Two long years had passed since our last sojourn to the mean, unforgiving streets of the capital, and even longer since our last victory. Following a hearty breakfast at the aptly named YumYums, the two car convoy, packed to the brim with tents, sleeping bags, cricket gear, sagging bellies, and a horribly hungover Mike, plowed its way through lashing rain and a waterlogged motorway. The further East we travelled, the brighter the day became, just the odd shower spitefully teasing us. The sun did appear to be winning the battle though, and despite joining the foulness of the North Circular, we circumnavigated London with high hopes. We arrived in the leafy and rather affluent Muswell Hill with plenty of time to spare. The tents were erected and soon we were all sat down enjoying England batter away at Pakistan, in the company of Tom, Jo and Stu O. I must say I enjoyed my first experience of HD television. I may have missed a trick but I didn't know you could fast forward live TV…

We all made our way to the ground, the infamous Hampstead Heath. Inevitable jokes were cracked when a couple of the guys took a quick leak in the bushes.

The pitch looked surprisingly decent, considering it was council run. Cutbacks haven't reached the public sports fields department yet! Unlike Stride Treglowan, and the nervous chatter of Tom, Ash and Ed, the theme of the season.

Octopus won the toss and elected bat first, and after 8 overs, probably regretted that decision, with their opening bats making a paltry 8 or so runs between them. Will and I bowling very tightly, But one of the Octopi openers refused to play any attacking shots, and had a lot to answer for. All this did was heap pressure on the other batsman, and when Harsh came in, he didn't last long, spooning one up to the eager hands of Skipper Adams, from a dangerous ball from Barrett. Soon former HOB and skipper Jo came to the crease, and the pressure was applied again. Anth ripped in to him with his first delivery of the highest quality, nipping through and just flicking his pad. Not out, just. A bruising battle ensued between the two cricketing giants ( giants literally, not in terms of ability) Jo hitting Anth for a four and a six, before finally succumbing and getting bowled by a straight one. It had been a superb bowling display by the Ozzie. Ogilvie came in and smashed me for a four, but before I had a chance for revenge, Mike 'What the fuck am I going to do next' Sergeant ran him out, throwing down the stumps with a sensational right arm, his jubilant team mates mobbed him! The end was nigh for the Octopi!

Wickets continued to tumble, Adams getting a couple, Davies one, and Will came back on to finish the job. Henleaze had bowled Octopus out for 92. It had been a superb bowling performance, and a truly exceptional fielding effort.

So we could smell the blood of Octopus, and felt 93 was definitely within our reach. Ed and Andy Barry opened the batting, but a horrific mix up saw Davies grimacing as he started a long walk back to the pavilion/ grassy area. Not a great start.

Andy and I picked up the pace a bit, before I was bowled playing all over a straight one for 11. It was raining at this point, and the clouds looked a little foreboding. It was beginning to look ominous for HOBS too, as Mike offered another insight into the complex mind of a sporting Jekyll and Hyde, getting bowled for a duck. Adams came in, the old boys, wobbling worryingly. He hit a four from a lose one down leg, but that always bring the skipper confidence, and he was looking dangerous. So unfortunately were the Heavens and one of the worst downpours ever witnessed on a cricket pitch, saw both sides dashing for the worthless cover of some bushes. Everyone was soaked; you could sense Hawkesly smiling like a cunning Blackadder from his perch in the clouds… After ten minutes the rains subsided, but unfortunately, after short deliberation, play was abandoned with Henleaze well in control on 43 for 3 off 14 overs.

This was the second abandoned game this season, and this felt like real punch in the teeth. When it rains it pours…. Still we got over it. Showered and changed, drank lots of beer, ate burgers galore, talked cricket till ten, and then boozed some more….