15/05/11 - HAC Ground, London

What an extraordinary place to play cricket. It's a massive cliche, but you really do forget you're in the middle of London. A potted history: the HAC traces its origins back to 1537 when Henry VIII granted a Charter of Incorporation to the Guild of St George, an existing guild of archers and handgun men which became known as the Artillery Company. It is the only link between the army of today and the medieval 'trained bands' of the City of London set up to protect its citizens.

Since 1641 the HQ of the Artillery Company have been established in the Artillery Garden which also became the headquarters of archery for All England. The first recorded match was on 31 August 1730, when Surrey lost to London by '6 notches'. London won 20 guineas as a result, according to the Grub Street Journal.

The first Laws of Cricket were drawn up by the London Club who played on the ground. Cricket was banned at the ground in 1773, due to the large number of bets being placed on games (those who worry about match-fixing today should count themselves lucky they weren't following the game 150 years ago). The ban was only lifted in 1834. In the early half of the Twentieth Century the HAC was one of the strongest clubs in London. Now it only plays friendlies, though still to a very good level.

Of the match, rather less to say. Turned up with yet another biblical hangover. Reached 10 without too many dramas, got a bit impatient, took a massive hoon at one, edged it behind. Umpire was umming and ahhing, so - irony of ironies in the light of recent events - I walked. In the pub he's pretty certain I hit the ground. Not sure I believe him. Either way, it was a fucking crap shot.

We make 240-odd courtesy of one guy hitting a ton while another stodges out one of the dullest 30s I've seen in some time (not out at end, believe he came in during the 12th over). We then roll them out for bupkis (apart from one very good guy who's inexplicably been put at 9 making a 50). The pitch is somewhat worn - there's some sharp bounce at the start, but by the time we get to their innings it's barely getting above ankle height and all but two of them are bowled. Nice chaps though, and good spirit. Enjoy the snaps.