I'm sure all the players awoke with a degree of excitement for the day ahead, we were to play on The Padang, a ground that the Australian team played on in 1959 and which had hosted One Day Internationals. 

Unfortunately the rain was belting down during breakfast and while we were waiting for taxis . However, we had been informed a bit of rain would not be a problem.

We duly queued for the taxis, a 12 man line in royal blue. As the first taxi arrived, the Cougar, last in line, sprinted on to the hotel forecourt to be first into the first taxi to take us to the SCC. Such a display of enthusiasm from the Cougar left his teammates shaking their heads in amazement.

The rain had stopped by the time we had all arrived at the SCC. The ground was damp, the covers were on the pitch but the groundsmen were working away,so things were looking promising.

There was a lot of activity around the ground. The Grand Prix race barriers were being constructed around one side of the Padang and a huge marquee was being erected in front of the Clubhouse, so with the grey clouds the ground was not as picturesque as it can be.

At 10:57 the Duke and I walked on the ground to open the batting . At 10:59 we walked off as the rain started to spit lightly and the experienced locals knew another bucketing was on its way. The covers were pulled back on. I queried why old fashioned tarpaulin covers were used and not modern roll-on covers. Apparently the roll-on type had been used before but the degree of privacy they afforded young, amorous Singaporean couples, meant they were very popular and the pitch had a few divots in it on a good length.

The rain meant we took an early lunch and slowly the downpour turned into a drizzle. At 12:30 we wandered on to the ground splashing through the puddles of surface rain that were everywhere. Surely the game would be called off now.

But no, despite the puddles, the wet patches on the pitch (on a good length too), the decision was made that we would be able start at 1:00pm for a 25 over a side game.

Amazing! But at 1.00pm the Duke and I walked out to bat . The Duke took strike against the orange Dukes ball and we were away.

The ball was wobbling early, but was easy to see. We hit it hard but it went nowhere fast over wet grass. The Duke kept the strike and took us and him to nine before the decision to hit over the top saw him out caught in the 3rd over. I hadn't troubled the scorers. Next over I got off the mark with a lovely thick edge for 4 over the slips. The Major had joined me, but there was no change in tactics, it was walk a single or hit a boundary.

As is fast becoming the custom. I hit the first six of the tour somehow scooping a straight ball over forward square leg. The SCC's Aussie opening bowler (Bruce!) ran in harder next ball and I promptly smote him straight down the ground for four. The Major meanwhile was building a picket fence the result of his deft placement and my refusal to run two when he continued to turn blind without knowing where the heck the ball was!

I was forcibly retired on 32, another century gone begging . Chopper quickly followed me back to the Pavillion ( finally a real Pavillion) destroying plan B in the process.

Simon gave a masterclass in being involved on the cricket field by scoring his runs while being dropped. After Simon's and the Major's departures, the fireworks started.

Morrie and Steensy wielded the willow as expertly as a certain Persian belly dancer wobbled her body. The orange balls were flying everywhere as these two boys demonstrated how optic nerve exercises can benefit aging cricketers. Morrie hit a quick 22 including a big six, but Steensy stole the show with two huge sixes and three fours in his innings of 33 retired.

Sherro, the Skip and the Cougar came and went in search of quick runs, before Frank the King of Club Sandwiches became Frank the Club and belted the ball in his 22 not out with two huge sixes including one off the last ball of the innings.

We had set a score of 8/155 in 25 overs, which for us was pretty good .

For the SCC a target of 156 was huge. Frank and Wayne bowled straight and dry early and after six overs it was obvious that chasing down our total was not going to happen, but occupying the crease and scoring steadily in the improving conditions was the objective especially for their two junior players, Mark and KK2.

Ten of the 12 Masters bowled, all steadily. Mention should made of the Cougar who displayed some vim and vigour in bowling seam up off his long run-up, but the bowling highlight was Sherro having SCC's top scorer stumped by Morrie, while fielding highlights were provided by the Skip using his ample chest to take a catch in the gully and Chopper diving forward to take a sensational one handed slips catch.

The game meandered to its inevitable finish, a victory for the Masters. But cricket was the winner as SCC had done a wonderful job in getting a game of cricket going in such trying conditions . We were all very grateful. Well Done SCC!

Of course playing cricket on the Padang is only half the experience. Drinks on the rooftop terrace at the SCC is the second equally important activity.

As much as the conditions of the day were imperfect, the evening was perfect. Warm and balmy and with a seemingly never ending supply of cold beer and wine flowing. The members of the SCC were excellent hosts. Mike, Bruce, Nick, Marty and rest of the team and other members of the Club mingled well with the Masters and their partners. Presentations saw caps and ties exchanged, Captain Mike showing a liking for shooters and Steensy named Man of the Match. Everybody wanted to have a beer with Steensy and some wag thought he should now be called Duncan. Combined with a wonderful curry buffet, the evening went on forever. Well until 2.00am when the final four unaccompanied Masters were asked to leave (the bar was closing).

It was a great day