In a dismal but quintessentially English light drizzle, the mighty Welford sought to increase their win ratio in the not-as-militaristic-as-you'd-think surrounds of Sandhurst. Having learned via email that despite not netting, not having an unbroken bat and not knowing one of the team, that he was going to be captaining due to the unavailability of the Hairy One, Monica duly lost the toss on a firm but slightly slow and uneven wicket, and the Park were in the field. All except Spinders, who was presumably slow climbing off some random Trolley Dolly and so arrived somewhat late (typical pilot).

Despite warnings about the volcanic temperament and toy slinging potential of Matty G, Monica gave him the first over, and once he landed the first one on the strip (his 4^th delivery) he proceeded to bowl with great control and nice away movement, varying his pace and generally keeping his temper in check. At the other end, the towering James, our new recruit who I didn't know but whom I was told could bowl a bit, proved that this was an understatement as he sent down over after over of testing left arm pace. He even bowled a yorker after saying he would – a first for a Park opening bowler! Wickets fell regularly as the Parks pre-season fielding practice (whatever) paid off. Scarily, the first four catches all went to Herringtons, with Nipper snaring two, Senior snaring one and Middle Child grabbing one behind the stumps. Just think what it'll be like when the mini Herringtons have kids in the team....

Early wickets from a terrific opening burst by James and Matty should have meant only one thing – complacency leading to the late order taking the score near 300. But wait, is this the new Welford Park...

Despite a good knock from their number 7, who nevertheless always looked likely to have a dash and hole out – which he eventually did, great catch Johnny Westbrook – great change bowling from Spike and Herro, showing great skill and patience, plus the returning James and the still-somehow-calm Matty, restricted the Sandhurst XI to 150. I have to say here, it was probably the most disciplined fielding and bowling display I've seen from a Park team, so well done all.

 Confident in our potential success, Monica decided to rest Bruce (pulled up lame with a quad strain) and opened with Matt and John. Dispatching his third ball for a mighty straight six, we were all sad to see John go shortly after – for six. Matt went too, and this started a steady stream of wickets which meant that while we always looked favourites, the Park once again proved they can make anything look bloody hard when they've got a bat in their hands. Fortunately, youngest Herrington found his form and swatted some gentle but accurate bowling imperiously round the ground, as he helped himself to several fours (including one of mine, Tom...) and a couple of superbly struck sixes. Thanks to Will's 70 odd and a bloody long batting order, the Park made it home to win in relative comfort despite the skipper's fretting.

The post-match was notable for a diving themed blue stripe award, which somehow went to Our John (even though he took the catch)! And Herro decided that his son should act as proxy by doing his blue stripe from the week before. Will can bat, but his downing skills are under-developed as yet, it seems.

Things we learned this week:

• James is a great new recruit – so everyone be nice to him!
• Herro is still our best spinner by a country mile (why is Spinders called Spinders?)
• Matt plays much better when the toys are in the pram
• Spike can dive AND roll in slow motion