Windjammer/Royal Mail (102) beat the Dartmouth Arms (101)

The Windjammer followed up their comprehensive opening day win over the Market House with a very impressive victory over the much-fancied Dartmouth Arms, and in doing so moved to the top of league table.

The DA won the toss and chose to bat first, which allowed the ever-reliable Saif Rahman to smash some of the W/RM bowlers for a couple of sixes and set up a good partnership with Marcus Copeman.

Copeman eventually departed following a good catch from Gary Joy off a fine delivery from Brian Evans and Saif was bowled by a great delivery from Teddy Armitage.

Up stepped Andy Jessop to carry the fight and he soon rattled up his 25, the maximum score allowed in the league, meaning he had to retire not out.

The runs soon dried up when Ed Rahman was caught by skipper Mark Scott and the Windjammer turned the screw as the wickets tumbled. Skippy Smith grabbed a wicket along with Scott and in the final over Simon Webb's bowling led to four dismissals.

This included two catches from Dave Curnow and two run outs, one from Freddie Smith, who expertly threw from distance, and the other from wicketkeeper Curnow, who had an outstanding match.

The total of 102 to win was within the Windjammer's capability but it was going to be touch and go as to the result.

Things began reasonably well with the opening partnership of Curnow and Skippy getting quick runs, coupled with the DA's high wide count.

Skippy was caught on the boundary by Saif for eight and Curnow stayed in for an impressive 15 runs for the second match running.

Mark Scott continued the fight with a steady 12 and Gary Joy made a solid 14 in what was his first match of the season.

The runs then dried up as the overs whittled away and the DA looked in charge at this point, especially when the middle order pairing of Armitage and Rob Smith were sent packing for a disastrous one and five respectively.

However, things were about to change dramatically with the introduction of Kev 'Merv Hughes' Matthews and debutant batsman Danny Lumley.

Matthews put on an awesome man-of-the-match performance to smash his way to 17 runs, including three fours and plenty of singles.

Lumley hit an early four and remained resolute, even taking a thunderbolt delivery from Ed Rahman straight on the back of the leg to leave a bruising souvenir.

Lummers had the last laugh, though, when in the last over, and the Windjammer needing just one run to win, it was he who clipped a pacey delivery round the corner to snatch the unexpected victory with just three balls to spare.

Special thanks go to the umpires on the day and to Mary and Vanessa in the Windjammer for their excellent hospitality once again.

Up next for the Posties is a match against The Seale Arms on Sunday, June 16.