For anyone who has ever swung the willow, there can be no more fulfilling feeling than waking on a Saturday morning at the end of April with the prospect of a beautiful day’s cricket ahead. So it was that we convened at the ground in the picturesque village of Little Munden. Thankfully, everyone heeded the request to drive carefully, and no incidents were reported.

The two skippers made their way to the pitch for the ceremonial discussion, reflecting on a winter spent netting and dreaming of days like this. The coin was hurled skyward with great gusto; tails was the call, but heads it was. The Little Munden captain had no hesitation in choosing to bowl, with the pitch resembling something photographed on a recent Artemis mission to the dark side of the moon.

After a measured period of preparation, the fielders took their positions while the batsmen donned their protective equipment and sauntered to the middle.

The opening partnership of Liam and Graeme was perhaps the day’s biggest surprise, as they set about their work with confidence. The game settled into a steady rhythm, with a few deliveries threatening ankles before the first wicket fell. Liam was joined by Matt, and together they dug in to build a valuable partnership. Matt’s confidence and exuberance at the crease were a joy to watch, and he looks a fine addition to the club. Unfortunately, his stay was shorter than he would have liked.

Liam continued resolutely, reaching 40 with some fine shot-making before retiring. Jamie played some elegant strokes but, unfortunately, did not trouble the scorer. Steve (the football season is over) Price started steadily, initially struggling to find the boundary, but once he located the middle of the bat he accelerated well, bringing up his 40 before retiring.

The shot of the day belonged to Gem, who swatted a head-high ball as if serving on Centre Court, dispatching it for six to square leg, a fine sight. As the innings drew to a close, Dee arrived for a burst of swashbuckling hitting, taking the total to 147 for six from 30 overs.

Tea was taken at a leisurely pace in the warm sunshine, but a renewed sense of purpose emerged as the eleven returned to the field for the second half.

Dee opened the bowling with accuracy and pace, well supported by a lively spell from Steve Risby, who claimed a superb wicket by swinging one into the stumps. Jamie also bowled impressively, particularly for a wicket he sportingly chose to overturn, though in truth the batsman looked very much out. He appeared to hit the ball, which then bounced, struck the stumps, and dislodged the bail. By most interpretations, that is out. Nevertheless, the batsman’s appeals were persuasive, and perhaps influenced by an excess of “spirit of cricket”, the captain invited him to continue.

As the sun climbed and energy levels dipped, the team’s commitment did not. The bowlers maintained their enthusiasm, and it was pleasing to see Gem follow up his batting with a tidy spell.

All players contributed with the ball, but Liam and Steve Price were the pick, each taking two wickets. Dee also deserves mention for an excellent over that built pressure and kept the contest alive.

The match went down to the final over, with scores level and three balls remaining, before their returning batsman, familiar from the earlier “spirit of cricket” moment, found the required run to seal the win. Despite the result, the fielding side can be proud of their effort, energy, and commitment in testing conditions.

Will and Ed brought great enthusiasm and positivity throughout, while Sam produced a superb catch, plucking the ball from the air as if lifting an apple from a shelf. Behind the stumps, Matt impressed greatly, combining sharp glovework with a fine catch and excellent work in saving runs.

Although victory eluded us, it is fair to say that everyone thoroughly enjoyed their afternoon in the sun. It was an ideal start to the season and a welcome chance to shake off the cobwebs.

One small request for future games: please ensure all kit is washed and ready for the next match.