Now, before a ball had even been bowled, there was what can only be described as the longest negotiation since they decided where to put the village hall. Skipper Will and Andy eventually settled on a 30-over match... which was about 15 overs more than either the players or the increasingly sun-baked spectators had been hoping for. Still, once everyone accepted their fate and topped up the sun cream, what followed was a cracking game.
The All Stars Parents showed they hadn't spent the season merely standing on the boundary with a coffee. Batting superbly in the sweltering conditions, they piled up an impressive 174, giving the youngsters a proper challenge and proving that age is just a number... especially when accompanied by aching knees the following morning.
Our reply needed calm heads and willing bats. Parker, Clan Staples and skipper Will all stood firm against a bowling attack that was delivered with the sort of enthusiasm normally reserved for children who know bedtime is nearly an hour away. Then came the captain's innings. Will played a superb knock, steering Ware home in style and introducing poor Mr Meakin's bowling to just about every postcode surrounding the ground. The ball spent so much time in the air that it probably qualified for frequent flyer points.
In the end, Ware crossed the line to cap off a terrific match. It was a super day, a very long day, and one that everyone thoroughly enjoyed. A special mention must go to the real hero of the occasion, Julian, who somehow survived the whole affair with his smile intact. Whether he was keeping things running, keeping people happy or simply keeping awake by the end, he deserves a medal... or at the very least a very large cold drink.
The match also brought the curtain down on another fantastic year of All Stars and Dynamo sessions. Once again they've been packed with fun, energy, laughter and plenty of challenges, all brilliantly led by our qualified coaches Andy, Dee and Will. A huge thank you to them, to all the parents for their support, and of course to every youngster who made the season such a success.
Well done, everyone. Same time next year... although perhaps we could have another little chat about those 30 overs first.