The innings began slowly as both Males and Ryan adopted a cautious approach and both of the opening bowlers, Moss and Paul Barber, bowled a relatively good line and length. Paul Barber though a talented cricketer is a relatively fragile character and in conceding 12 runs in overthrows pushed himself to the brink of insanity, blaming all and sundry for the poor quality of cricket whilst at the same time being one of the main protagonists. The openers rode the abuse and generally dispatched the bad ball in forming an opening partnership of 109 that was finally broken when JR was caught out, a run short of a well deserved half century.

Doidge was next in and in something of a cameo played a number of handsome drives before being run out, much to the delight of Suttoner's very own Sunshine Bus season ticket holder, Malik Kudmany. Dave Blackman was slow to get going but once he found his touch carried on from Doidge, displaying a wide range of attacking shots, earning a volley of abuse from Barber, which was answered by a succession of boundaries. Barber eventually got his man, though it was good to see David offer the hand of friendship and not the closed fist as he left the field. Quayle and Neven briefly troubled the scorer and it was a delight to see Melvyn Tremlin step out to the middle, with one on-drive reminding the public of this man's talent. With Stewkesbury facing one ball, which he duly dispatched for four, the innings ended on 252 for 6, Dave Males top scoring with a fluent 67, 252 being a good score on any wicket and one that was sure to test Portland's Bournemouth-based opponents to the limits of their ability.

After an excellent Mrs Males tea, Tremlin and Rusty Davey were entrusted with the new ball and both men, like their Suttoners' counterparts began in a good fashion, with Tremlin in particular beating the bat on numerous occasions. The umpire then failed to give what seemed a certain edge only to later apologise that he couldn't give it if the batsman didn't walk, and this was to set the tone for the whole of the second innings. The early breakthrough was made, although there was another flashpoint when Kudmany, who always endears himself to opposing teams, edged to gully but wouldn't walk, somehow having the audacity to suggest that the ball had bounced before Quayle took an excellent catch.

This brought Barber to the wicket who immediately set after the Portland bowling that was becoming increasingly difficult in the misty conditions. Elenor appealed vehemently for an LBW that Barber senior flatly refused, prompting Neven to turn to Trevett and exclaim how the umpire was not acting within the spirit of the game, the umpire's son heard Neven's concerned remark and offered one of his own, threatening to use his bat in a most unpleasant fashion to restructure Neven's Augustan profile. Neven replied in kind, although had the decency to suggest that the confrontation should take place after the cessation of play in the church car park. Barber senior was quick to intervene as was PRT's very own captain, berating Neven and demanding that he shut up. Neven found this a little too much to digest and in the next moment had loosed his gloves and inners just like Jesse James and had strode from the pitch muttering dark thoughts under his breath.

Once the ten men of Portland had regrouped with Dave Blackman behind the stumps, although John Ryan had suggested Ben Doidge, Elenor turned to Trevett who found the ball difficult to grasp at first and was duly punished for it by conceding 8 runs off his first over. He returned in the next though to capture the prize wicket of Barber, who after surviving what seemed like a certain ankle high LBW missed the proverbial straight one and was bowled for a dangerous 24. The Captain continued to exert pressure on the batsmen and Suttoners were on the back foot, ever slipping behind the run rate and losing wickets at the wrong time.

Neven reappeared after conciliatory talks had been held with Barber senior, but his own captain was in no such mood, thereby igniting Neven's fiery aspect and bringing about talk of resignation and the like. Suttoner's last few batsman resisted as best they could but their very own little master was unable to keep out a Stewkesbury eighteen incher that bewitched him like it has so many poor innocents and it was finally left to Trevett to return to take two wickets in two balls and give PRT a well earned, but costly victory.

The aftermath of the game led to Neven being banned for two games, though certain members of his team are in full support of the little guy, and it is hoped that the week's rains will cool the tempers of those involved. PRT did well to triumph easily in what could have been a tricky game, especially after last week's reverse and special mention must go to Dave Males for a fine innings, as was Dave Blackman's. The author waits with bated breath for the resolution of this most unsavoury of affairs, and personally hopes that he will see Mr G Neven donning the youth pads next week, away to Ibberton.