So yet again, and quicker than John Newton's reactions in the field, the end of the season arrives with a trip to Eastwood. The weather, for once at this time of the year, was wonderful with temperatures in the mid-20's and barely a cloud in the sky. Also for the first time in ages, Smudger had to do the match report. The game also saw the welcome return of the Streets - Alec and Adam that is, not that Scoucer rap singer.

With skipper Cross running a bit late, a pinch tosser was about to be deployed when their skipper stuck his head round the door and declared that they wanted to field first. "Oh, go on then" we all said and Steve and Paul padded up. Ten minutes later with Eastwood already on the field, someone asked whether the batsmen were ready, to which Benno replied "Steve's nearly ready. He's just working out every possible permutation regarding the batting averages on his palm-top."

Yes, the final game of the season always leads to plenty of talk regarding the batting and bowling averages and Steve was right to be concerned, going into the game in third place in the batting behind Dean and Nick.

When play did eventually start, Steve and Paul got off to a lightning start against some inexperienced Eastwood bowling and the first 50 seemed to arrive in no time. Steve was particularly ruthless, although he was fortunate when dropped at mid-off when he only had a few. Paul eventually departed for 30 but Steve just kept on going with little support from anyone else, except extras which totalled 25. Steve finally departed in the 38^th over for 126, a lifetime top score and the batting award safely negotiated. Well done Steve. In total, we just managed to top 200.

Following tea, Eastwood started their reply slowly with Dean and yours truly getting a wicket apiece (mine courtesy of a catch by John Newton!), before Alec stepped up to the plate and got a couple. Adam joined in the fun getting the important wicket of John Buckley with what Paul accurately described as "that beamer - half volley combo". First ball nearly took his head off, the second whacked straight to Crossy who took a good catch. He looked one pissed off batsman I have to say. Took him about five minutes to get back to the pavilion. With about 100 required off the last 10 overs, all looked lost for Eastwood but they gave it a go. Jamie took the wicket of Neil Gregory for 45 and, despite a plucky 50 from one of their late order batsmen and a quality reverse sweep from another off Benno's bowling (Benno got him next ball), Eastwood finished 10 short. All in all, a good game to end the season.

In the bar after the game, half the players could be seen scratching their heads trying to think of three worthwhile nominees for the player of the year award whilst in a dark corner, a rather interesting conversation developed on a subject best not mentioned, truth be said. Whilst all this was going on, Crossy was trying to pass on the captaincy to anything that moved, and John Newton. When asked if he would be interested, John said "I think it might be beneath me".

It's just not cricket.