This match was the return leg of the game played by the Fantasians against the Suffolk Allsorts two years ago at Iwerne Minster. Many Fantasians may remember that the previous match was abandoned at lunch owing to a downpour which may have been provident as we were 92 for 6 at the time!

This year’s match was played on the Framlingham College 2nd XI pitch, beautifully situated in the lee of Framlingham Castle. Our team did not consist entirely of Fantasians but Ian Hepburn, Julian Hill, Jonathan Howard and three Husseys were all bona fide Fants. Messrs N Fenwicke-Clennel and P Nicholls, who are both Fantasians were playing for the opposition but were not fined purely because of the innate decency of the Fantasians captain!

The Fants won the toss and batted first in a 40 over match. The main contributors with the bat were Richard Davey (66), Tom Hussey (32), Ian Hepburn (23) and a cameo innings from Jonathan Howard towards the end scoring a quickfire 21 off very few balls. The final score was 212 for 9 at the end of 40 overs.

As usual, the Fants attack consisted of various creaky middle aged medium pacers of many years experience! This did not seem to deter Mark Nicholls, brother of the aforementioned Paul, who scored a rapid 79 before being caught by Edward Hussey at cow corner. Sadly, the Allsorts prevailed in the 34th over with 7 wickets down. The pick of the bowlers for The Fants were Hugo Johnsen, brother of James, with two wickets and Rupert Ashe with respectable figures of 3 for 34 off 7 overs. The captain took one wicket thanks entirely to a spectacular catch by Ian Hepburn!

It was a most enjoyable game played in good spirit by both sides and there was even a moment when a Fantasian victory looked probable.

Andrew Hussey