Heavy rain had threatened all day but there was merely a brief downpour in the pub before kick-off and one three-minute delay during the Isham innings. Otherwise there was even a fair amount of sun.

For the first time ever, three consecutive fixtures had been rained off, making the 2007 campaign the latest starter since the very first, back in 1973, that kicked off on July 8. Washed into oblivion were fixtures against Stonor, the Gaieties and the Rain Men, the Pools Panel results being Draw, Loss, Win. Also postponed for the nonce was the return of Flash who actually signed on for the Rain Men game – or was it Gaieties? Anyway, he couldn’t make the Isham fixture and indeed the selectors had a tough time filling the final two slots, eventually turning to Glenn jr. who came up with Rob Hayward and Chris Hutton who produced Dave Simpson. Both newcomers (a.k.a. 287 & 288) made their mark.

The leader tossed, Stu called and the leader inserted. Hearts made a rollicking start in which Isham ace Robinson received a sharp delivery from Hayward that would have troubled Ponting, and in which Rossmore launched an early bid for the Fielder of the Year trophy with an impala-like leap to catch Arthey at short leg off a lively Phil. Isham were uncharacteristically reeling at 8 for 2. At this point Torquers, a particularly enthusiastic presence in the field all afternoon, suggested to the leader that Hearts should now try and get the bastards out in as short a time as possible. As this had been T.Rice’s battle plan for almost half a thousand matches, he was not sure whether he needed this advice, but he agreed politely. Isham must have got wind of this cunning plan as they immediately set about a major recovery with a half-century partnership for the third wicket.

However on a pitch with the consistency of porridge after three weeks of incessant rain, no Isham batter got completely away. Hearts gradually ground through their line-up. Replacing Rent Boy (whose 2007 look is late period John the Baptist) after half a dozen good overs with Hutton’s pal Simpson (incidentally Hutton and Simpson were the names of an England opening partnership on more than one occasion in the 1950s), the skipper had clearly pulled off yet another leadership coup as Dave bowled a tight spell of loopy off-breaks that were too much for Hedges and Hodgson. Reid however had been on top of his game at the other end and until he received a rather tough stumping verdict from his own arbiter, looked capable of massive rather than merely big things.

Court took over the aggression after Reid’s exit and cruelly punished Rossmore and the leader, although the former did get among the wickets. The captain did not even get a chance to bowl at his rabbit Hardy. After a couple of catching chances best glossed over, Chris stirred his stumps and that of two other Isham pros to equal the record number of stumpings in one innings (three – Graveney against Manaccan in 1987, since you ask) including those of the inappropriately named, on the day, Court. Another cricketing term, Bolar, contributed to the end of innings charge, which never quite delivered, Isham completing their 35 overs having notched a useful, but no more than that, 158. Tom Rice, brother, son, nephew and first cousin of other Clava Rectan Rices, playing his first Hearts match for nine years, sent down a couple of sharpish overs from a great height and a stuttering run that led to two of Hutton’s quicksilver dismissals. The younger Glenn and Rice each held a good catch and Sumo nearly did, gracing his leader’s bowling with a painful somersault and headstand instead.

Hearts set off with perky optimism, in the ebullient, nay stout, forms of Torquers and Sumo. Torquers, confidence oozing from every pore, looked set for a ton. Danks, with help from their umpire, cut this aim short by 96. Enter Tom Rice who at once revealed his class with a sophisticated selection of strokes, not all earning the runs they deserved as PJ was clearly conserving his energies for the long haul. However the umpire struck again just as Tom was illustrating how talent can sometimes be passed from uncle to nephew and Hearts were wobbling at 26 for 2. Enter John the Baptist and as is his wont, he began with pleasingly aggressive intent from his first ball. Luckily the fielder in the deep dropped it. At 42 Bolar lived up to his name and disposed of Johnson, whose 17 was at least a return to form compared with his 2006 experiences, and as an encore, Mark Packard.

At 46 for 4 a solid partnership or two was needed and two indeed materialised when – who else? - A.J.Rossdale sauntered out to the middle. With two generations of Glenn, Dopers gave his all yet again. If the rest of 2007 is washed out, he will have won all three trophies (albeit sharing the Fielding Prize). With Phil he doubled the total to 96 and with a very bouncy Dave added a further 34, taking the total to within striking distance of Isham’s. But Rossmore’s hamstring was giving him gyp and began to restrict his gay abandon. He had to call upon the services of a runner (in this case whichever Glenn wasn’t batting) which is always a taxing mental challenge for any combination of three Hearts. No-one actually got run out on this occasion but this achievement was a result of luck rather than judgement.

A weary Fanshaw finally capitulated to the subtle Lyon, as did Dave in the penultimate over. 15 off five balls was of course possible but despite the Leader’s strike rate of 100, when Hayward’s violent cameo was ended in just three deliveries, Hutton played it safe and the draw was secured.

Report By: Sir Tim Rice