After the one-run Christmas-break thriller, it was normal service resumed last Sunday with another blow-out at the ABA Soccer Dome. But with a double twist in the tail.

Leading by a massive 109 runs with just 12 balls remaining, an apparently magnanimous Jono Smith took his fielders off, presenting Robertson’s undeserving rabble with a most unlikely draw. The hand was forced though - an ABA scheduling flaw bringing an abrupt end to yet another indoor mismatch.

With a flawless 23 not out, big Dave Sherjan kick-started chasing the solid 106-5 posted by Smudger’s boys. But the rest of Robbo’s lot served up pure rot with the bat, 12 wickets falling for minus 33 runs, as Bijju, Ruwan, Bobby, Nabeel & Waseem all sent down some tight and stellar stuff. And adding to his 23 not out opening gambit, an all-round Alex Storey buttressed the Team Smith defence, on no less than four occasions finding nicks behind resting in his gloves.

Reacting to what suddenly represented his side’s best indoor season result, Robertson could only accuse Smith’s crew of throwing the ball at him when stretching for a run. A more sober assessment was provided by the Umpire, and all present were witness to a new world indoor cricket record - not one but two dismissals in an innings for Obstructing the Field.

Partner Nadeem supplied the second dose of ignomy while on the run, deflecting a mis-timed Robertson off-drive with a casual flick to the cover boundary. For pure athleticism though, his was a more elegant display of illegality than even the great Inzy could manage in India back in 2006.

In spite of being awarded a draw, this writer suggests Team Robertson be given a dash at redemption. Before the main event February 3rd, let the Obstruction Kings come out and bat the 2 overs cruelly snatched away Sunday. Smithy could make it closer by deploying an 0-0 field and bowling one of them himself.