The Fabulous Bacon Boys, starring Michelle Smudger - 2s Win in Fife

It was an unusually youthful 2s who headed to Freuchie, with five players in their twenties. This led to a regrettable lapse in club etiquette pre-match as warming up, albeit very gentle, was observed. Debutant Overseas Amateur Robbie Bacon and Richard "only his second game for the club" Dennis may plead ignorance but Dan and, especially, Quinny should know better.

Look away now, KF.

Smudge won the toss and decided to bowl, with Robbie and Dan opening. Despite removing one of the openers, Dan was not on his usual fine form - bright sunshine is not the friend of ginger, Mancunian swing bowlers. With almost anything that got off the square going to the boundary, Freuchie raced to 51 for 1 before Ian Wilkinson (41) fell to John Bacon, debuting in the 2s as baby-sitter for his twin.

From then on things moved much more slowly with Bacon 1.0 (9-4-20-2) and Smudger (7-0-22-5) bowling superbly. They were backed up by some uncharacteristically solid catching - seven, yes seven, catches in all, of which Ken's brace were probably the best. There was just time for a promising four over burst from Richard before Freuchie were all out (9 down) for 119 in 34 overs.



Gerry, Dan, Bacon 1.0 and Nipun wait to bat . Photo - BAF.

Ross McMurdo (8-2-21-1) bowled an excellent, quick, aggressive spell that accounted for Richard, but JB (37) and Robbie (58 no) took us past the halfway mark before the next wicket fell. Remembering our bizarre late collapse against them earlier this season (see Phew! Key (Flukey?) Freuchie Victory for 2nds), Freuchie tails went up briefly ("One brings five") but by now Robbie was motoring and while Bridgeford (5-0-16-0) and Kelly (4.5-1-17-2) bowled well, we won by five wickets with 15 overs to spare.

This was the first game this season with even a hint of needle but it all ended amicably, so thanks to Freuchie for a fine wicket, a good tea and their hospitality. We hope to see you again next season.

PS - For the benefit of the twenty-something warmer-uppers, The Fabulous Baker Boys was a 1989 film, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and the Bridges brothers. Your girlfriend will like it.