Without doubt, Sunday’s match in Derbyshire was Rosaneri’s most exciting adventure to date. The opponents were a perfect mix of very talented colts on their way to the first team and powerful old timers on their way down. This was always going to be a tough assignment for the pinks, and stepping into the lions den was somewhat of an understatement.

Rosaneri gave it everything they had, and words made famous by Mussolini summed up the days efforts. ”It is better to live one day as a lion, than a 100 years like a sheep”.

The toss was lost and the home side elected to bat. The pinks set about their task with enthusiasm from the off, but the catching was atrocious. No fewer than 10 catches were dropped including a sitter to wicketkeeper Tilley. But spirits remained high and the home side were limited to 208 in 40 overs.

Rosaneri then began the run chase in the best possible fashion with Tilley smashing a 4 from the very first ball. Tills was clearly on a mission and he raced to 50 with the total 58 for 1. Partners came and went, but Tilley stood firm like a Gladiator in the centre of the Coliseum. All comers were put to the sword, and it wasn’t long before the crowd were on their feet applauding a wonderful century.

Then disaster, Rosaneri’s heroic talisman had been caught. It left the last 3 batsmen 50 runs to record a most unlikely victory. Nick Shewring unfortunately went first ball, so it was left to Downing and Freeman.

Both players got their heads down and recorded a record 10^th wicket partnership of 47, before Downing was trapped lbw to a ball that didn’t bounce.

It was a brilliant effort by the whole team and the result may have got away by the smallest of margins but the day out will live in the memory for many years to come.

Player notebook –

Tilley – Became Rosaneri’s first ever Centurion and batted with pomp and elegance. As usual provided a running commentary throughout his innings for the bowler and fielders and thoroughly deserves his place in pink folklore. A legend.

Tona – Ground fielding was exceptional, but did drop 3 catching opportunities. Opened the batting with Tills and looked very assured until his surprise dismissal.

B.Underwood – Fielded well and put on 40+ with Tills for the second wicket. Looked comfortable and capable before running himself out.

T.Alfieri – Another who put down a catch, but the rest of his fielding was energetic and solid. Looked determined when batting but gave his wicket away to a poor bowler.

P.Alfieri – Came in at the last minute to help out and didn’t let anyone down. Sharp in the field, and was unlucky to face a mega fast bowler when batting.

Hooper – Bowled a super line and length and returned excellent economical figures. Did get his first wicket for the pinks, but deserved more. Started off well with the bat, but got bowled through poor shot selection.

A.Underwood – Has never worked so hard in a game of cricket. Bowled 9 straight overs up Mount Everest and got loads of action in the field. However, his batting was a major disappointment.

Adamson – Knackered after fielding 40 overs and had to dropdown the batting order from his initial selection as opener. Never looked settled at the crease and returned to the pavilion with one run.

Downing – Bowled brilliantly and delivered Rosaneri’s first ever “Five fer”. Not only taking wickets but also limiting the batsmen with a sound economy rate. Looked very solid with the bat and had started to accumulate runs before being the victim of a non bouncer.

N.Shewring – Bowled up the hill and on the face of it appeared expensive. However, the scorebook doesn’t show the dropped catches that could have turned his figures into those of a match winner.