🦆 The Duck Pond

A quiet weekend for the exclusive zero club — two fixtures on the go and the ducks mostly stayed hidden. Only one man answered the call, but he answered it with proper pedigree. 2nd XI v Yalding CC At number four, club stalwart Trevor Back departed c Liam Hawkins b Chris Quirk without troubling the scorers — his 1st duck of the season and the 37th of an extraordinarily durable career spanning 313 innings. That plants him at 14th in the all-time standings, a lofty perch he shares good company around, being a fixture of the Ducks on the Road top 10, the Homebody Duck top 10 and the Lone Duck top 10 alike — evidently there is no ground, home or away, on which Trevor cannot contrive to nought. He also carries standing memberships of Only Two Quacks (with Allan Cooper) and Quacking Together (with Jon Harris) — a man who likes company in his misery. And rather splendidly, the almanac obliges: on this very day back in 1960, Len Conway also made a duck against Linton Park CC. Conway, who turned out for the club from 1954 to 1965, retired with 12 career ducks to his name — good for 59th all-time — and remains a paid-up member of the Debutante Duck club, having opened his account the same way it ended: for nought. Thirty-three years apart, same date, same fate. The art of not scoring, it seems, has no expiry date. Elsewhere, the other fixture proved a strictly vegan affair — every batsman got off the mark and the Duck Club's second table sat entirely undisturbed. Can't win them all, and on this occasion, quite literally, nobody lost for nought. Week in summary One duck from two matches — a lean harvest by Linton's usual standards, but a quality one, with Trevor Back's contribution alone stretching back three decades in company. Consistency of a very particular kind continues. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - Matt Large — 33 inn, 6 ducks (18.18%) - Simon Thirkell — 13 inn, 5 ducks (38.46%) - Ian Brattle — 10 inn, 4 ducks (40.0%) - Mike Elworthy — 18 inn, 4 ducks (22.22%) - Piers McDonald — 45 inn, 4 ducks (8.89%) Simon Thirkell and Ian Brattle both operate at a truly fearsome strike-rate for nought — over a third of their innings ending before they've begun. Matt Large leads on raw volume, but the percentage game belongs to Brattle for now. 🍩 Next fixture looms, and with it the promise of fresh recruits to the honours board. The ducks are out there somewhere — see you at the crease. 0️⃣

Four fixtures on the books this week and the Duck Club's nets came back with a solitary catch — but oh, what a catch. 🏏 1st XI — West Farleigh CC Matt Large, ever the club's most reliable exporter of noughts, was trapped lbw by Glen Aukett at number 8, chalking up his 6th duck of the campaign and 40th of an increasingly distinguished career — now 10th in the all-time standings out of 1190 names on the books. That tally draws him level with Roy Clarke, who compiled his own 40 across 233 innings between 1957 and 1966, proof that some feats echo down the decades regardless of the pitch. On this very day back in 1960, Cliff Anscombe was doing much the same thing against Tilling Steven — a neat little coincidence of the calendar that the Duck Club insists on noting for posterity, if nothing else. Matt remains a fully paid-up member of the Debutante Duck club from his very first innings, and already carries Duck of the Year honours from 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1992 — with the 1993 crown looking distinctly his to lose given this week's season-topping form. He also lingers agonisingly at Full House nearly-man status, ten of eleven positions ticked off, plus fixtures in the Ducks on the Road and Homebody Duck top tens. Genuinely, is there a category this man hasn't graced? 📅 Week in Summary Four matches, one duck — a quiet week by the Club's usual gluttonous standards, and Matt Large did the entire honours board's work single-handedly. No pairs, no family affairs, no king ducks to report. The bowlers of West Farleigh CC will nonetheless be very pleased with themselves. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Matt Large — 32 inns, 6 ducks (18.75%) 2. Simon Thirkell — 13 inns, 5 ducks (38.46%) 3. Ian Brattle — 10 inns, 4 ducks (40.00%) 4. Mike Elworthy — 17 inns, 4 ducks (23.53%) 5. Piers McDonald — 44 inns, 4 ducks (9.09%) Simon Thirkell and Ian Brattle both boast fearsome duck-rates north of 35% — the sort of consistency the club can only applaud from a respectful distance. 🍩 Next fixture awaits, and with it, fresh opportunities for the art of not scoring. The zero club never sleeps — see you all at the crease. 0️⃣🦆

A quiet one for the Duck Club this week, I'm afraid. Linton took to the field on the 11th of September and, scandalously, every single soul who walked out to bat found a way to trouble the scorer. Not a single nought to report, not so much as a golden glimmer of ignominy anywhere in the XI. The zero club's membership desk stood entirely unvisited. Whether this counts as a triumph of application or simply a dereliction of duty by the club's more reliable duck-hunters is, frankly, a matter of some debate down the clubhouse. Rest assured the committee is looking into it. Still, the season's honours board doesn't rest just because one Saturday went straight. The race for Duck of the Year 1993 remains very much alive, and there's no shortage of history being written elsewhere in the ledger. 🏏 Duck Hunting Season 1993 — Leaderboard 1. Simon Thirkell — 5 ducks from 13 innings (38.46%) — a genuinely fearsome strike rate for all the wrong reasons, and the early pacesetter 2. Matt Large — 5 ducks from 30 innings (16.67%) — matching Simon on quantity, if not quite on ruthless efficiency 3. Ian Brattle — 4 ducks from 9 innings (44.44%) — the purest duck-per-innings return in the top five, a masterclass in the art of not scoring 4. Mike Elworthy — 4 ducks from 16 innings (25.0%) — quietly keeping pace in the shadows 5. Piers McDonald — 4 ducks from 41 innings (9.76%) — proof that consistency of a very particular kind can be achieved even across a long, weary campaign Simon Thirkell holds top spot on numbers, but Ian Brattle's frankly alarming 44% conversion rate suggests he could overhaul the lot of them with one more bad Saturday. Matt Large and Piers McDonald, meanwhile, are playing the long game — proof that patience, or perhaps just longevity, has its own rewards in this particular league table. 📅 Looking ahead The ducks evaded capture this week, but they never stay hidden for long. The season's still young enough for records to fall, milestones to loom, and at least one unlucky soul to discover the joys of the exclusive zero club all over again. Bats at the ready, gentlemen — the next fixture surely won't be so well-behaved. 🦆🍩0️⃣

Four matches, four ducks, and the exclusive zero club found new inductees both on the home patch and on tour this week. 🏏 Midweek XI – Home to The Mote CC (8th Sept) Adrian Caddick was bowled by Toby Smith to record his 3rd duck of the season and 3rd of his career from just 6 innings — a small but perfectly formed collection. On this very day in 1981, Richard Ashby was doing the same trick against Paul CC, en route to a career haul of 28 and places on both the Ducks in a Row and Tourist Duck top 10 boards. Adrian keeps rather distinguished company. At the other end of the order, last man Richard Piper fell to the same Toby Smith — a brace of Linton wickets in the innings for him. It's Richard's 2nd duck of the season and 8th of a career now spanning 16 innings, and with Full House, Homebody, Lone Duck and Ducks on the Road top 10 memberships already secured, he remains one of the club's great scholars of not scoring. A chip off the old block, too — his father Brian carries 20 career ducks of his own. Richard shares Adrian's on-this-day honour: Richard Ashby, 1981, still setting the standard twelve years later. 🌴 Tour XI – Cornwall (5th–6th Sept) Some tours are remembered for the cricket. This one will be remembered for Paul Bishop's grim pair. Bowled by Kevin Thomas at Beacon CC on the Sunday for his 2nd duck of the season, Paul returned less than a day later against Redruth CC to be caught off A Hood for his 3rd — a pair to nil, and not the souvenir he'll have wanted to bring home from Cornwall. He now sits on 3 career ducks from just 8 innings, and already carries Retirement Duck club membership from a past farewell duck. His Sunday parallel takes us back to 1970, when David T Lowen made his own duck against A.Trembeths on this exact date, also on 3 for his career, while Monday drew him level with Roger Craddock's solitary 1967 duck against Birchington CC. 📊 Week in Summary Four ducks from four matches — a modest harvest, but Paul Bishop's back-to-back effort in Cornwall did more than its share of the heavy lifting. No family affairs and no king pairs this week, but a proper old-fashioned pair is nothing to sniff at. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Simon Thirkell – 5 ducks in 13 innings (38.46%) 2. Matt Large – 5 ducks in 30 innings (16.67%) 3. Ian Brattle – 4 ducks in 9 innings (44.44%) 4. Mike Elworthy – 4 ducks in 16 innings (25.0%) 5. Piers McDonald – 4 ducks in 40 innings (10.0%) 🍩 The season's not done handing out its dubious honours yet — see you at the crease next time, and good luck avoiding the club.

Seven matches, seven ducks — a week of admirably efficient failure across county and coast alike. 1st XI v Sheldwich CC (away) Piers McDonald departed for his 4th duck of the season, bowled by P Hammond, and his 19th career duck (42nd of 1190 all-time) — a paid-up member of both the Lone Duck and Tourist Duck top tens. On this very day in 1974, Roland Parr also strolled back for nought, against Gravesend CC. 2nd XI v Sheldwich CC (home) Richard Piper opened his 1993 account the hard way, bowled S Lurcock for his 7th career duck in a brisk 15 innings — enough to already hold a Full House (a duck at every position 1-11) plus places in the Homebody, Lone Duck and Ducks on the Road top tens. He's not the first Piper to make the honours board either — father Brian sits on 20. Like Piers above, Richard shares his moment with Roland Parr's 1974 duck at Gravesend. Tour XI – the Cornwall Tour Nigel Thirkell secured the week's rarest feat: a pair. Bowled by Ian Bishop at Truro on the 1st for his 48th career duck, he returned the very next day at Falmouth to fall to Sean Turner for his 49th — a grim weekend double for a man already enshrined for Duck of the Year 1986 and a place in both the Homebody and Tourist Duck top tens. His first echoed brother Tim Thirkell's 1973 duck at Whitstable, his second matched Paul Bowles' 1968 effort against Bearsted. The family name struck again at Mullion CC on the 3rd, where three ducks fell in a single innings. Simon Thirkell — Nigel's brother and son of the legendary John Thirkell — was bowled by D Hallett for his 5th duck of the season and 30th of his career, edging him onto the "50 Before a 50" board. Rob Doick followed, bowled D Bostock, for his 11th career duck, and Adrian Caddick completed the set, caught Bostock bowled Bossusto for his 2nd duck in just 4 career innings — an alarming start. All three keep company with Benny Bell, who made his 30th duck on this exact date back in 1972 against Staplehurst. Week in summary Sheldwich claimed a duck from each Linton XI, and Mullion CC did the same to three Tour batsmen in one afternoon — Cornwall clearly agrees with the club's less celebrated traditions. Simon Thirkell's 5th of the season keeps him locked at the top of the Duck Hunting Season standings. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 1. Simon Thirkell – 5 ducks, 12 innings (41.67%) 2. Matt Large – 5 ducks, 28 innings (17.86%) 3. Ian Brattle – 4 ducks, 9 innings (44.44%) 4. Mike Elworthy – 4 ducks, 15 innings (26.67%) 5. Piers McDonald – 4 ducks, 38 innings (10.53%) Next fixture awaits, and with the Thirkell clan in this kind of form, the honours board may need a new page. See you all there. 🦆🏏0️⃣

A restrained week for the Zero Club by its own extravagant standards. Three fixtures out on the paddock and the Duck troubled the scorers only once, but it picked its stage well. 1st XI v Old Williamsonians CC (home) Matt Large, first wicket down at number 3, was undone by a smart take, caught L Mainwaring, bowled Bob Burge, for his 5th duck of the summer. That keeps his grip on the 1993 Duck of the Year crown tightening, a title he's already banked in '87, '88, '89 and '92, with '93 now shaping up to join the gallery. Career duck number 39 from 172 innings lifts him to 11th on the all time leaderboard, and edges him closer to completing the Full House, he's now fallen for nought in 10 of the 11 possible positions and remains just one shy of the full set. He continues to hold court on the Lone Duck, Homebody Duck and Ducks on the Road top tens. There is, genuinely, nowhere Matt Large cannot fail to score. Spookily, on this very day back in 1955, John Ames, one of the great old names of the club with 49 ducks across a career running 1952 to 1978 and 6th in the all time charts, also strolled back for nought, against Halfway House. The calendar has a sense of humour. Week in Summary: just the one duck from three matches, a quiet spell from the Zero Club, though Matt Large made sure the honours board didn't go entirely unfed. Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 🥇 Matt Large – 25 inns, 5 ducks (20.0%) 🥈 Ian Brattle – 9 inns, 4 ducks (44.4%) 🥉 Simon Thirkell – 10 inns, 4 ducks (40.0%) - Mike Elworthy – 11 inns, 4 ducks (36.4%) - Chris Tymms – 14 inns, 3 ducks (21.4%) Ian Brattle's strike rate remains genuinely alarming, four ducks from nine trips to the crease is a return most bowlers would envy. Matt Large leads on volume but the percentage race behind him is fierce. Next fixture, more victims surely await. The Duck never rests for long, see you at the crease. 🦆🏏0️⃣

A slim harvest this week, but quality over quantity as ever in the exclusive zero club. 🏏 1st XI — Whitstable CC (away) Opening the innings and leading from the front in the art of not scoring, David Castle fell bowled by Iain Murrell without troubling the scorers. It's his 2nd duck of the season and 19th of an increasingly distinguished career, edging him to 41st in the all-time table from 326 innings — and a paid-up member of the Tourist Duck top 10, taking his talent for nought on the road with genuine consistency. On this very day in 1964, none other than the club's all-time top quacker John Thirkell (1943–1977, 90 ducks, #1 all-time) also departed for nought against Bowaters CC. Some traditions simply endure. 🌙 Midweek XI — Gravesend CC (away) At three, Dave Charlton was run out for nought in a mix-up nobody's quite owning up to. His 2nd of the season lifts him to 15 career ducks from 105 innings, good for 48th on the all-time list — a family trade of sorts, with sibling Sean Charlton also a card-carrying member of the zero club on 4 career ducks. Charlton's fall echoes down the years too — on this same day in 1963, John Thirkell was out without score against The Mote CC, one of the 90 that keep him unassailable at the summit. 📋 Week in Summary Just two ducks from four matches — the ducks proved elusive, evading capture more often than not this week. Both those that did fall came away from home, so if there's a theme, it's touring for trouble. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Ian Brattle — 4 ducks / 8 innings (50%) 2. Simon Thirkell — 4 ducks / 10 innings (40%) 3. Mike Elworthy — 4 ducks / 11 innings (36.36%) 4. Matt Large — 4 ducks / 24 innings (16.67%) 5. Chris Tymms — 3 ducks / 14 innings (21.43%) Ian Brattle holds top spot for now, but with the season entering its final stretch there's still time for a late surge from the chasing pack. 🍩 The next fixture will surely offer up a few more candidates for the honours board. Bring your bat, and preferably use it. Until then, quack on. 🦆

Three fixtures out on the weekend, and the Duck Club kept things suitably restrained — just two additions to the ledger. Quality over quantity, as ever in this most exclusive of clubs. 🏏 Saturday, 1st XI v Headcorn CC Ollie Priestly walked in at nine and departed b Paul Gibbs without scoring, marking his first senior innings with the club — a genuine Debutante Duck to open his account in the most traditional manner available. Welcome to the club, Ollie, membership card enclosed. He takes up residence at 479th of 1190 in the all-time standings, in good company too: on this very day in 1976, Colin Dicker (1972–1978, 23 ducks, twice Duck of the Year) was also dismissed against Headcorn CC — this fixture evidently has form. 🏏 Saturday, 2nd XI v Bearsted CC (away) Alan Boyns fell at six, caught Doug Reid bowled Robin Cross, for his 2nd duck of the season and 13th of an increasingly distinguished career across 115 innings — good enough for 54th on the all-time list. Alan is a paid-up member of the Diamond Duck club from a 1990 vintage, when he once departed without troubling the bowler for a single ball, so this one is comparatively pedestrian by his own lofty standards. He too shares his calendar date with Colin Dicker's 1976 effort against Headcorn CC — the 7th of August clearly has appetite. 📊 Week in Summary Three matches, two ducks, and Headcorn CC apparently cursed on this date going back to 1976. No pairs, no family affairs, no king ducks this time round — just steady, honest attrition of the scoreboard. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Ian Brattle — 4 ducks / 8 innings (50%) 2. Simon Thirkell — 4 ducks / 9 innings (44.4%) 3. Mike Elworthy — 4 ducks / 11 innings (36.4%) 4. Matt Large — 4 ducks / 23 innings (17.4%) 5. Chris Tymms — 3 ducks / 14 innings (21.4%) Ian, Simon and Mike all locked together on four apiece — a proper scrap for the crown as the season heads into its business end. Next fixtures loom, and with them, inevitably, more names for the honours board. The ducks never rest — see you all next weekend. 🦆🍩

A rare week of restraint from the Duck Club faithful. Five fixtures played across the weekend and the zero column shows just a single entry — the ducks, it seems, took most of the week off. Still, one man kept the flag flying. 🏏 1st XI v Battle CC (Saturday 1 August) Opening the innings and opening the club's account for the week, Piers McDonald departed early, caught Eldridge bowled Scollay, without troubling the scorers. It's the 3rd duck of his season and the 18th of a career now running to 177 innings — a tally that plants him firmly at 44th in the all-time standings, a position of dubious but well-earned distinction. Piers remains a fixture on the Lone Duck top 10 and the Tourist Duck top 10, proof that whether he's carrying his bat or carrying his kit bag away early, he does it with real consistency. Fittingly, on this very day back in 1964, Basil Sears was going through exactly the same ritual against Headcorn CC. Sears finished his 1947–1975 career with 33 ducks to his name, good enough for 18th all-time — so Piers walks in some rather exalted company on the calendar, if not yet on the leaderboard. The other four fixtures of the week passed off disappointingly duck-free, with batsmen up and down the order apparently determined to trouble the scorers. Can't say we approve. 📊 Week in Summary One duck from five matches — a poultry return by the club's usual standards, but the season race remains very much alive. The hunting season continues, and with the top of the table this tight, it won't stay quiet for long. 🎯 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard — Top 5 - Ian Brattle — 4 ducks in 8 innings (50.0%) - Simon Thirkell — 4 ducks in 9 innings (44.44%) - Mike Elworthy — 4 ducks in 11 innings (36.36%) - Matt Large — 4 ducks in 22 innings (18.18%) - Chris Tymms — 3 ducks in 13 innings (23.08%) Ian Brattle sits top of the pile on strike rate alone, but with Simon and Mike breathing down his neck it's anyone's crown come the next round of fixtures. 🥇 🦆 The season presses on, and the club's bowlers will no doubt be eager to add fresh names to this list next weekend. Until then — keep your eye on the ball, and your name off this list. 0️⃣

Five fixtures, five ducks, and the exclusive zero club welcomes a modest but characterful intake this week. 🏏 SATURDAY — 1st XI at Hollingbourne CC Piers McDonald departed lbw to Trevor Scrivens, his 2nd duck of the summer and 17th of an increasingly distinguished career — good enough for 45th on the all-time list of 1187, and a paid-up member of both the Lone Duck and Tourist Duck top 10s. On this very day in 1989, Matt Large was doing much the same thing against Coleshill CC, Warwickshire — and, as it happens, Matt would have cause to remember the date again before the week was out. 🌙 MIDWEEK XI v Ipswich Greyhounds CC – Kent Tour XI Clive Newman opened the innings and closed it just as fast, bowled first up by S Thew for his 1st duck of the season and 2nd of a 42-innings career. He shares the date with Paul Gibson, who ducked against The Mote CC on this same day in 1991 and wears his own Platinum Duck for the trouble. Further down the order Rob Doick was lbw to G Howlett, his 2nd duck of the season taking him to 10 for his career — 75th on the all-time roll, and keeping the same 1991 company as Clive above. 🌙 MIDWEEK XI v Oxford Nondescripts Don Dansie was caught P Garret bowled D Garret, tidy work for the family firm at the bowling end — his 2nd duck of the season and, tellingly, his 2nd career duck from just 15 innings. Don carries the Retirement Duck honour from a past farewell of his own, no suggestion intended that today was any kind of goodbye. On this day in 1989, Matt Large was — once again — doing exactly the same thing, this time against Hollingbourne CC. And speaking of the devil — Matt Large himself fell moments later, caught by an uncertain fielder off D Garret, for his 4th duck of the season and 38th of a career that reads like the club constitution: Debutante Duck, five Duck of the Year crowns including the 1993 title he already wears this season, Ducks on the Road top 10, Full House nearly-man, and Homebody and Lone Duck top 10 memberships besides. 13th of 1187 all time. Thirty years to the day earlier, Gordon Fenner was up to the same trick against Birkenhead Grasshoppers CC. 📊 WEEK IN SUMMARY Five matches, five ducks, one apiece — no repeat offenders, no pairs, and the other two fixtures went entirely duck-free. The 1993 Duck of the Year race remains Matt Large's to lose. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 1. Ian Brattle — 4 ducks / 8 innings (50%) 2. Simon Thirkell — 4 ducks / 9 innings (44.4%) 3. Mike Elworthy — 4 ducks / 10 innings (40%) 4. Matt Large — 4 ducks / 20 innings (20%) 5. Chris Tymms — 3 ducks / 12 innings (25%) 🦆 Same time next week — the nets await, the bowlers are sharpening up, and the zero club never sleeps. Bring your bat, or don't bother 🍩

A quieter week for the exclusive zero club, but the Officers and Gentlemen of Old Fullerians still managed to bag a brace between them. Four matches, three ducks, and the art of not scoring lives on. Saturday — Kennington CC, Kent (1st XI, away) Nick Froom departed at number 8, bowled by Peter Burden. It's his 2nd duck of the season and 4th of an LPCC career now standing at 29 innings, keeping him at 146th in the all-time roll. Spookily, on this very date back in 1867, T Gandy (1865–1969... make that 1865–1869) was also trudging off for nought, against 1st Innings Leeds Park CC. Some things never change. Tuesday — Old Fullerians CC (Midweek XI, home) A double dose of ignominy for the midweek side. Adrian Caddick, in at number 7, was given lbw by T Gould — his maiden LPCC duck, opening his account with 1 for the season and 1 from just 2 career innings, landing him at 318th all-time. On this same calendar day in 1906, R W Mitchell was suffering identically against the Royal West Kent Regiment CC Officers XI, en route to 2 career ducks of his own. Not long after, Ian Brattle joined him, also falling to T Gould. It's Ian's 4th duck of the season and a hefty 28th for his career from 85 innings, good enough for 26th in the all-time standings — rarefied company indeed. Ian is a long-standing member of the Debutante Duck club, boasts a run of 7 consecutive ducks in the Ducks in a Row honours, shares the Only Two Quacks distinction with Michael Beeney, and sits on 50 Before a 50 with 51 ducks against a high score of just 33 — consistency of a very particular kind. He also has form in the family: sibling Paul Brattle carries 26 career ducks of his own. And like Adrian, Ian shares this day in cricketing history with R W Mitchell's 1906 effort. Week in Summary Old Fullerians proved the more efficient predators, claiming two scalps to Kennington's one. Three ducks from four matches — hardly a vintage haul, but the season's engine keeps turning over nicely. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 🏆 1. Ian Brattle — 4 ducks, 7 innings (57%) 2. Mike Elworthy — 4 ducks, 9 innings (44%) 3. Simon Thirkell — 4 ducks, 9 innings (44%) 4. Chris Tymms — 3 ducks, 11 innings (27%) 5. Matt Large — 3 ducks, 17 innings (18%) Ian Brattle tops the table, but Elworthy and Thirkell sit level just behind on the same tally — Duck of the Year 1993 is very much up for grabs. 🦆 Next fixture beckons, and the ducks are surely circling. Bring your bat, bring your luck — the Club will be watching either way. 🍩0️⃣

Three fixtures out on the paddock this weekend, but the zero club kept its guest list mercifully short — just the once, at Horton Kirby, where two Linton batsmen discovered the art of not scoring in the very same innings. 🏏 Saturday 10th — 2nd XI away at Horton Kirby CC In at 2, Fred Cheesman departed without troubling the scorers, c Stuart Wickling b Ian Abernethy. It's his 1st duck of the summer but his 28th for the club overall, a tally that plants him a lofty 25th of 1185 in the all-time reckoning. A two-time Duck of the Year (1990 and 1991) and a proud owner of the Full House — a duck at every position, 1 through 11, a feat few would boast of and Fred wears with distinction — this was less a surprise than a formality. Neat symmetry too: on this very day in 1954, Robert Muir (1950–1963) was going through the same motions against A. Trembeths, on his way to 3 for the summer. A minor aside for the genealogists among us — Steve Cheesman (10 career ducks) and Stuart Cheesman (4) suggest the family trade is alive and well. Not to be left out, Mike Elworthy fell at 5, c Warren Bull b Vinny Logue, also for nought — his 4th duck of the season already, and his 14th in senior colours, good for 53rd of 1185 all-time and a paid-up member of the Tourist Duck top 10. Mike, too, shares his moment with Robert Muir's 1954 vintage against A. Trembeths — proof that some anniversaries never go out of fashion. Between them, Abernethy and Logue turned in one nought apiece for Horton Kirby's attack — a top order at Linton reduced to rubble either side of tea. The other two fixtures of the weekend passed off, remarkably, without a single addition to the books — a rare outbreak of competence from the rest of the club that the Duck Club can only regard with mild suspicion. 📊 The week in brief: 2 ducks from 3 matches, both from the same top-order collapse at Horton Kirby. Ominous form for the 2nd XI's middle order, excellent news for this column. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard - Mike Elworthy — 4 ducks, 8 innings, 50% - Simon Thirkell — 4 ducks, 8 innings, 50% - Ian Brattle — 3 ducks, 6 innings, 50% - Chris Tymms — 3 ducks, 10 innings, 30% - Matt Large — 3 ducks, 16 innings, 18.75% Mike Elworthy shares top spot and adds to it in the same weekend — the sort of consistency the rest of us can only dream of achieving with the bat in hand. Next fixture looms, and with it, no doubt, fresh recruits for the honours board. The ducks are out there. We simply wait for them to be found. 🦆🍩0️⃣

A quieter week for the exclusive zero club, but Pembury CC still managed to bag a brace of Linton's finest in one sitting, and the Midweek lads chipped in with one of their own. Saturday 4th July — 1st XI v Pembury CC (h) Simon Thirkell, in at 7, was trapped lbw by David Boakes without scoring — his 4th duck of the season and 29th of a career now standing at 24th of 1185 all time. A fully paid-up member of the 50 Before a 50 club (59 ducks against a top score of a mere 48, triumph through adversity indeed), a Duck of the Year alumnus from 1983, and a permanent fixture in both the Tourist Duck and Ducks on the Road top tens. The Thirkell name runs deep in these parts too — father John (90 career ducks), and brothers Tim (66) and Nigel (47) all keep the family tradition very much alive. Neatly enough, on this very day in 1973 Cliff Anscombe was doing precisely the same thing against Northend Sunday. Not to be left out, Ian Brattle departed at 10 for nought, bowled by Gary Purdy — his 3rd of the season and 27th career duck, 28th of 1185 overall. Ian's career began as it apparently meant to go on with a Debutante Duck, since built into a run of 7 Ducks in a Row and his own 50 Before a 50 entry (51 ducks, high score 33 — consistency of a very particular kind). He too shares today's echo of Cliff Anscombe's 1973 vintage against Northend Sunday, making this a rare synchronised nought for the top order. Wednesday 7th July — Midweek XI v Gravesend CC (h) Steve Cheesman, at 4, was caught Dave Bishop bowled Les England for a blank — his 1st duck of the season and 10th of his career, 75th of 1185 all time. His nought chimes rather nicely with one struck in 1979 by Paul Brattle against Medway Valley — none other than Ian Brattle's own brother, proof the art of not scoring runs in the family. The Cheesman clan aren't shy of the honours board either, with father Fred a serial member on 27 and brother Stuart ticking along on 4. Week in summary Three ducks from five matches, with only two fixtures troubling the scorers — Pembury CC doing the damage twice over in a single 1st XI innings, and Gravesend picking off one more at Midweek. A restrained week by Linton's usual standards, though the season race is heating up nicely. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - Simon Thirkell — 4 ducks in 7 innings (57%) - Ian Brattle — 3 in 6 innings (50%) - Mike Elworthy — 3 in 7 innings (43%) - Chris Tymms — 3 in 9 innings (33%) - Matt Large — 3 in 15 innings (20%) Simon Thirkell leads the chase for Duck of the Year with Ian Brattle snapping at his heels — the gap at the top is narrower than most batting averages at this club. 🏏 Next fixture awaits, and with it, no doubt, fresh candidates for the honours board. Bat carefully out there — or don't, we're not fussy. 🦆0️⃣

Only three fixtures on the board this weekend, but the Duck Club still found its customary two victims — proof that even a quiet weekend has room for the art of not scoring. 🍩 Saturday 26 June — 2nd XI away at Meopham CC Batting at nine, Chris Tymms was undone caught and bowled by Harry Dyne without troubling the scorers — his third duck of the season and, remarkably, his third career duck from just nine innings. That's a duck-rate most club stalwarts take decades to achieve in a single summer, and it plants him at 164th of 1182 in the all-time chart before he's even had time to build a reputation. On this very day back in 1971, Andrew Moss was doing exactly the same thing against Tilling Steven — Moss went on to finish his Linton days with ten ducks to his name, so Chris has time yet. 🏏 Sunday 27 June — 1st XI away at Hadlow CC At number eight, Simon Thirkell fell bowled by C Cooper, his third duck of the season and 28th of an increasingly storied career, edging him up to 25th of 1182 all time. He's already a Duck of the Year champion once, back in 1983, and a paid-up member of the 50 Before a 50 club — 59 ducks and rising, high score a rather modest 48. Fittingly for an away-day specialist, he also sits proudly in the top ten of both the Tourist Duck and Ducks on the Road charts. And this is very much a family trade — kin John (90 career ducks), Tim (66) and Nigel (47) have between them stacked up well over 200 noughts, with young Stuart just getting his account started on 1. On this same day in 1936, E Godden made a duck against Bearsted CC too, the solitary blemish on a career running 1925 to 1936 and enough to earn him Duck of the Year that season — Simon's in good, if ancient, company. The third fixture of the weekend passed off as a strictly vegan affair, everyone getting off the mark and the Duck Club going home empty-handed from that one. 📋 Week in Summary Two ducks from three matches — modest pickings, but each one a small masterpiece of its own kind. Both fell away from home, both to a fielder's or bowler's good work rather than any rash stroke, and both duckers are already fixtures at the top of this season's chase. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard — Top 5 1. J Hanbury — 2 ducks in 3 innings (66.67%) 2. Mike Elworthy — 3 ducks in 6 innings (50.0%) 2. Simon Thirkell — 3 ducks in 6 innings (50.0%) 4. Chris Tymms — 3 ducks in 9 innings (33.33%) 5. Matt Large — 3 ducks in 15 innings (20.0%) With Hanbury, Elworthy and Thirkell all locked in a tight scrap for the season crown, next weekend's fixtures promise plenty more scope for glorious failure. Bring your bats, gentlemen — the zero club always has room for one more.

A tidy little haul this week: four ducks laid across three fixtures, the exclusive zero club welcoming its members with the usual solemn ceremony. Saturday 19 June — 2nd XI away at Yalding CC Opening the account for the week, Mike Elworthy was bowled by Richard Gardner without scoring, his 3rd duck of the summer and 13th for his LPCC career, sliding him to 54th of 1182 in the all-time roll. A fixture of the Tourist Duck top 10, Mike clearly travels well for all the wrong reasons. On this very day back in 1955, Richard Harris was doing much the same against 1st Innings Hambros Bank, en route to 36 career ducks across a marathon 1940-1982 stretch — good company to keep in the art of not scoring. Sunday 20 June — Sunday NVKC v High Halstow CC A rare double at Halstow. Opener David Castle fell first, bowled by Daren Brumbaugh for his 1st duck of the season and 18th of an illustrious career spanning 314 innings, edging to 42nd all-time and comfortably installed in the Tourist Duck top 10. Coming in at eight, Matt Large duly followed him back, bowled by J Herbert for his 3rd of the season and a serial 37th career nought — a rate that keeps him 13th of 1182 all time. Matt is a habitual Duck of the Year honouree (1987, 1988, 1989, 1992, and — since the year matches, worth noting — already on the card for 1993 too), and a proud member of the Ducks on the Road, Homebody Duck and Lone Duck top 10s, plus a nearly-man for the Full House. Both dismissals, fittingly, echoed the same date in history: on this day in 1970, Benny Bell also departed for nought against Hythe CC, one of 30 career ducks in a 1966-1975 stint. Wednesday 23 June — Midweek XI v Marlow CC Stewart Morrison edged D Thornton off A Martyn's bowling for his 1st duck of the season, his 12th overall in 93 innings, good for 62nd of 1182. A paid-up Debutante Duck (his very first LPCC innings, years back, was also a blob), Stewart is likewise a Lone Duck top 10 regular and just one position shy of the coveted Full House. A chip off the old block, too — sibling Phillip Morrison carries 2 career ducks of his own. On this day in 1979, David Carden made his own contribution against Hythe CC, one of 6 in a brief 1978-1981 career. Week in summary Five matches, four ducks, and High Halstow CC clearly enjoyed the away side's generosity twice over. No golden ducks to report this week — every departure came after at least a glimpse of the strike, for whatever comfort that's worth. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - Mike Elworthy — 5 innings, 3 ducks, 60.00% - Matt Large — 15 innings, 3 ducks, 20.00% - J Hanbury — 3 innings, 2 ducks, 66.67% - Ian Brattle — 5 innings, 2 ducks, 40.00% - Simon Thirkell — 5 innings, 2 ducks, 40.00% Mike Elworthy sets the early pace for Duck of the Year 1993, though J Hanbury's 66.67% strike rate suggests he isn't far behind in the race for infamy. Next fixture looms — who'll be adding their name to the honours board this time? We watch. We wait. We celebrate. 🦆🍩0️⃣

A single fixture on the books this week, but Sheldwich CC away swing did for two of ours at the 2nd XI, both undone by the same bowler in the same over of misery. The exclusive zero club welcomes its latest instalments. 2nd XI v Sheldwich CC (home) Opening the innings and opening the Duck Club's account for the day, Mike Elworthy walked, and walked straight back, c Nigel Mannouch b P Hammond. This is Mike's 2nd duck of the season and his 12th for the club overall, a tally that plants him at a very respectable 61st of 1,181 in the all-time roll of dishonour — and keeps his place among the road-warriors of the Tourist Duck top 10, a man who apparently can't be trusted with a bat on foreign soil. Neat historical footnote: on this very day back in 1960, John Abnett (1954–1963, 18 ducks, 42nd all-time) also fell for nought against Halfway House. Some anniversaries you just can't shake. Down at 9, Nick Froom joined the procession, b P Hammond, for his 1st duck of the season and 3rd of a 25-innings career — 187th of 1,181 and climbing. And, extraordinarily, exactly the same date-stamped company: John Abnett was quacking against Halfway House on this same 12th of June in 1960. Two Linton men, 33 years apart, both keeping the calendar's grim tradition alive. Week in summary Two ducks, one match, one bowler doing all the damage — P Hammond can add "Elworthy and Froom" to his own personal collection. Not quite a pair, not quite a family affair, just Sheldwich's opening exhibit for the season. Quality over quantity, as the Duck Club always says. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - J Hanbury — 3 inns, 2 ducks (66.67%) - Ian Brattle — 4 inns, 2 ducks (50.00%) - Mike Elworthy — 4 inns, 2 ducks (50.00%) - Simon Thirkell — 5 inns, 2 ducks (40.00%) - Chris Tymms — 8 inns, 2 ducks (25.00%) A tightly-bunched race at the top as we push through the season — J Hanbury sets the early pace, but with two ducks apiece the whole top five is one bad shot from a shuffle. Next fixture, next chance for glory or, far more entertainingly, its absence. The nets are waiting, the openers are nervous, and the Duck Club never sleeps. 🦆🏏0️⃣

Five fixtures this week, seven ducks banked, and the exclusive zero club did brisk trade in both directions of the county. Saturday 5 June — Rumwood CC (both sides out in force) The 1st XI's home date with Rumwood claimed Paul Bishop first, caught off Kevin Mullins for his maiden duck of the season and career — 1 from 4 innings, 483rd of 1181 on the all-time roll of dishonour. He's also pre-registered for the Retirement Duck club, whenever that distant day arrives. On this very date in 1984, Paul Gibson was doing much the same against West Farleigh CC, en route to the 20 he'd eventually bank. Away at the other Rumwood fixture the 2nd XI rather overindulged. Chris Tymms went for his 2nd of the season and career (2 from 7 innings, 215th all-time), J Hanbury followed him back run out for his own 2nd of the season and career (2 from just 3 innings — a Retirement Duck club member in waiting, statistically speaking), and Adam Pooley completed the set, bowled for his maiden duck (1 from 2 innings, 317th all-time, already filed under Only Two Quacks alongside both Fred Cheesman and Paul Bowles). All three share Paul Bishop's 1984 anniversary with Paul Gibson — a crowded diary entry for one calendar square. Sunday 6 June — St Lawrence & Highland Court CC (away) Matt Large kept up his one-man crusade against the bowling figures, caught off G Brearly for his 2nd of the season and 36th of his career from 159 innings, 13th on the all-time list. With 1993 now added to 1987, 88, 89 and 92, he's already installed as this year's Duck of the Year — a fifth crown for the cabinet. His company on this day in 1967: John Thirkell, the all-time record holder on 90, doing exactly the same against Civil Service CC, Kent. Tuesday 8 June — The Mote CC (home) Ian Brattle, last man in, bowled by Paul Heynes, notched his 2nd of the season and 26th career duck from 82 innings, 28th all-time — a Debutante Duck alumnus with seven in a row once logged against his name, and kin to fellow club stalwart Paul Brattle, no stranger to the honours board himself. On this day in 1970, Ron Hickman fell the same way against Boughton Monchelsea CC. Friday 11 June — Lashings World CC (home) Paul Gibson, evidently a man for anniversaries, added his own 2nd of the season and 20th career duck from 266 innings, 40th all-time and a Platinum Duck holder since 1991, bowled by B Fourie against the touring Lashings side. On this day in 1978, Brian Woodcock suffered identically against Leigh CC, Kent. Week in summary Seven ducks from five matches — Rumwood CC alone accounted for four of them across two sides, which says rather more about Linton Park's top order than Rumwood's bowling attack. No pairs, no king ducks and no family affairs to log this week, so the honours board gets a rare quiet spell. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 1. J Hanbury — 2 from 3 (66.7%) 2. Ian Brattle — 2 from 4 (50.0%) 2. Simon Thirkell — 2 from 4 (50.0%) 4. Chris Tymms — 2 from 7 (28.6%) 5. Paul Gibson — 2 from 11 (18.2%) J Hanbury tops the strike rate for now, though it's early days yet. The ducks are out there — Linton Park's next fixture will no doubt go hunting for more. 🦆

Five fixtures, ten ducks — the zero club has had a fine week, and the honours boards need dusting. Saturday 29 May Milstead CC was a happy hunting ground for Alan Douglas, who claimed three Linton wickets without troubling anyone's scorebook. Roly Edwards (b Douglas) made a 2nd career duck from 27 innings; J Hanbury (c Ledger b Douglas) opened their senior account in only their 2nd innings, and already sits — prematurely, one hopes — on the Retirement Duck roll; Phillip Morrison (b Douglas) completed the set with a 2nd from 4 innings, joining sibling Stewart's 11 career noughts as a family tradition. On this date in 1972, Nigel Thirkell (47 ducks, 1969-93) also fell for nought, against Bearsted CC. Also at Milstead, 1st XI's Piers McDonald (c Burnop b Annand, No.7) reached a 16th career duck from 159 innings — rank 47 of 1179, a fixture of both the Lone Duck and Tourist Duck top tens. Sunday 30 May Versus Underriver CC, Paul Gibson (lbw b A Hill) posted a 19th career duck from 264 innings — rank 40 — and remains a Platinum Duck laureate from a first-baller in '91. Alan Boyns (b H Jones) followed for a 12th from 104 innings, Diamond Duck honour (1990) still gleaming. Both share their date with Paul Bowles, who ducked against Weald in 1982. Monday 31 May Against XII Men, Stuart Cheesman (lbw b Tait) reached a 4th career duck from 14 innings, a Full House member — a duck at every position 1-11 — with relatives Fred (27) and Steve Cheesman (9) already in the tradition. David Lines (c&b Sharp) followed for a 5th from 12 innings, level with relative Bob Lines. Both echo Benny Bell, who ducked against Tovil in 1969. Wednesday 2 June Midweek XI's trip to Ashford CC, Kent produced a pair. Rob Doick (lbw b Kelly) fell for a 9th career duck from 57 innings; Dave Hales (c Unsure b Pichowski) made a 3rd, landing level with relative Trevor Hales. Both echo Ian Webb, dismissed against Ditton CC in 1983. 10 ducks, 5 matches, and Alan Douglas's 3-for-none among the noughts at Milstead is the standout spell of the week. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - Simon Thirkell — 2/3 (67%) - Dave Hales — 1/1 (100%) - David Lines — 1/1 (100%) - Phillip Morrison — 1/1 (100%) - Rob Doick — 1/1 (100%) See you at the next fixture — the ducks never take a week off. 🦆🍩

Four fixtures on the fixture list this week, but the Duck Club's full attention was seized by one theatre of operations: a grim Saturday at Stockbury CC, where the 2nd XI contrived to lose four wickets without troubling the scorers. A proper collapse, and a banner afternoon for the exclusive zero club. 🏏 2nd XI at Stockbury CC — The Massacre Steve Masters fell first, bowled by P Sharp at number three — his third career duck from 17 innings, a tidy 193rd of 1179 in the all-time standings. Steve remains a paid-up member of the Retirement Duck club from a past farewell innings, though nobody is suggesting he's off anywhere just yet. On this very day in 1955, John Abnett (1954–1969, 18 ducks) was busy making his own contribution to duck history against Halfway House — the calendar has a long memory. Next in was Chris Tymms, caught M Wilton bowled P Sharp, opening his duck account after three innings unblemished — until now. First blood on the ledger at 342 of 1179, and, fittingly, he shares his calendar duck-mate in John Abnett above. At number eight, Simon Thirkell was run out for his second duck of the season, moving to a formidable 27 career noughts from 113 innings — 27th on the all-time list and level with Alan Cradduck (1970–1977) and Fred Cheesman (1980–1993). Simon already carries a Duck of the Year honour from 1983, sits in the Tourist Duck and Ducks on the Road top tens, and is edging toward the fabled 50 Before a 50 club. It rather runs in the family too — brother Tim (66), brother Nigel (47), father John (90) and cousin Stuart (1) all keep him honest company in the wider Thirkell duck dynasty. Last man down was Dave Todd, trapped lbw by M Wilton for his ninth career nought from 103 innings — 77th all-time, level with John Crellin (1961–1965) and Keith Miller (1977–1979). 📅 The Rest of the Week The other three fixtures passed off entirely duck-free — a rare show of restraint from the rest of the club, presumably too polite to upstage Stockbury's afternoon of carnage. 📊 Week in Summary Four ducks from four matches, every single one arriving in the same innings at Stockbury CC — consistency of a very particular kind. A collapse worthy of its own commemorative tea towel. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 1. Simon Thirkell — 2 ducks, 2 innings, 100% 2. Ian Brattle — 1 duck, 1 innings, 100% 3. Don Dansie — 1 duck, 2 innings, 50% 4. Chris Tymms — 1 duck, 3 innings, 33.33% 5. Mike Elworthy — 1 duck, 3 innings, 33.33% Simon Thirkell leads the chase, perfect and merciless. Can anyone catch him before the season's out? Only one way to find out — same time next week, and may the ducks continue to find fresh volunteers. 🦆🏏0️⃣

A rare and troubling dispatch from the Duck Club this week, members: across four fixtures over the weekend, not a single soul was dismissed for nought. Four matches. Zero ducks. The zero club itself has gone quiet, which is, admittedly, a peculiar sort of irony — the one weekend the number 0 mattered most, nobody could actually produce one. We can only assume Linton Park's batting order collectively remembered how to survive a first ball, an unwelcome and frankly un-clubbable development. Somewhere out there a golden duck went unclaimed, a king pair sat unbagged, and the honours board gathers dust for another week. Consistency of a very particular kind eluded us entirely. Rest assured this is a blip, not a trend. The art of not scoring is a proud Linton tradition and it will return — probably at the least convenient moment for someone padded up and feeling confident. 📊 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 1. Don Dansie — 1 innings, 1 duck (100%) 2. Ian Brattle — 1 innings, 1 duck (100%) 3. Simon Thirkell — 1 innings, 1 duck (100%) 4. Mike Elworthy — 2 innings, 1 duck (50%) 5. Dave Charlton — 4 innings, 1 duck (25%) A tight and thoroughly egg-shaped top five, with three men already boasting a flawless 100% duck rate this season — nowhere to go but down, gentlemen. Next fixture, surely, the ducks return home. Pads on, guard taken, first ball incoming — the club watches, waits, and quietly hopes for the worst. 🍩0️⃣

Four fixtures out this week, seven ducks landed, and one match kept a clean sheet against the exclusive zero club. The rest of you, read on. 🏏 Saturday 8th — Double Trouble at Rumwood Both XIs found Rumwood CC the same afternoon, and both left a name behind. Away with the 1st XI, Mike Elworthy suffered the purest ignominy — a golden duck, gone first ball, c R Swaisland b Mark Styche. His 11th career nought from 143 innings, 65th all-time, and a paid-up member of the Tourist Duck top 10 — he saves his best failures for away days. On this very date in 1990, Mike Bains was doing likewise against Hollingbourne CC, his 4th of an eventual career tally. At home, Don Dansie fell b Munro for his very first career duck from just two innings — though he already holds the club's presumptive Retirement Duck honour, last man in occasionally being last man out. Further down, Simon Thirkell — scion of the club's most decorated duck dynasty — edged Terry Ketley to Ogden for his 26th career duck from 112 innings, 29th all-time. Father John sits top of the entire club on 90, brothers Tim (66) and Nigel (47) hold 4th and 8th, cousin Stuart has one of his own. Simon's own cabinet carries a Duck of the Year (1983) and membership of 50 Before a 50 on 59. Like Elworthy, he shares his day with Mike Bains, 1990. 🔥 Tuesday 11th — Lashings Lay Waste The 1st XI's date with Lashings World CC turned into a proper cull, four ducks off one brief spell. Matt Large went first at 5, b A Badenhorst — his 35th career duck from 150 innings, 15th all-time, already a four-time Duck of the Year (1987, '88, '89, '92) and, on the books, warming up for a fifth crown this very season. Same over's cousin claimed Dave Charlton at 6, same bowler, his 14th career duck from 85 innings, 51st all-time — sibling Sean sits on 4 of his own. M Milstead followed at 9, st Sunnucks b Nigel Sharp — a maiden duck in only his 4th senior innings. Ian Brattle rounded off the rout at 10, c Sunnucks b Badenhorst again, his 25th career duck from 79 innings, 32nd all-time, stretching his Ducks in a Row to 7 consecutive and closing to within one of brother Paul's 26. All four Lashings victims share their day with John Ames, who ducked against Gore Court CC on this date in 1969, en route to 49 for his career. 📊 Week in Brief Seven ducks, four matches, Rumwood implicated twice in one afternoon, Lashings doing the rest in a single sitting. The zero club welcomes newest recruit M Milstead, while the Thirkell and Brattle dynasties both extend their reach. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 1. Don Dansie — 1 inns, 1 duck, 100% 2. Ian Brattle — 1 inns, 1 duck, 100% 3. Mike Elworthy — 1 inns, 1 duck, 100% 4. Simon Thirkell — 1 inns, 1 duck, 100% 5. Dave Charlton — 2 inns, 1 duck, 50% Early days yet, plenty of season left for a shuffle. Next fixture awaits — the zero club never sleeps. 🦆0️⃣

Three fixtures played across the weekend, and for once the exclusive zero club has nothing to report. Not a single soul walked back for nought. The ducks, it seems, have gone into hiding for the start of the 1993 campaign. A rare and faintly suspicious result. Every batsman who crossed the rope at Linton Park this weekend managed, at minimum, to trouble the scorers — a collective triumph over adversity, or perhaps just a quiet weekend for the art of not scoring. Either way, the honours board gathers dust for another few days. 0️⃣ The Numbers - Matches played: 3 - Ducks recorded: 0 - Duck rate for the weekend: a flawless, faintly disappointing nil% Whether this is a genuine outbreak of competence or simply the calm before next weekend's storm remains to be seen. History suggests the drought never lasts — somebody, somewhere, is already shaping up for an ambitious waft outside off stump. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard The 1993 season is freshly underway and the table is, appropriately, as empty as this week's wicket column. No candidates yet for Duck of the Year — a blank page waiting for its first entry, and someone at the club is destined to fill it sooner rather than later. 🏏 Roll on next weekend, when normal service will surely resume. Get out there, middle it if you must, but know the Duck Club will be watching closely for anyone who can't quite manage that first run. See you at the crease.