OUR WONDERFUL GAME I wandered down to our ‘Field of Dreams’ before 6 o’clock one morn. Such a tranquil place and full of ‘holy quiet’ at the breaking of the dawn. No passing train through Hinton, as though respectful that the quiet should remain, and yet the early morning risers were there – Hinton bred rabbits scurried about seemingly without a care. Later, as the sun came up, hovering buzzing bees, two cawing crows – bible black – and dung flies, all enjoying the field they loved to share. Suddenly, five gulls went squealing overhead, and then, a distant mooing cow, a crowing cock, as though heralding the beautiful day that lay ahead. Still later, the muffled sound of a distant Church bell, calling the faithful few to early morning prayer. Nothing abrasive to the ear, just peaceful country sounds wafting in the early morning air. The warmth of the sun would soon begin to dry the watery dew. The Oval, nearly cut, lay waiting for the teams that would be competing at, or a little after two. This then the cricketing tapestry of our wonderful game, replicated in village, town and shire throughout our land, with the same early morning serenity, the same peaceful ‘holy quiet’ and each awaiting the gathering of friends to do battle in glorious settings, and each, a time and a place to be treasured. Alan S Hill September 2005