Memories of last week's abysmal outing aren't fading terribly fast. No points at all? Very, very poor, even if our opponents that night, Manor B, should be a full division higher than us. Best we all move on.

With Yang unable to make our home games, a plea went out to our Thunderbirds pals. Once more, for the third time this season, that call was thankfully answered by Alison. And the mere fact of us having three players means that we're already three points up. Sadly, party-time Peter (last time) has picked up an injury to leave just easy-going Brian the younger and tracksuited Brian the older. In brief:

• OK 1/2 for Ed, losing out to the younger in a ding-dong five-ender
• good 1/3 for Steve, outgunning the older 3-1 and grabbing an end from the younger
• very good 1/3 for Alison, winning in straight ends against the older but losing in straight ends in a big-hitting game with the younger

As before, mighty kind of Alison to make way in the doubles, her faith rewarded by a 3-1 win for Ed and Steve versus Brian and Brian. Much relief for seven whole points in the bag.