12 September 1997

Characters: Bert, Hayley, John, Roy, Ruth, Sean, Shula

• It’s the afternoon of the final, being played at neutral Edgeley, and, contrary to John’s advice, Sean put Leighton Cross in, they scored 189-7. A shaky start, at 29-2, Neil’s LBW and John goes in. A few more wickets fall and at at 120-6, Roy goes in to join David, who’s batting well.
• Meanwhile, Ruth and Shula are preparing to go to Edgeley to watch the match, but her contractions have started, it might be three weeks early, but they’re off to the hospital because this is it!
• There are no mobiles switched on at the ground, so Shula drives there and marches on to the pitch! Much to everyone’s chagrin (and Bert’s law quoting), David capitulates and leaves. Fortunately for him that he did as Ruth’s second labour is much quicker and Ruth produces a healthy, 6lb 2oz, boy.
• Later in the Cat, with Sean promising a lock-in, the team are celebrating, Roy scored two off the final ball to bring the trophy to Ambridge. David returns with the news that they’re to wet the baby’s head too. His 48 earned him Sean’s nomination for man of the match, but he magnanimously hands it to Roy for his 38 not out, after all, what does he want with it – he has a son!

Summarised by: Chris Harrison