Ferme Park was today the scene of a long overdue win over local rivals the Beamers! In a game reduced to 30 overs per side (thanks to persistent and irritating breaks for rain) the Beamers, having won the toss and choosing to bat first, set about the Strollers bowling with keen intent at a rate of 7 per over from the off. But the combined efforts of Strollers débutants Andy Bates and Chris Cropley managed to stem the flow - the former bowling a tight line round the wicket and the latter claiming the first dismissal when, having saved a certain boundary from Woolmar, he turned to shy at the stumps from distance and successfully ran out the Beamers' skipper.

However young Kyle Pittman, batting at three for the Beamers, was undeterred and took full advantage of the limp pitch with a succession of feiry boundaries that helped his side past the 100 mark without further loss. However, with the score on 122, Cropley was again centre stage as he held his nerve and took a great high catch off Graeme's bowling at mid on to dismiss Beamers' wicketkeeper/ opener Dixon. Kyle, having notched up his fifty, was also sent packing when he lofted a short pitched delivery from Ted Greally up to mid on where Gav took a valuable catch. From here on the momentum of the game swung in the Strollers favour with Graeme claiming three further wickets and the Beamers closing their innings on a slightly below par 182-6 - no mean feat for a fielding side who had spent most of the afternoon slipping and sliding around the wet outfield.

The Strollers reply got off to a faltering start with both openers Gav and Graeme holing out early on but this did little to deter the middle order who, batting in improving conditions, opened their shoulders and began scoring with ease. Tom Brimble, making a welcome return to the Strollers, impressed with his quick running between the wickets whilst Matt batted with more fluency and aggression than at any time so far this season - at one stage hitting 15 off a single over including two fours and a massive six over midwicket. The hundred was reached with ease in the 18th over and, soon after that, both batsmen reached well deserved fifties. But, having added one further boundary to his tally, Brimble took a heave off Ralph Edney's off-spin and was finally caught out for 54. Tim arrived at the wicket for a brief cameo with just 33 more needed to win from 7 overs but was trapped LBW by Dixon (who had ditched his gloves to bowl) for 14. Matt too was unlucky not to carry his bat as he succumbed to a delivery from Dixon that dipped late, but his excellent 80 had taken his side well within reach of the winning line.

There was a slight wobble at the end as Edney saw two catches go begging, and Spencer ruefully missed the chance to take his side to victory when he was bowled, but Ted was unruffled and, with a well timed on drive for four gave the side the victory we thoroughly deserved as the sun finally beamed down on Ferme Park and a splendid Strollers win.