The newspaper sub-editors are already dusting off their cliches after a crushing victory at Ufford Park on Saturday set the first team up nicely for a "pivotal 60-pointer" at league leaders St.Giles, who are currently five points ahead with a game in hand.

With rain looming, Alastair Cliffe tried and failed to get opposite number Ross Keymer to agree to reduced overs. Ufford's best player must have been regretting his decision minutes later when he fell to a six-ball duck, an excellent caught-and-bowled from the resurgent Jack Quartermain. The Australian overseas must certainly have been listening during his intensive 1-2-1 with the team coach and bowled with pace and control. Partner Freddie Preston, relishing his opportunity with the new ball in the absence of Jack Upton at an important barbecue, was equally aggressive and by the time drinks arrived, with spinners Richie Turner and Robert Craze in total command, Ufford had stumbled to 50 for 5.

Tommy Cooper (wearing a helmet rather than a fez, and Aftab Munir batted very sensibly and threatened a revival and with the change bowlers on and fielding standards slipping, Thriplow momentarily lost their way. However, Quatermain then came back to take two important wickets and from 136 for 6 the Ufford tail folded to 148 all out, having committed the unpardonable sin of failing to bat their allotted overs.

Thriplow openers John Howe and Peter Richer set about the task with relish and with 38 coming off the first three overs, Keymer was forced to turn to his spinners rather earlier than he had perhaps anticipated. Howe, having just smashed a free hit into the sheep field, was then bowled through the gate but that dismissal only brought in Robert Craze, who proceeded to play himself in with care, whilst giving free rein to the prolific Richer to continue on his merry way.

Boredom eventually seemed to overcome him, at which point Craze started to open his delicate shoulders.  Arpan Desai, in need of a score, made the most of an early dropped chance behind the wicket and moved smoothly on to 23, whilst Craze stroked a chanceless unbeaten 52, finishing the match with a six and Thriplow were home and hosed (whatever that may mean) just before drinks.