First what a week that was. It's the first time I've captained a team without really knowing exactly what or who I had had on the pitch till almost the last moment. My thanks to Sen, Ak and Peter who helped put 11 on the park because I have to admit I signally failed to round up anyone! It is where the selection role really comes into its own. I am also grateful to all who played and sorry I felt unable to spread the bowling round as I'd have wished.

Not surprisingly given the weather the Oberon pitch was a bright shade of emerald and it was probably the toss I didn't want to win. With hindsight, I gave our first-time visitors what they wanted. The new ball! A promising start became a grind and we started losing wickets as the Ducksmen bowlers got on top. There were promising moments from several of our young batsmen. and the evergreen Mo but 131 looked a good 30 or more short.

Ak bowled his heart out and sent down some very quick deliveries, Mo did what he what he does and Arin showed what a promising allrounder he is. Dr Dana from the Erratics also bamboozled the Ducksmen with changes of pace. We had a sniff at 44-4 but ultimately it took a half-century partnership for the 5th wicket to take the game away from us. The Ducksmen are a decent outfit, I'd say strong 3s with some 2s standard batting in there and good people. I look forward to seeing them next year.

Being new to captaincy in the new world we now exist in I am very grateful to Archie, Ak and Andrew for their help before and after the game and all those who umpired making my job easy by comparison not forgetting Roberts peerless scoring.

To those isolating because of covid this week, get well soon and get back out there quickly.