The fixture between the Royal Southern Yacht Club and the Island Sailing Club on the shipping lane sees batters and bowlers duel not only with each other but with the forces of nature as they take advantage of the low tide.

Among those taking part was Sir Robin Knox-Johnston in a fixture that is entering its fifth decade of existence.

It was the ideal conditions for paddle sweep shots for the batters while spin bowlers might have been tempted to try a flipper.

Umpires, scorers and spectators, some from a nearby container ship, got a chance to watch the action as the light improved but a waterlogged pitch was a certainty later in the day in conditions very suitable for ducks.