Your correspondent witnessed this Saturday whilst playing for the 4’s a sharp catch behind the stumps by young Jack Kearns and a frankly comedic up & under held by Tim Francis in defiance of his Captain’s shouted instructions.

However, on arrival back to HQ (Grub Street) later, he was implored by Members of the 3rd XI to write up an apparently outstanding grab in the slips by Neill Shrimpton during their match v Croydon CC.

Not a bad day from all accounts for Shrimpy, who had earlier scored 54, to then take two Slip catches in the same over off the bowling of Mo Shahid, with one of them described by Peter Glancy as ”The best I’ve ever seen at this Club” .

Modestly, Neill, who had been fielding at first slip simply said “I was just doing Phil Trayner’s job for him”.

Your correspondent then decided to interview Mr Trayner himself who, let’s face it, has seen a lot of Cricket and whom I therefore assumed would put this world beating claim into some perspective.

(Me)" What’s this about Neill Shrimpton’s catch then, Phil ?"
(PT) "Great catch. Never mind catch of the week, it’s got to be catch of the season !"
(Me) " Help me out here, Phil, give me a bit more to work with. "
(PT) "Well, I was standing up to Mo, the batsman took a full swing at a cut and it took a flying edge that shot past me. Next thing I heard the thwack of it into Neill’s hand. A great catch !"
(Me) "So did you see it then ?"
(PT) "No."

A little later, with a few beers in him, Neill was much less modest and very keen indeed to discuss his work. "Although I’m now well into my 80’s, that was the best catch I’ve ever taken"

Well done indeed, Shrimpy. A good day's work for you.

A mention in dispatches must also go out this week to Alex Faulkner in the Under 14's T20 match on Wednesday against Reigate Priory. According to Coach Wiesner Vos' enthusiastic and entertaining write up, Alex took a fantastic boundary catch at long on.