Thursday 8th June was a scorcher and it brought about HOBs next game. Most of the Old Boys were sweating far too heavily before play had even started however we were keen to get the game underway, especially after last season's epic draw with our formidable opponents the Mechanicals CC.

Jon expertly mastered the toss-off and elected to bat so Ed and the toss-king poodled there way to the middle. Jon, our most bald player, was off to a flying start, smashing the Mechanicals opening bowlers mainly down the leg-side. Other boundary shots of note were a textbook straight drive and a glorious drive through the mid-wicket area. A personal favourite was a ball that bounced a tad higher than Mr Smith was expecting - and caught him millimetres away from his bollocks. Lucky boy as the Skip wasn't wearing a box!

A few quick wickets fell and the pressure was suddenly on! Jon (AKA the Bald Pigeon) was one of these wickets to fall after a quick fire 29 and no sooner were the pads off he was back in the thick of the action as a totally impartial umpire. Although saying that, after a massive stride forward, poor old Stu Adams was dubiously given lbw by our skipper. I think it's fair too say Dickie Bird wouldn't have given it but Adams would have his moment later in the game. 4 wickets down and a score of less than 60 could be on the cards.

Step forward Meredith Ashford. The heavily shelved warrior had a point to prove after his golden duck against Gremlins last week. He ignored Ashley's advice to play himself in and duly smashed an impressive first ball for four. Batting became slightly easier due to a senile OAP bowling / looping it although the HOBs had to contend with a very talkative wicketkeeper who was so old he threatened to have a heart attack after 10 overs of squatting, poor blighter.

The wickets continued to tumble with the run-a-ball Meredith perilously close to being left stranded at one end. Even Hough, our second most bald player, attempted to run him out to the amusement of the crowd with a "there's 3 there" shout. Boy wonder Meredith wisely sent him back.

A respectable 41 not out from Mr Ashford left the Mechanicals a target of 121 which probably could have been more if last man Niko was unleashed on their ageing attack.

Walking out to field you could tell HOB meant business even though half the team were still smoking. The Smith bros were up first, steaming in during a lively spell that brought one wicket for SJ and, but for a case of butter fingers, JS would have had a c&b.

The run rate was picking up so wickets were now the name of the game as the Mechanicals pair were both in double figures. Hough, sensing this importance, dropped a dolly off Lambshead - what a knob-jockey!

We needed help, help from a mutant infact! - Step forward Stu 'The Mutant' Adams.

In a bizarre spell of spin / swing / medium pace bowling he found the corridor of uncertainty with ease and picked off 3 wickets, all caught and bowled. The last in particular was freak-like; clasping at a ball near his ankle that was coming back at him Asafa Powell speed (ok it was a ball & not a beefcake black man). Figures of 4-0-6-3 secured the match for HOB.

A late wicket and a run out from Ed saw the Mechanicals finish on 85-6, 35 runs short of their target.

In high spirits the HOB's trundled off to the Kellaway for a well deserved pint where, in a close call, The Mutant bowling machine pipped The Meredith batting machine to the man of the match award.

Bravo everyone!