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We pondered the question, “Will you miss Boycott when he retires? He’s been on TMS for years”. This is pointless filler. But Rupert, is this pointless filler floorless?

The Legends, as is proudly emblazoned on their score book, was founded in 2004 by the urbane Matt Simmonds, and are a team who approach the game with a sense of fair play and general joie de vivre which has been sadly lacking in recent matches.

The local derby has a special place in all sport. They are the games that players play for and spectators most relish throughout a season. Bragging rights are on the line and matches can see the odd moment of tension between players.

All was harmony after the previous week when Nick P-G’s reversing of the normal batting order – to give some batting to tail-enders – caused disquiet. We batted first in a conventional 35-over game, opening with Ross and Andy Taylor, who saw off some sound bowling by Acme’s Harris and Saraf, to reach 50 without loss, scoring at a brisk 5 an over.

“It is poor form to take offence at personal comments in a match report”, whined old has-been, Tim Young to me over lunch. He might regret that. The rest of the Thebertons team where rather young and fit (or in the case of local estate agent, Alexander Risdon, young).

A tricky call in the morning, heavy showers forecast from 1 pm. But a chance they would miss Stonor, or at least allow intermittent play.

Lachlan Nieboer took his pads off after his dismissal and said, “I decided that we cannot be beaten by this lot”. Almost single-handedly, he ensured V&A victory. A victory that ebbed away and flowed back to the V&A twice in one game.

It is said, to get on, it matters not what you know but whom you know. This is why I am second hand bookseller. Dennis de Caires knows plenty, but is also well connected in the cricketing world, a useful attribute when selecting a team.

V&A PLAYERS:  N Bird (skip), R Ashcroft, R Noble, Adam Jacot, Louis Jacot, Martin Bowden, Chris Mousey-Thear, Andy Taylor, Nick Emley,

V&A PLAYERS:   R Morris (Skip), A Jacot, L Jacot, M Bowden, D De Caries, T PG, R Ashcroft, L