But the match was secondary to what was a chance for the two warring factions to showcase just how far they have come with their cricket development this year in front of a packed clubhouse at the Falkland fortress.

And what better way to lead the two bat-alions out than with a genuine Cavalier from the Marquess of Winchester regiment and a real Roundhead from the Earl of Essex Brigade, all marching behind the good Lord Falkland himself. What a procession! The paparazzi went crazy as the players lined up to meet the club dignitaries, one of whom was sporting the most glorious of colourful blazers. The national anthem was not sung to avoid aggravating the Roundheads any further in the electric atmosphere.

Charging into battle, the plucky Parliamentarians (Roundheads, just in case you were wondering) won the toss and on a very green wicket, freshly watered, sent their Royalists rivals into bat. The energy from the Roundheads in the field was intense – walking in every delivery, backing up every throw and keeping the King-loving Cavaliers honest with their running between the wickets. Footy, the ‘keeper, was in fine form and made some excellent stops from some pacey bowling. The Cavaliers did however manage to crash a few to the boundary – a huge launch over mid off almost going for six being the pick of the big hits.

The Roundheads started their innings positively, running hard between the wickets, picking up singles at every opportunity. Their enthusiasm was creditable against some hostile Cavalier bowling which managed to break through their strong-hold defence on a number of occasions. The roundheads too thwacked a healthy number of boundaries; a brace of which off the last two balls of the innings almost breaking the club house balcony, and giving the sunburnt and pickled fans something to cheer!

The Cavaliers took the spoils, but the result didn’t matter, the U11s put on a fantastic show of crowd pleasing cricket. To sooth the battle scars each player was awarded a commemorative Falkland cc pin badge and chocolates were handed out in abundance. There were handshakes and hugs between the players, demonstrating that the country was once again at peace!