The previous week’s sun-kissed affair seemed a lifetime ago when the Ramblas rocked up to Sidcup to be greeted by Arctic conditions. And fate, not content with trying to give the visitors hypothermia, elected to bolster the hosts’ lineup with several Saturday first teamers, keen to get their eye in for the upcoming league season.

With Stocks, Parrett and Smith missing from last week’s fixture, Captain Cooper called upon the expertise of Tom Danks, Rich Ford and Steve Fitch to make up the XI.

Another uncontested toss saw the Ramblas bowl first and, well, how best to describe the first innings? Bowlers came and went, runs were scored and economy rates suffered. Cooper summoned the might of eight bowlers to make a breakthrough – any breakthrough – but the obvious strength of the hosts was too much for the Ramblas.

Tom feeling the pinch of winter weather

Despite the horrific weather, fielders refused to give up with S. Ford and Cooper getting hit in the chest and head respectively as they attempted, unsuccessfully, to take catches.

Loughlin making a sharp stop in the field

Mercifully, the Ramblas got the Old Yeller treatment and were put out of their misery when the hosts declared on 239 for no loss off just 26 overs.

As the Ramblas ran into the pavilion, seeking to regain feeling in their extremities, they tucked into a decent tea and got ready to tackle the run chase.

Tom and Alex Danks were the first to head out to the crease, initially watchful as they tried to assess the bowlers and not succumb to the weather. Sadly A. Danks, natty sweater et al, was the first to fall, clean bowled for an uncharacteristically slow six from 31 balls.

Al trying to keep the Sidcup fielders at bay

Sam Ford was the next man in, but just as he arrived T. Danks was on his way back to the pavilion and into the warmth for a hard-earned 13, meaning S. Ford was quickly joined by M. Rudgyard. Both looked in good touch from the off, with S. Ford looking particularly good, but, alas, for the second week in a row Rudgyard was clean bowled playing around a straight one, departing for five.

Matt falling for five

Dave Green strode to the crease eager to carry on his early season form, but struggled initially before getting used to the pace of the pitch. He was cruelly denied his third maximum of the season thanks to a fantastic piece of fielding from the hosts and was the latest batsman clean bowled – for two – shortly after.

Incredible fielding to deny Dave a maximum

R. Ford joined his son Sam at the crease and the pair helped bring stability and respectability to the Ramblas innings, even if R. Ford did insist on going out to bat wearing a West Ham beanie hat…

The pair took the attack to the bowlers as they attempted to make the Ramblas chances of winning look at least vaguely possible, with S. Ford hitting some truly delightful shots, including a six that cracked the window of Sidcup’s gym.

Sam in exquisite touch

S. Ford reached his well deserved fifty in the 31st over to much applause from his teammates with a crunching drive through the covers. And with overs running out, S. Ford opened his arms and ramped up the scoring as the Ramblas finished on 134-4. S. & R. Ford had combined to put on an excellent 80-run partnership to end the game on a high.

Thommo working his scoring magic despite no feeling in his fingers…

In what was one of the coldest days the Ramblas have had to endure, against a side that was clearly far too good for us, everyone’s effort cannot be understated. That said, let’s never do this again…

Ramblas MVP: Honourable mentions to Cooper, A. Danks, T. Danks, D. Danks, Green, Thomas, Fitch, Rudgyard, Loughlin, R. Ford (24*) and Lucy Brewer for sticking it out in such appalling conditions. But for a wonderful knock of 67 that nearly made the day worth it, this week’s MVP is Sam Ford.

Doug umpiring/smoldering…