Woodmansterne 2nd XI travelled to Ripley with a relatively depleted bowling attack, but skipper Hiren Patel showed faith in his bowlers by asking Ripley to bat after winning the toss.

The decision was vindicated as opening bowlers G Sims and R Jacobs bolwed good first spells, Jacobs bagging a couple of early wickets as he shook off the excesses of the night before.

However the Ripley batsman soon settled, especially as Woods change bowlers lacked penetration on an increasingly placid wicket.

Newcomer Jay Patel was rusty at first, but soon found a line, and was unlucky when a Ripley batsman refused to walk after a clear snick behind.

Ralph Patel at the other end bowled economically and was also unlucky when a couple of LBW appeals were unsurprisingly turned down.

George Sims was brought back into the attack after drinks and soon claimed a wicket in his second spell, but his restricted overs didnt really help the cause.

At the other end of the age spectrum, Tony Philips rolled back the years with a vintage display of wrist spin bowling, claiming 3-30 for his efforts, including yet another superb catch from fielding expert James Ingram.

Ripley eventually declared on 217 for 7, leaving Woods an enticing 48 overs in which to chase.

The Woods reply started well, with Hiren Patel and Micky Joyce soon reaching a 50+ partnership before Joyce was caught in gully for 13.

Hiren Patel continued to keep the rate up, before he was bowled yet again just short of a half century.

A good partnership between Jay Vyas and Jay K Patel rattled the Ripley fielders, especially Jay K Patel who smashed 2 massive 6s in his quick-fire 35. (Lets hope he finds more time to play for Woods next season!).

After Jay Vyas was dismissed for 26, the middle order collapsed, with Hicks, Meadowcroft and Ralph Patel falling in succession. Jacobs and Ingram built a partnership which George Sims carried on when Ingram departed. When Jacobs was caught and bowled, Woods needed 24 to win off 5 overs.

The youngest and oldest players, Sims and Phillips respectively, looked like they were going to take Woods to victory, before the impressive Sims was bowled with just 7 runs needed for victory.

Woods lost this game, but the spirit and enjoyment made it a jolly good day out.