This was our second visit to Eskdale as the first was completely rained off. Our first watering hole was a rather nice pub in Ulverston where we had lunch and Brian videoed passing women. The majority of the party stayed in St Bees for the evening with only James, Brian and Humo sampling the fleshpots of Whitehaven. Brian returned in the early hours, Richie returned bladdered and James returned with a black eye; so a good night all round!

Sunday dawned a bit on the misty side, especially around Seascale. We made our way to the ground, which, unfortunately is only accessible through the Bower House public house to meet Shaun Moynihan, Eskdale’s captain. Dee Valley won the toss and elected to field on a ground where the only scoring shots are singles, fours or sixes. After three pints of Jennings bitter Eifion bowled at his very best only going for 16 runs off seven overs! Their opener, Mr. Lucas batted very well and retired on 50 putting on over eighty with Mr Kirkwood, who was dropped several times before falling to a slower one. Gordon took a belting catch off a skier but was unfortunately two yards over the ropes. The momentum of the innings was maintained and Eskdale closed on 208 for six at tea. Tea itself was a gourmet’s delight despite the fact there was no Battenburg!

Dee Valley were reduced to 5 for 2 with both Rich and Mike back in the hutch. After two further wickets fell a stand of 58 between James and Eif steadied the ship a bit. James made a brutal 59 including five 4s and four 6s despite the black eye! Charlie played a nice cameo innings of 22 not out before the innings closed on 140 all out which was not too bad an effort in the circumstances (i.e. duff openers). This tour was dubbed the “Waltzing Matilda Lakeland Tour” in honour of vice captain Humo who, shortly afterwards emigrated to Australia and didn’t even come back for the presentation night! Long may “The Tours” continue.