Ibiza 169 - 5 wkts, HMS Albion 26

We have difficulty in getting fixtures in May and we were thus doubly grateful to the Captain and crew of HMS Albion for agreeing to play against us.

The afternoon started with the dire discovery that our new mat had been "circumcised" by somebody who had cut off and stolen six metres of it. It is to be hoped that the perpetrator(s) of this outrageous vandalism will be swiftly apprehended and their punishment condign.

Ever resourceful, we managed to stage a game on the old mat and in very indifferent conditions - cold and wet - we did well to score so many, though, even to the most charitable eye, the sailor´s bowling was extremely moderate. They also suffered from a disease which is not catching! For Ibiza, Brad van Bylevelt contributed a cultured half century, Jamie Struan played an elegant cameo and Martin Cooper and Stuart Brown hit effectively towards the end of the innings, but pride of place must go to Michael " Cocoa " Fowler who, proving the old adage that even a blind pig will occasionally tread on an acorn, hit an all - time career best of 31.

What a good moment for him to hang up his boots and retire from the game!

HMS Albion´s innings started badly, and they were soon shipping water badly. One of her guns blazed briefly and three boundaries were hit but the end was near and She went swiftly to the bottom. Young Harry Cade was probably the pick of our bowlers.