Scribe Snr was drafted into emergency action for the Stevens Cup Final much to the disappointment of the Scribe fan base who had been transfixed by his literary genius over the course of the season.

Nevertheless whilst living in the shadow of his much better looking mentor Scribe Snr was delighted to hold the pen as Frensham tried to win the Stevens Cup for the first time in 29 years.

This was a team for the ages and epitomised the way THIS CLUB had come together as an unstoppable force over the course of the season.

George Breddy, the most elegant batsmen Scribe Snr has the privilege to partner, was potentially in his last competitive game for the club. Moore, Smith and Phillimore all excellent recent additions who had proved their worth in previous rounds. Brown and Goldsworth the pathfinders for a burgeoning youth production line many years in the making. Baldock and skipper Cobbold both capable of incredible things with bat and ball. Then finally the veterans Knight, Green and Page, more of them later. This was a magnificent group of cricketers full of mettle and pride.

Scribe Snr was delightfully invited to address this mighty collective prior to the start of play. No tubthumping required here, just play for your mates, back yourselves, no fear of failure, just go and enjoy it. Although we all want to win it’s ultimately the togetherness of friendship that pulls us through and allows us to perform at our best.

Play started in very damp conditions and the drizzle became torrential at times during the opening overs. Goldsworth, Cobbold and Brown all bowled well but fielding conditions were dreadful. The odd misfield and overthrow and Pager pulling up lame after mistaking the ball for a pack of royals left Farncombe 35/0 off 5. The crowd including a number of stalwarts remained confident but were hoping conditions would change soon. 140 mooted as par.

Cometh the hour and the veteran spin kings entered the attack. Knight bowling Burton with his first ball. Page getting the dangerous Hudson second ball. The tide had turning. The rain was stopping.

Jaggard looked like a good player and swept well for a couple of sixes and was increasingly confident through the off side. The number of dots though were increasing and soon Pager was to pick up his second and third wickets finishing with 3/19 off his 4 overs. 79/4

Baldock, the ultimate death bowler with his variations and deft changes of pace was perfectly suited to the occasion and although a reasonable partnership ensued he dismissed the dangerous Jaggard (49 off 51). Then Poole, looking to be the big man, was left completely clueless with a dipping slower ball off break from the last delivery of the innings. Well bowled Hally 2-18 off 4. 125 to chase. 15 below par according the knowledgeable patrons.

Breddy and Moore to the crease with the pitch in shadow but warm late summer sunshine now in abundance. Rarely has Scribe Snr seen a calmer run chase. Just over 6 an over needed. Just over 6 an over got. The ball stroked nicely into gaps for 1s and 2s with zero risk. It was a surprise therefore when Breddy and then Moore were both dismissed by Hudson with the score 74-2. Smith and Phillimore, heroes of the 1st round chase, continued the crusade again calmly finding the gaps until Phillimore, clearly thirsty after his Herculean keeping efforts popped one up to long off. 94-3. No fear, no worries, let’s go.

It was a run a ball chase and Scribe Snr sporting his 4th bucket hat of the season was delighted to see the serial winner Green stroll to the crease. The expectant crowd hoping to see the ball fly over the clubhouse and onto the A287.

The reality was somewhat different with Smith crafting singles through both leg and off side and Green punishing the loose ball along the deck with aplomb. 3 pulsating boundaries from him including 2 off the hapless Poole and victory was in sight. Swansborough dropped another one short and it was worked for 2 into the leg side. FRENSHAM WIN THE STEVENS CUP FOR THE THIRD TIME IN 70 YEARS!!!!

For the older generation watching it was a magical moment. A club full of talent delivering on its promise.

Another trophy (3 this year plus a promotion) lifted by our super skipper Cobbold. Back to the club to celebrate where a heroes welcome awaited.

For the record Frensham won this trophy previously in 1991 and 1994 and a certain Adam Page was in both those teams. What other man wins a 1st XI trophy 32 years apart? This man is a living legend and Scribe Snr has the utmost of respect for this true Frensham gentleman.

This was a victory for the whole club though and everyone should feel part of it. The L,G&P promises to be a joyous celebration of all we have achieved together this year and a chance to decompress before we go again.

So proud. So very proud. We all should be.

Yours Scribe Snr.