smiths fantasy points the previous week, was finally called off just after lunch. With Hardy laid up in bed with sun stroke Sam Smith was preparing to don the gloves for the first time at sixteen’s.  We did loose the toss and the openers did pad up but never got out of the bar. Jay Millers Circus filled in the afternoon and David Wrench was more successful with the circus than 118118 as his audition for the Mexicanos knife throwing act was a great success. Eliot Acton looked much better after he had his face painted and the squad cheered loudly Marco and particularly Kristian in the finale. Unfortunately have a nice day DJDW was removed from the pivotal role in the mini bus due to tone deafness and Scooter. Wedding Crashes was the right choice and created Todd Gibson.

The sick parade increased the next day with Danny Carroll laid low and the other Danny returning to bed from the breakfast table, taking 13 was obviously the right decision despite the weather. With cloudless blue skies the side travelled to Brading for the first time in three years with Hardy on board but no Carroll. Robinson soon reported unwell and Hardy agreed to bat. The GCSE’s were promising with the captain following in the footsteps of Waistell, Fraser and Edmonds. Wrench was not excommunicated with Mother pleased with his results but concerned about his new career. Clouds started to build up on a very damp ground and the game was delayed. Devon lost the toss and for the third time in the week inserted. Devon progressed to 92 with Gary Chappell the only wicket. He scored 43 including one effortless 6 over mid wicket and 5 fours. He put on a seasons best 77 with Joe Smith off 133 balls. Chappell was caught behind and Smith and the recovering Hardy put on a further 15 when the stair rods appeared. It rained for 30 minutes which was more than sufficient with the overnight rain to create an abandonment. The GCSE results being the only highlights of another incredibly depressing day as the sun now shone till dusk and the management and players now at whit’s end particularly as the driver had been on sick duty at the Hazelwood when an Estate Agent turned up with prospective purchasers - if we loose our base that will be the final straw. For the first time the tune Bad Day registered when a now able DJ was in place and indeed it had been. The end of season meal at the Hare and Hounds went well, Dickon’s long term reminder of a group that has developed in stature with Joe’s speech outstanding. Sadly the next day was to show that their batting ability has not developed as much as their spirit!

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