The predicted biblical rains never actually arrived.  The overcast skies did however give way to some snippets of sunshine, but it was a cool afternoon for cricket. Nevertheless, a limited overs was agreed on, in order that it might be completed by the imclement weather.
Winning the toss, the Cryptics chose to bat. An excellent platform was built by the openers, Andrew McCulla and James Pym, scoring 71 runs for the first wicket. A risky, quick single to the Royal Household's most competent all-round cricketer, whose direct hit found Pym (35) short of the crease. McCulla (34) was next to depart, and Warren Miller took up the mantle to continue the good work.  When he was given out LBW for 30 runs, the innings wavered afterwards, and the scoring rate declined. James Harrod struck a couple of lusty blows, but runs were otherwise hard to come by, and the 30 overs quickly passed. A total of 148 to defend was going to be tough.
After a hearty tea in the warmth of the pavilion, the opening pairing of William Wilkins (coming downhill but into the wind) and Jonny Young kept the Royal Household top order on their toes. Wilkins struck in the 4th over, but a second wicket partnership put the opposition into a strong position. Scott Ensom played a pivotal innings, which included some lovely strokes. He was crucially dropped in the thirties. James Harrod bowled well and was rewarded with the wicket of Richard Wilson, who was looking well set. Wickets fell, with 3 taken in consecutive overs by Paul Massey, but with Ensom at the crease it looked a forgone conclusion. With 5 overs remaining and only 12 runs required, Fox was brought back into the attack, and on his second ball had Ensom caught for 78, lobbing up a mistimed shot to Pym. 6 wickets down. In the very next over, Tim Forte claimed the 7th wicket, knocking his own players out of the way to take responsibility for the skied catch off his own bowling. Next over, Fox hit the mark and clean bowled the batsman. Nerves had crept into the Royal Household tail. Two wickets required, 8 runs to defend, and 18 balls remaining. A couple fo lusty blows into the deep left the scores level. The batsman then clipped the ball directly at Jonny Young. Gasps went up from the crowd. Then cheers, as the balls was spilled and the single required for the home win was taken. An even contest and good game to watch.

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