Already February and we could do with a few points. Hoping to get some tonight against similarly lowly Novas who, oddly, we haven't yet played. Three proper Defiants on call with Ed, self-driving Natalie and Cuban-tanned Steve.

Playing for Novas are Oor Willie, last spotted way back in 2009, with mild-mannered Dave and purple Sue, also not seen for a good while. In brief:

• another brace for Ed: two strong comebacks to get past Willie and Sue before coming unstuck against darn Dave
• excellent double for Steve, defeating Dave but losing out to Willie's guile
• off-the-mark point for Natalie, finally!

Captain's decision to pick himself, ahem, plus Steve for the doubles. What with Ed and Steve both having won a couple of games, you know. And that went well, for a change, winning in straight games. Nice 6-4 win and let's do it all again next week.