Ricky 1s start the 2016 season with a win!

There is - as Chelsea used to demonstrate - a great ability in winning by playing badly - although by definition it helps if the oppo play worse. The Ricky 1s gave a magnificent demonstration of this theory today. Faced with a marginal decision after winning the toss Marty took the decision to bat first, to be followed by a top 6 who took the definition of batting to extremes. A long hop chipped to cover. a full bunger looped to mid on, a straight ball left, an outstanding slip catch and two drags on while driving without due care and attention left Ricky six down.

Some common sense was called for and somewhat improbably, occurred. Marty Jaynes made a sensible - up to his last demonstration of a whirling Dervish - 40. Marc Robinson continued the fightback with 21 and Tom Watson - like the Ancient Mariner - approximately struck one in three for a quickfire 14.

A satisfactory tea led to a detailed discussion as to whether 146 was enough - after Rory and Tom conceded 40 in 4 it clearly was not. However, miracles do happen and two of the most notorious non-giving umpires on the circuit were both persuaded to give an lbw decision - possibly because both were plumb and Tom Watson, due to an administrative error, bowled a second straight ball.

A seriously sensible opener batted beautifully while Marc Robinson bowled straight and invited the middle order to get themselves out which they did. Finally pressure told and Curly took the third of his four victims leaving the easy task of knocking over 9, 10 and jack. Needless to say 9,10 and jack declined to co-operate but Tom Watson - expletives deleted - finally bowled another straight one and Ricky were home by seven runs.

Some seriously out of order celebrations took place but when the oppo realised how long it was since the Ricky 1s had won a league match they were unsure whether to laugh or cry and accepted the position with considerable aplomb and produced a stock of canned lager, most of which disappeared quickly.

Rickmansworth First Eleven have a victory under their belt - THIS IS NOT A MISPRINT - roll on next week.

(Submitted by Chris Horne)