Freaky old weather today. Thunder at 7:15am, hailstorm at 7:20am, bright sunshine at 7:30am. Bits of Dawlish falling into the sea, which made for a change from those shots of Aberystwyth prom being washed away. Oh, and that Margaret Atwood was up the A140 in Norwich. So, all happening then.

Meanwhile, in ping-pong land, another challenging match for the Defiants. Very respectable draw last week against promotion-hunting (i.e. above us) Rosary Yellow. Tonight takes us downtown against promotion-hunting (i.e. also above us) Manor Club. Full turn-out for la famille Williams comprising the boy Martin, the dad Winsley and quiet uncle Michael. Not going to be easy, what with Yang unavailable. In brief:

• frustrating 0/3 for Steve, winning one good end against Michael and failing to grab various game points against Wensley
• frustrating 0/3 for Andy, losing a five-ender to Martin
• good 2/3 for Ed, beating both Martin and Michael then somehow contriving to lose against Wensley despite being 10-8 up in the fifth end (hint: hit the ball when serving)

Worst this season to be 2-7 down after the singles. Steve stepped aside in favour of the veterans Ed and Andy who put in a vintage performance to at least grab that additional point. Not our night but entirely our fault.