Fifteen years after the inaugural Peckers vs Peckers clash graced this very patch of turf, history repeated itself — albeit with slightly creakier hamstrings, a torn calf and significantly worse decision-making. Scampi and chips at The Sun Inn washed down with a few local ales prepared the lads nicely for the feast ahead.

After what can only be described as a “negotiated toss”, Dunsfold wanted to prepare teas and elected to bat first. Their innings began in style when one opener was cleaned up by Spinach via a full toss so rank it should’ve been reported to the authorities. The other opener, Sam, helped himself to 88. An Exeter University alumnus no less — joining the distinguished scholarly ranks of Gav and former Dunsfold skipper Ollie Bell, whose two sons turned out for the hosts.

Dunsfold glorious scene and sporing a new electronic scoreboard

In the field, Chef produced a masterclass in interpretive fielding, expertly orbiting several towering catches without once troubling the ball. Meanwhile Cat, fielding bravely with essentially one functioning paw, concealed a serious thumb injury with the quiet dignity of a wounded bull.

Young Sam looked very much stumped by Chef — everyone knew it, everyone saw it, apart from square-leg umpire Dave, the octogenarian guardian of “benefit of the doubt”,

Pirate later snaffled an absolute beauty at slip before failing to snaffle a couple of others -Gav shook off early rust and returned to the attack late, operating with the pace of continental drift 4 overs, 2-18. Chef chipped in with 2-20 off 6 . Spinach was economical, if hungover and Traash weighed in with a decent spell and Sméagol was unlucky not to pick up any wickets. A strong and plentiful sandwich selection was supplemented magnificently by Cat’s elite cheese board — Kami and Pirate marched out knowing rain was looming in 90 minutes and subtlety was not an option.

Things started explosively: Kami smoked the first ball for four before immediately guiding the second to point. Fresh off his maiden Pecker Century -he was out 2nd ball. His partner Meg was there with her parents and asked why he hadn’t scored runs today? Peckers. 4-1.

Borgav, moving like a man who’d just bowled four overs after a multi-year sabbatical, arrived at three and began punishing anything short or full. After being nearly run out on 0 and dropped on 30 he survived - and together with Pirate they rebuilt steadily on a wicket with all the predictability of a trampoline. Pirate (9) eventually played on, while Borgav (41) was bowled by a left-armer operating around the wicket with no sightscreen behind him — a crime against batting if ever there was one.

Trash arrived and dealt exclusively in immediate impact before being smartly caught at mid-off.

Sensing victory, Dunsfold unleashed Bell — Ollie’s second son — whose off-spin was suddenly turning square under increasingly biblical skies. Enter Kwakka. With pressure mounting and rain clouds circling, he really struggled against the Tinker-man and was given a very generous life by mid-wicket. He decided attack was the best form of defence and launched Bell straight back over his head twice in glorious succession, two towering sixes that completely flipped the mood and possibly altered local air traffic.

Kwakka rightly delighted after his sixes

Then Moley joined the fun, treating the short ball with undisguised contempt. Luckily the home team had a cache of extra balls as up to 6 disappeared into the woods around the ground. The forecast rain began to fall and Mole hit the accelerator as the Peckers surged toward their target of 142. Mole went for the winning runs

The next man in was Cat (one paw short) who after nearly being timed out, being much slower with the pads than he was with cheese

Peckers victorious again: five straight wins, achieved with 8 overs and 4 wickets to spare.

Top contributions:

Moley 44

Gav 41

Kwakka 22 (and two morale-destroying bombs)

Celebrations commenced immediately outside The Sun Inn opposite the ground, where hot roast potatoes drowned in gravy disappeared at alarming speed and the opposition stayed on to reminisce on the glorious day that unfolded. Thanks again to Dunsfold for being such great hosts

Roll on, Peckers.