After such a long time since the Baw Baw Veterans' last game (three washouts in a row) and a bit of concern about a sprinkle of rain at 10:30am, they got underway on time at Hallora on Sunday.
Mick O'Neill lost the toss again (0-3) and Baw Baw were asked to bat first.
While their openers scored briskly, neither lasted as long as they perhaps should have, with Brett Carey going first for 15 off 19 balls to a controversial lbw. Soon after Mark McLauchlan followed for 12 off 16 balls to a run out that should not have happened.
Mick O'Neill was promoted up the batting order but got a bit bogged down before falling to another dodgy LBW for 4 (17).
Craig Russell played a brief but brisk innings of seven off nine balls before absolutely smiting one to square leg, where the fielder took a blinder. Just as well because it would have taken his head off.
Jeff Phillips got a brute of a ball that would have bowled anyone by nipping away and clipping the top of off stump.
Soon after Rod Pallot was bowled by Graham Howes for 10 off 27 balls in a gritty innings. This wicket left Baw Baw at 6/54 and looking like a sub-100 score was on the cards.
To the rescue (not for the first time) was 'Boots' Heywood. He partnered with 'Carrots' Williams to get the home side at least to a competitive score.
Pete finished on 29* off 38 balls and Carrots was 23* off 46. Basil Kehayas was unfortunate to get a good one from Danny Hanlon and was out for a duck, Peter Wyatt in his first game for Baw Baw got a couple before missing one and being bowled and Steve Head did well at the tail to get 10 off 13 balls.
At the end of their 40 overs they were 9/135, with the feeling that it was at least 40 runs short of a competitive total.
After the lunch break, Ringwood got away to a bit of a flying start through Wayne Hartley.
He and the other opener Bruce Twite both retired, as did Danny Hanlon. Baw Baw's only success at this stage was a run out.
Ringwood were marching to victory at 1/69, well before the drinks break, when a terrific spell by Brett Carey at least slowed them up.
Brett finished with 2/20 off seven excellent overs. Carrots toiled manfully for six overs and only conceded 18 runs.
The only other significant contribution with the ball was Pete Heywood, who came to the bowling crease late in the game but finished with the figures of four overs, one maiden, two wickets for five runs.
All other bowlers tried hard and bowled their share of good balls but would probably admit to being a bit below their best.
In the end, Ringwood passed their target during the 32nd over and deserved their win.
Having been through all of those details, it was fantastic to be out playing cricket again on the terrific ground at Hallora. The wicket played very well and, as always, the Hallora Cricket Club were terrific hosts.
The Baw Baw Veterans will be back at Hallora this weekend for their match against Richmond.