Sunday cricket returned this weekend, though the weather again tried its best to intervene. Hallaton, showing great commitment to the fixture, travelled a long way to ensure the game could go ahead – an effort much appreciated by all involved, even if the clouds kept rolling in.

With ball in hand, Jack Collins and Aman Dinesh set the tone early, keeping things tight and disciplined. Their efforts laid the foundation for Cooper Hewat and Dinesh Swaminathan, who tightened the screw further and restricted Hallaton’s progress. Then came the decisive passage of play: skipper David Popple, on his way to a first-ever five-wicket haul, joined forces with the equally miserly Ella Briault in a sixteen-over spell that brought the innings to a standstill. When the time came to wrap things up, Alex “Bryn” Marshall and Jim McIntosh did the honours, closing out the Hallaton effort with a flourish.

In reply, Kavin added a bright and unbeaten 20, showing plenty of promise, but the innings will be remembered most for Pete Hewat — who somehow managed to add a piece of phall to his phalger, keeping spirits high in true Sunday 2’s fashion.

Hallaton, to their credit, battled the conditions with patience, and the game was played in a fine spirit throughout – both sides doing their best to make the most of the afternoon despite the showers. Although the weather limited what might have been a more free-flowing contest, the fixture still provided plenty of enjoyment and another important step in the Sunday 2’s debut season.

Captain David Popple and vice-captain Jim McIntosh have greatly enjoyed leading the side in its first year together. They now look forward to the end-of-season dinner next month, when the awards for the Sunday 2’s will be handed out.