Bar-did-well. Fleck-near-ley

This was nearly the come back of all time. Like being 6 down after the first leg and nearly forcing extra time. The last minute hail mary pass that didn't quite make the end zone, the piece of paper with your phone number scrawled on which you almost thrust onto your celebrity crush but was intercepted by Big Dave the bouncer. Yes it was that close.

Arriving at the ground it was immediately apparent we were playing at the end of the square. One side was large enough to need either a relay of two or three throws to get the ball in (or a sponsorship deal with Fedex). The other side a top edge , a flick or even an errant fart would make it over the ropes. This Roving Reporter swiftly moved his car.

Realising the strength of the team was in the batting department the stand in skipper risked a revolt by bowling first. Clubs with more prestige than Fleckney, as if there could be such a thing, would have passed out zinc style suncream to their fielders to cope with the heat. The Fleckney boys didn't complain, probably took out sunflower oil and fried eggs in the car park.

In was soon apparent that a young but talented Barwell team weren't interested in sedate scoring. It would be entertaining but you knew you would get a chance.

At 49 for 3 mischief was in the air, Sam Hill was bowling with more than decent wheels but catches were going down and Barwell had two guys who had the eye and will to go for their shots. Both got centuries (well batted) but with 10 overs to go Barwell were 265 and looking to post a score that belonged somewhere beyond the stratosphere. At this point Sam in his second spell grabbed the cherry and presumably said,"Hold my N.U.S. card".

Bowling fast and straight Sam took two in two balls, just failed with his hattrick ball (the relief from his Dad's wallet was audible) and then repeated the trick to end with 4 from 5 balls which also ended the home innings at 288. It was clearly a monstrous score but not as bad as it could have been. A bit like knowing you hadn't done your homework but having a dog that could plausibly have eaten it.

Following a brief hiccup at the start of the innings respectability was possibly followed by the outside chance of the impossible. Aayan Khan hit a beautiful century of his own, Riaz hit a controlled 52 and Haroon blasted a cameo of 40 odd including 23 off one over. 35 off 3 required became 23 off 7 balls but an L.B.W. decision ended proceedings with the miracle tantalisingly out of reach.

When you almost scale the mountain you either bemoan the inches you missed or celebrate the effort that got you there. We choose the latter.

Imran, your 8 overs of on the spot bowling gave us the platform to even dream.

Mohammed, your bravery in pitching the ball up was both encouraging and commendable.

Seth , it takes courage to bowl your leggies at the best of times but to keep going when the fur is flying is a credit to your temperament. More power to you

Barwell, thank you for your hospitality and the way you played the game.

Fleckney, your fighting spirit and togetherness was awesome.

Defeat? Yes but what a ride. We will be back...